SILAS & WILLO
“Save the ocean and stop cutting the rainforest”.
Meet our cutest and youngest Ocean Heroes yet, two young boys whose story reminds us that sometimes all you need is curiosity, a bucket, and a very large rock to make a difference. Their enthusiasm, ingenuity, and sense of adventure show that environmental action can start at any age and in the most unexpected ways.
Our heroes, Silas (aged 7) and Willo (aged 4), raised 248 kroner for ocean conservation by selling rocks. Not fancy gemstones or rare minerals, but ordinary rocks which they cracked open and discovered to be far more beautiful inside than on the outside.
From rocks to riches
It began with simple curiosity. The boys loved exploring, so they collected small rocks and stones on the beach and around their neighbourhood, found a bigger rock to crack them open, and discovered glittering crystals inside. That was when the brilliant idea struck them: they could sell the rocks. Selling them was not difficult, though sometimes they ran out and had to gather more.
A picture from Silas and Willo’s rock sale.
They would sit on a bench with their bucket held high and shout, “Rocks! We are selling rocks! You want to buy a rock?”
Sometimes customers didn’t have money on hand, but one woman promised to come back the next day, and she did.
“The best was the money… but also talking to people.”
When asked what the best part of their project was, Silas and Willo could not decide between the joy of earning money and the fun of meeting new people. They loved chatting with passersby, explaining their rocks, and sharing a bit of excitement with anyone who stopped.
Snakes, sharks, and everything in between
Outside of selling rocks, Willo enjoys watching movies, tinkering with electronics, and building carpet tents in the living room. Silas shares many of these interests but also likes go-karts and drawing. Their favourite animals? “Snakes and reptiles,” they said firmly. When asked about ocean creatures, Willo chose the crab, and Silas picked the great white shark, until Willo helpfully corrected him, “All sharks.”
Willo enjoying time on an outdoor slide.
Warriors for a better planet
Their dreams for the future are just as imaginative and full of adventure. Silas wants to be a ninja, and Willo wants to be a brave warrior. Their message to the world is simple, sincere, and heartfelt:
“Save the ocean and stop cutting the rainforest.”
Silas having fun playing with a ball outdoors.
The power of little actions
Their 248 kroner might not sound like much compared to the scale of the world’s problems, but it represents something far more valuable. It is a reminder that hope can come from anywhere, even from two small boys with a bucket of stones and a bright idea.
Sometimes the smallest gestures, such as breaking open a rock to see the beauty hidden inside, can reveal something much bigger. They remind us that caring for nature, kindness, and thoughtful action are still very much alive in the world.
Friends Silas and Willo with their parents. Silas is with his mother Marie and Willo with his father John, who are both very supportive of their ventures.
Special thanks to Marie for coordinating the interview and to John for supporting Willo during it.
Note: This Ocean Heroes story is presented in a shorter and simpler format to match Silas and Willo’s young ages and to share their story as naturally and authentically as possible.