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"Children are simply happier and healthier when they have
frequent and varied opportunities for experiences in the out-of-doors," says
Richard Louv, author of the bestselling book Last
Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder and
chairperson of the Children & Nature Network (www.cnaturenet.org).
Camps throughout the United States are "walking the walk" and
becoming increasingly "green." A recent survey of ACA-accredited
camps reported that 64 percent of ACA day camps and 81 percent
of resident camps offered at least one type of environmental
activity or program. For day camps, 28 percent offer programs
that focus on environmental issues, 27 percent on conservation,
and 22 percent on environmental ethics. For resident camps, 43
percent offer programs that focus on environmental ethics, 36
percent on conservation, and 30 percent environmental issues.
Camp programs are among the very best ways for children to learn
a lasting appreciation for nature and a lifelong interest in
caring for the earth.
- After a long day of exercise and fun at camp, children's
eyes can be much bigger than their stomachs! Camps across the
country are encouraging children to put on their plates only
what they will eat, then camps teach children about recycling
by converting the leftovers into compost. The compost is then
used to fertilize the fields that create food for the campers!
- Many
camps implement an environmental awareness program entitled, "Leave
No Trace." This program teaches and encourages children
to clean up after themselves in nature, so as to not pollute
the environment.
- Some camps feature marine science programs,
allowing campers to get a hands-on experience with marine life.
- While
many would consider a traditional camp experience as an escape
from technology, the digital world, and even electricity, some
camps are actually on the forefront of technology! Many camps
are taking part in revolutionary waste water treatment centers,
which purify the water and create wet land systems, many camps
then use the purified water to irrigate farm ground.
- Many
camps are getting down and dirty to teach young people about
the environment, encouraging campers to get an up-close-and-personal
study of ecology by actually getting into ponds and examining
the pond's aquatic life.
- Camps create
educational programs with local wildlife agencies or even the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- A sustainable
forest is one that continues to produce and thrive… lack
of trees leads to erosion and biodiversity loss on the site.
Camps are often the perfect place to practice healthy forests.
Many camps participate in replanting programs and gently expand
their physical growth to accommodate existing trees. Some camps
offer campers opportunities to learn about the camp's forest
through activity offerings, extended time in the wooded area,
and direct interaction with service projects.
Find a camp with
an environmental
focus that is a perfect match for you child.
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