Four distinct plastics recycling projects created by middle school students emerged from a one-week long plastics recycling activity incorporated within a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) residential summer camp at a research-intensive university. The plastics recycling activity was a project-based learning (PBL) activity…

Make a Difference (MAD) is a sustainability leadership program for high school students in Auckland, New Zealand. It offers a residential camp and follow-up activities. This article documents a participatory, utilization-focused evaluation of MAD, based on a Theory of Change approach. We ran workshops with MAD coordinators and students and…

While many studies have investigated environmental education programs, fewer have focused on the longer-term effects of these interventions. This study provides insight into the longer-term influences of an earth education summer camp in Nova Scotia, Canada. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview process with seven parents of…

This study uses qualitative content analysis to examine 355 open-ended questions, presented by 16-19-year-old international students, to find out what students want to learn about climate change. The study finds that students have a high level of consideration toward scientific, societal, and ethical aspects of climate change and that students'…

Given global threats to the continued functioning of ecosystem services that sustain us all, educators would be wise to embrace the task of redefining our individual and collective orientations to the natural world. Since the inception of the modern environmental education movement in the 1970's, outdoor education at residential camps has…

Reviews survey results which assessed possible long-term perceived benefits of Youth Conservation Corps participants. Mean score differences on ten scales showed a consistent pattern of small benefits for the accepted applicants as compared to the applicants who did not participate in the program. (ML)

Minimum-impact camping techniques that can be applied to resident camp programs include controlling group size and behavior, designing camp sites, moving groups frequently, proper use of fires, proper disposal of food and human wastes, use of biodegradable soaps, and encouraging staff and camper awareness of impacts on the environment. (LP)

A survey of 47 residential camps in North Carolina revealed that most camps had written environmental objectives, practiced recycling, attempted to reduce water use and energy consumption, practiced low-impact camping, included environmental issues in staff training, and provided environmental education to campers. Includes survey questions. (LP)

To have a successful nature program, summer camp directors must hire qualified nature counselors, give the program equal status with other activities, promote the program to prospective campers and their parents, and incorporate environmental ethics. Included are suggestions for developing an appealing and relevant nature program. (LP)

To evaluate their camp's conservation practices, staff must consider the special responsibilities to the environment inherent in the mission of organized camping; various proenvironment practices currently being implemented in camping; environmental ethics currently being taught in camping programs; and actions needed to develop a personalized…

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) has been credited as one of Franklin D. Roosevelt's most successful efforts to conserve both the natural and human resources of the nation. This publication provides a review of the program and its impact on resource conservation, environmental management, and education. Chapters give accounts of: (1) the…

Discusses developmental encroachment on isolated caves near Pittsford, Vermont. Describes cooperative effort by recreational camps and other agencies to acquire land surrounding cave entrances for conservation. Details successes and hurdles of land acquisition. Describes ongoing work by local campers to maintain and enjoy caves and property. (TES)

Reports on the goals, activities, and governance of Israel's network of field study centers. Describes the spectrum of program offerings that address the needs of various audiences. Also explains the educational, research, and public action elements of the system. (ML)

Describes Challenge Wilderness Camp (Bradford, Vermont), a 4-week residential program designed to teach boys, ages 9-16, environmental ethics through first-hand experiences. The camp incorporates land and waste management policies and procedures; programs in outdoor skills instruction; and wilderness trips including backpacking, off-trail hiking,…

Camp programs have a tremendous potential for providing environmental education and expanding on the existing environmental standards of the American Camping Association. Offers 50 ideas for saving the environment that can be implemented by camp managers, food service managers, office staff, program directors, and campers. (LP)