Rainwater Harvesting

Many of us have heard about the importance of conserving water. Rain barrels are a great way to begin collecting storm water. The barrels can be placed under downspouts where there are gutters on camp buildings and then the collected water can be used around the property. For camps, collecting water can be useful if there are farms or gardens at camp or they could be used for supplemental irrigation if there are systems in place. 
Have you considered teaching kids how to make rain barrels at camp? This could be a fun way to teach them about the environment, learn a craft skill and have the knowledge to take home to share with their families.

The cost of making a rain barrel is estimated to be around $120 versus $266 of store bought barrels. These barrels that are made can be used around the camp or donated to the local community as a community outreach program. They could also be part of a fundraising event for camp to raise money for future programs.

The camp may also want to hold a rain barrel making workshop for their community. This way, the community is able to learn from the campers and benefit from having rain barrels for use around their homes. This not only this will promote the camp but it encourages the community to better their environment as well. Many communities have resources in this area; your camp could be the resource in your community by hosting events such as this!

In addition to saving money and reducing risks on local watersheds and storm sewers, many municipalities are offering tax breaks and rebates for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems. Another benefit of rainwater collection is lessening the dependence on utility companies or on-site wells; it reduces the strain on the aquifer.

Although the water looks clean and pure it is often not. The collected rain water can consist of bird and animal droppings, insects and other impurities. Make sure there is a sign on the barrel that says “Do Not Drink”, to keep everyone safe.

Here is a link to a video that shows us you to make our own rain barrel, www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGFDlkJOdaM.

Whether you have a heavy rain season or experience dry seasons, the best way to capitalize on gathering the rain you do have is a rain barrel. Harvesting it is a sensible way to ensure that there can be sufficient amounts of water for landscapes even in the hot summer months. By making rain barrels you can collect rainwater, teach kids about the environment, protect the environment, and even save money at the same time.