Going The Distance

Green River Preserve’s journey to connect kids with nature

Cordwood Cottage at GRP

"We have to go further" says Executive Director Missy Schenck of Green River Preserve (GRP), a 3,400 acre private wildlife preserve in Tuxedo NC. Before I tell you about where they are going next, let me first point out a few highlights that are #happeningnow. GRP was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit summer camp to connect kids with nature. Through their unique mentor program, campers hike each morning with naturalist guides. One tradition at camp called the "grand slam" includes seeing a bear, a venomous snake, a turkey, and a deer all on a single hike, a rarity which occurs only a handful of times a summer. In a world where it is estimated that 50% of kids born this year will never see the Milky Way (See our post Creating Awe at Camp), it really got me thinking how truly a unique nature experience this is for the kids. Not only does the site include the vast wildlife preserve, it also shares a border with DuPont State Forest, creating the perfect setting to witness a "grand slam"! From the start, GRP has been connecting kids with nature. They have created several outreach programs such as SEE, Muddy Sneakers and Kale.

SEE (School of Environmental Education) is a residential field trip program where schools travel to Green River Preserve for an educational experiences outside of the classroom.

Muddy Sneakers is a separate non-profit organization funded primarily through private donations, grants, and foundations, the outdoor education outreach to schools local to GRP. 5th grade programs from neighboring school counties spend 12 day-long trips connecting with nature in their own backyard.

KALE (Kids Agricultural Learning Experience) is a hands on learning experience based off of GRP's farm.

Even with these existing programs, GRP is still thinking about what is next. Conceived as a response to the proposed No Child Left Inside Act of 2013, "Camp to Go" is GRP's next outreach program.

Congress finds that “Children and young adults are increasingly disconnected from the natural world around them, spending less time outside playing, exploring, and learning. Play and learning in nature is important to the intellectual, social, and physical development of youth.” Read more at congress.gov.

With the No Child Left Inside Act back up for discussion in 2015, camps partnering with schools could become more critical than ever, creating a demand for programs such as Camp to Go. The Camp-School Partnership Survey, conducted by the ACA in 2010, found that there was still much room for improvements between camp and school partnerships. The study found that “Over 88 percent of the camps were not partnering with school districts on educational reform grants or programs, and 90 percent of the camps were not involved with any Title 1, Title 2, or Department of Education programs.” For more statistics, read the article here

While the most common partnership with schools includes a science based curriculum, the article continues to suggest that camps seek new ways to connect with schools, such as partnering with existing "Youth in Government" programs. This reminded me of programing at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. On a site visit last summer I got to see the Youth Conference on National Affairs in full swing.

This is a great example of programming that can be created at your camp to promote partnering with schools. Whether it is youth in government, hands on physics, or nature studies, there are variety of programming opportunities waiting to create lasting partnerships between schools and summer camps nationwide. At its core, camp is about youth development. Partnering with schools is yet another way that camps can positively impact today's youth.

Drinking the Dew and Tree-cycling

What will be the next great cabin design of the future? We can only speculate how the cabin, the iconic symbol of resident camps, will continue to evolve in the future. I recently read an article that reminded me that sometimes the simplest inspirations give birth to the solutions of tomorrow.

In this article, Italian industrial designer Arturo Vittori proposed a new solution to providing potable water. Inspired by the wild fig tree, the warka, Vittori applies the principle of condensation to literally “pull clean drinking water out of thin air.” The “skin” of the structure is constructed of a nylon or polypropylene mesh that collects water droplets as they condense from cold night air. In areas such as Ethiopia, with a day-to-night temperature variation range of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, Vittori’s design could produce up to 25 gallons of clean drinking water per day. From Vittori’s website:

Photo Credit: Warka Water

The design consists of 10 components, all of which can be constructed with basic hand tools. Materials include bamboo, mesh, polyester rope, and hemp wires. The top of the structure is equipped with rotating mirrors which deter birds by reflecting light. Next comes the structure which consists of a bamboo frame. Moving down the structure is the canopy. This references the inspiration of the warka tree, and provides shade to create a community gathering space. Ropes are used to ground the freestanding structure. The Warka Water 3.1 uses both fog harvesting and dew harvesting to collect water. The mesh captures water droplets from fog harvesting while the water collector captures water from dew harvesting. The water then moves through a funnel filtration system before it reaches the 260 gallon water tank. The water tank is raised from the ground to allow the supply system to use gravity to distribute the collected water. The Warka structures is built on a base of natural stone.

Vittori’s approach is surprisingly simple. “His solution, the WarkaWater tower, is as elegantly low-tech as a handwoven basket. Using only the basic principle of condensation, it could be the key to providing potable water to an entire continent,” writes Nicholas Derenzo in Hemisphere Magazine.

Photo credit: WholeTrees

Photo credit: Whole Trees

In the age of the “back to nature” movement, it seems a given that the future of cabin design will be inspired by nature. Clearly inspired by nature, are the structures constructed by WholeTrees, a Wisconsin-based company. WholeTrees specializes in using small-diameter round timber for structural elements in place of steel. This use of unmilled lumber in a new context offers multiple benefits. The entire tree is used in the building process, and one can certainly see how this idea and aesthetic would fit within the world of summer camp, bringing the natural beauty of the forest indoors.

Perhaps one day our cabins will be pulling water out of thin air, and structured around round timber from local forests. We will just have to wait and see what nature will inspire next.

Go Jump In The Lake

For many camps, the age-old question for water programming has always been a question between lakes and pools… In 1957, the answer seemed clear:

“A good natural waterfront area is superior to any man-made substitute, so that it is worthwhile to spend time searching for one in the areas where they exist.” - Julian Salomon, Camp Site Development, 1957

In the early years of camping, lakes were considered essential. With time, the unimproved waterfront area gave way to carefully designed waterfronts, with docks and designated swimming areas. Has this shift been beneficial? According to the American Red Cross, 54% of Americans can’t swim well enough to save their own lives. Paradoxically, having a lake at camp becomes a huge liability and safety concern. I say paradoxically, because what better place to be comfortable in water and to learn how to swim than surrounded by your summer camp pals?

Faced with the question of how to continue instilling a connection to nature in their campers, many camps are attempting to blend the natural environment with the built environment. Many camps across the country simply have both a pool and a lake that they use for different activities. However, Herzog & de Meuron’s Ecological Swimming Pool stands as an elegant and innovative solution. Designed for a small city in Switzerland, the new pool uses filtering plants to clean the water. In fact, the pool looks much more like a small pond. The Swiss firm writes:

“the changed perspectives brought by the intervening years prompted the idea of abandoning the conventional pool concept, with its mechanical and chemical water treatment systems, in favor of a pool closer to a natural condition with biological filtration.”

There are no chemicals needed for this pool. Gravel, sand, soil, and vegetation effectively model the natural terrestrial water purification process. The irregular edge creates a variety of swimming conditions including: a gradual entry beach, staircases, and dock for jumping. “naturbad riehen,” or “natural swimming pool,"was completed in June 2014.

photo by helen schneider, courtesy of naturbad riehen

Perhaps, this is the future of camp design… a beautiful marriage of the built and the natural environment; Which, is in fact, what great camp design strives to create.

Going Going Gone Green

"Going green” is something that we have all heard, but what does it mean for your camp? Here are a few simple questions that can get your camp moving in the green direction…

First, does your camp have a 'green team'? Does your team include campers, counselors, program staff, or administrative staff?

Electricity
Were you raised in a barn?! Close the door and turn off the lights when you leave a building. Sounds simple, but it adds up. Try adding signage to remind campers and staff to turn off the lights.
• Are campers accountable for turning off the lights when cabins are not in use?
• Is there signage to remind people to turn off lights?
• Does your camp use CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs)?
• Do you regulate thermostat settings in all camp buildings?

Recycling/Composting
In case you haven’t heard, everything at camp is a competition. Start a zero food waste challenge between cabins or units to reduce the waste at camp.
• Does your camp have a recycling program?
• Does your camp have a composting program?
• Does your camp have a food waste program?

Water
Camps use a large amount of water but… that doesn't mean that you can't reduce water waste!) Low-flow showerheads and toilets can significantly reduce the amount of water used.
• Does your camp have auto on/off devices for faucets?
• Does your camp have low-flow toilets?
• Does your camp use low-flow showerheads?
• Does your collect rain water?
• Does your camp remind campers to turn off the water when they brush their teeth?
• Do you time campers' showers?
• Do you use waterless urinals or composting toilets?
• Could you use rooftop solar water heaters for the cabins?

Rooftop solar water heaters

In the Office
Is your registration process paperless? Save paper and filing time by moving towards electronic registration.
Are your parent/camper handbooks online?

Chances are good that you are already practicing many of these ideas. What’s your next step? Share with us in the comments below!

Gwynn Valley Camp: Sustainability at its Finest

Gwynn Valley Camp is located just south of Brevard, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  As the camp is renowned for its sustainability efforts, I was eager to see their green initiatives in action!  Anne and Grant Bullard, the two camp directors of Gwynn Valley, were kind enough to show me around the camp last week.  Anne and Grant have a strong passion for the outdoors, as well as for the intellectual growth of children, and these passions are evident throughout Gwynn Valley.  The rest of the staff comes from around the world – which makes for a diverse, inspiring atmosphere for the kids as they learn to develop appreciation for others as well as themselves.

Gwynn Valley's water mill supplies power all throughout camp.

The most visible sustainable initiative at Gwynn Valley is their historic water mill, which supplies energy to the camp.  Built in 1890, the mill is situated on the edge of a lake where a mountainside creek meets the lake.  The water running down from the mountains generates hydropower that is delivered to many of the camp buildings.

Four wood burners provide the camp with even more renewable energy.  The enticing scent of burning hickory and oak permeated the air throughout the camp – just an added bonus for being green!  Gwynn Valley uses these wood burners to heat up to 70% of their water.

Food production at Gwynn Valley Camp is also highly sustainable.  I was surprised to learn that Gwynn Valley grows up to 70% of their food on-site, including beef and eggs!  There is also a food mill that campers can use to grind corn into cornmeal – and better yet, to churn their own ice cream… YUM.  Currently Anne and Grant are searching for a solution for food waste disposal; they are exploring the option of using Black Soldier Fly Larvae to speed the food decomposition process – and afterwards, the nutrient-rich larvae can become a healthy meal for Gwynn Valley’s chickens.

Thoughtful design solutions, like the ones described above, were all throughout camp.  The walls of the horse barn were even designed to collapse to create winter storage areas for bikes and kayaks – simple, but clever.  And how could I forget the lightning detector?  Grant and Anne decided to invest in a lightning detector as a safety measure; this device can send a signal to the camp staff that alerts them when it is unsafe for outdoor activities.

The stable walls collapse,
enabling more storage.

My first visit was a success!
Thank you, Gwynn Valley!

Gwynn Valley Camp is clearly a place where the three pillars of sustainability (people, environment, and economy) come together. The camp offers a rewarding social experience for campers, earth-friendly initiatives that respect nature, and efficient practices that save time and money for the camp.  Learn more about Gwynn Valley Camp by visiting their website here!

- The Girl with the Red Umbrella

EcoDomes: Cabins of the Future?

EcoCamp Patagonia

As the camp market continues to upgrade facilities to have more essential luxuries, the basic cabin still greatly resembles what it always has. A boxy, 4 walled, peaked roof with bunk beds and a quaint front porch is all one needs to stay in touch with nature, religion, or whatever else has brought them to camp. However, as architecture continues to push the limits of design and keep environmental impact low, it may be time to step even further out of the box.

EcoCamp Patagonia is located in Chile and has won multiple sustainability awards for its design. First, solar panels and a micro-hydro turbine create all of the camp’s energy.  Additionally, the domes are specifically designed to maximize heat and light energy through skylights and are made of renewable materials. Thirdly, the domes are connected by raised walkways so there is least disruption to the terrain. They also have composting devices to help with waste management and exercise high-quality recycling rules that start by bringing as little waste into the property and wilderness as possible. EcoCamp also house Community Domes at the center of camp. They act as meeting places, dining rooms, libraries, activity spaces, and places to relax and connect with nature. 

Solar panels among the domes
and Patagonia Mountains.

Raised wooden walkways 
connect the property. 

These Geodesic Domes are built in such a way that if they needed to be packed up and moved, they wouldn’t leave any footprint behind in nature. They are meant to blend in with their surroundings, staying rather small and low in height. These intentions derive from the Kaweskars, a nomadic group of Patagonians who lived in this land in the 15^th century. They lived a life of respect for the land and moved from place to place leaving no trace of their camp and nature as it was before they arrived.

Though hotel life is certainly different than camp life, we can take many of the sustainable practices done at EcoCamp Patagonia and apply them to camp design. Incorporating skylights and ample windows to help with natural lighting and heating is a simple concept that would be great for camps in high-sun areas. Raised walkways are not only least disruptive to the land and wildlife but also provide greater ADA accessibility. Green sources of energy such as water, sun and wind are ample on camp sites and would greatly reduce fossil fuel based power if put into action. Simply raising campers’ awareness of their impact on the Earth is a huge step in the right direction.

The somewhat 'futuristic' look of these Eco-Domes may not be for everybody or every camp. However, they do help catapult greater sustainable ideas into the forefront of camp design. How can we incorporate these values into the traditional cabin? Can we look to our natives for earth-friendly practices and implement them into living in the wilderness? If we were to pick up and leave, what type of footprint would we leave behind? 

For more information, visit EcoCamp.com.

Sustainable Site Planning

The land surrounding your camp is equally as important to make sustainable as your built structures. Here is a brief rundown of how you can strive to make your site healthier for your guests and for the environment.

Building Placement:

-Orient Buildings to take advantage of solar, natural light, ventilation and shading

-Reduce site disturbance: build in already disturbed areas

-Design with topography

-Maintain natural flow of water on site

-Reduce soil erosion

Maintain/Improve Water Quality:

-Manage Stormwater

-Utilize Low Impact Design Practices (LID)- Rain Gardens, Bioswales and Permeable Pavement

-Windmills for aeration- This system drives air into two aerators at the bottom of the pond to improve the level of oxygen quality of the water

Water Conservation:

Capture and re-use as much water as possible by utilizing using cisterns, rain barrels, etc.

Vegetation:

-Use for shading and wind blocks

-Utilize green roofs for rainwater absorption

-Utilize native and low maintenance plants

-Removal of invasive species using a controlled burn for habitat restoration

-Removal of invasive species along lake edge

-Consider reducing lawn areas with native plantings In areas where appropriate- mow buffers along pathways and road edges only

Lighting:

Use full cut-off light fixtures to reduce light pollution

Land Conservation:

Conservation Easements

    -Income Tax Savings

    -Transition & Estate Planning

    -Acquisition

    -Raise Capital

    -Disposition

"Benching" Creativity

Keeping an open mind when designing even the most basic camp necessities, like a bench, can make a big difference.  "A spot along a path where two campers become best friends," as quoted from Domokur's own Greg Copeland, makes a bench more than just a place to sit.  Rescue a fallen tree, repurpose some old stones or get innovative with a seating style . . . think outside the box.  

The photo above shows a bench at YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake and the one to the right is located nearby at Grant Grove in the Sequoia National Forest.  The photo below shows two of our employees taking a break on two “stargazing benches” while working at Camp Sequoia Lake. With ideas and designs like these the seating is not only functional but also becomes a conversation piece.  Think of what will work best for your camp: a simple slab bench, a bench without a back, something weather resistant or one with all-natural materials found on-site.  

There are millions of options and there isn't a right answer.  Camps should never feel like they are stuck with something conventional - construct whatever works best for your camp and celebrate it!

Have some interesting ideas or photos of benches you've come across?  Let us know so we can share the inspiration!

Permaculture and Organic Farming at Camp

Currently, there is an expanding movement in our country to bring the farm back home by starting gardens in our own backyards. This idea is called Permaculture, which is a type of agriculture system or human settlement, in which you take all of the natural systems in a given location and base that system or settlement off of the relationships seen in the surrounding ecology. This is currently most well known in agricultural systems. In farming, for example, by keeping water on site, using the fallen organic materials from trees or even grass clippings, you can create an organic garden that will produce healthy food which can save you money and help motivate you to get outside and learn about the environment.

You may be wondering to yourself why things like Permaculture or sustainability are gaining popularity these days. Simply put, it is because many people realize the damage that has been done to the environment over the past few decades and they want to protect the environment for themselves and for future generations. While things like riding your bike, recycling, using wind or solar energy as power sources, driving electric cars and installing rain barrels are a great way to do this on a large scale; Permaculture does this on a smaller, more personal scale. There are some people that are able to produce almost all of their own food without chemicals or pesticides (a process also known as organic farming) right in their own yard. In fact, they grow so much that sometimes they even have leftovers that they sell in order to make extra money! By doing this type of small scale organic farming, there are less toxins being spread around, and in turn we are able to take better care of the soil so that we do not exhaust it of nutrients on large tracts of land. By practicing organic farming we even cut down on the use of fossil fuel from transporting food.

While we have been talking about this more in a residential or even community level, this is a perfect project for a camp to implement. Although a camp may not be able to produce all of their own food, it can definitely grow enough to support a majority of its meals.

At a summer camp I worked at last summer, we were able to experiment with this a little bit. Although it was not designed around the idea of Permaculture, we planted an organic vegetable garden for use with our daily salad bar. We included campers in all aspects of growing the food, from planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. They were all very excited to actually eat food that they helped grow.

We had planted our crops a little a late and unfortunately most of them were not ready in time for some of the later summer sessions, so remember timing is crucial. We also did not take advantage of certain techniques to harvest water or keep weeds away. Luckily, gardening and farming are both a learning experience where mistakes can be helpful in the perfecting development of your own garden or the one at your camp.

Another idea to consider is the types of crops to plant. While we stuck to various types of peppers, tomatoes, corn, potatoes and onions, your camp can even venture into fruits and nuts as well. Trying things like this not only can expand the variety but it can also teach campers about more than just vegetables and how fruit and nut shrubs and trees can be used for a variety of uses other than just food.

While much of the information out there on Permaculture or Urban Farming are geared toward urban or residential projects, most all of the techniques are adaptable to practically any setting that you may find yourself or your camp. For more information on this topic, check out these websites: http://www.permacultureproject.com/; http://www.permacultureprinciples.com/; and http://www.permaculture.org/

Blog post written by Andrew Schneider

Establishing a Tree Replanting Program at Camp: Ideas and Advantages

Gather up the troops, let’s get everyone involved! Everyone can help such as: alumni, parents, campers, staff and counselors. While we understand a detailed landscape at camp is not a top priority, the trees play an important role. Blocking wind, providing shade and obstructing noise are just a few ways that trees can be utilized at camp. Developing a planting plan and coming up with inventive ways to motivate everyone to get involved can be challenging. Your tree replanting program could be exciting and something everyone looks forward to if you think of creative ways to keep everyone interested.

The first step is to develop a plan. List the areas that shade is needed, or you could think of areas where the views from camp are unpleasant. You should also focus on areas that surround villages where campers can gather to converse or play; these are the areas that the plantings should occur.  

Once a plan has been established, it is time to embrace a program at camp that teaches campers the importance of trees. Programs such as this can teach campers how to determine the age of a tree, what products are made from trees or how to identify a tree by its leaf. At the end of the program each year a different “planting event” can take place. One year, each camper can plant their own tree. By planting a tree, the camper can put their “stamp” on the camp. The next year, each village can plant a single tree symbolizing their memories of their time at camp together. In the years following, trees can be planted in remembrance or in dedication to someone. With a program like this initiated, participants are able to reflect on their camping experience as well as the meaning that individual tree has to them. Participants can then also reflect on the memories they have made since the tree has been planted when coming back to camp each year.  

The Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org/index.cfm) has several programs that educate people about the impact that planting trees each year can have on the environment. For just $15, you can receive your membership to the foundation for an entire year along with 10 free trees (for $10 a 6-month membership and 10 free trees). Now imagine if every camper (or family) joined this program and brought a couple of the trees to camp to plant each year. At first, we would encourage purchasing trees or asking for donations of larger trees to kick-off your program. In the years following, consider the planting options outlined in this blog. Think of the endless possibilities and how beautiful your camp will be for years to come! 

The photo above shows Camp Albemarle in North Carolina. Due to a strong wind storm many trees were destroyed at the camp’s entrance opening up views from the main highway as well as letting in an abundance of noise as traffic moves by at a high rate of speed.

This next photo shows how much open space is actually at camp. While this isn’t a bad thing, the campers are at a loss for a place to get out of the sun unless a structure near by can provide them a shelter. 

In the master plan to the left, all of the light green single colored trees shown on the plan are areas that our Master Plan called for tree planting’s that could act as noise barriers or wind barriers as well as provide shade to camp.

The Advantages of Green Roofs

A green roof or "living roof" is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegitation. These roofs serve multiple purposes such as reducing storm water run off, serving as added insulation and creating a habitat for wildlife.

As the green roof reduces the storm water run off it also lessens the amount of chemicals and pollution that is found in the rain water. This is very useful if you use cisterns or catch basins for water, since it will be eliminating harmful toxins from the water so it can be used in more ways.
Green roofs retain about 50 percent of rainfall water and they help to cut down the amount of rainfall runoff when there are heavy storms.

 A great link to learn more about green roofs is http://www.liveroof.com/. This site is useful because it helps in understanding all of the unique uses of green roofs!

There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive. The most popularly used type of green roof is the extensive type. Extensive roofs have less numbers of layers, are lighter, less expensive and very low maintenance. These types of green roofs can be retrofitted onto existing roofs to meet LEED certification standards. These roofs can be sloped or flat depending on design standards.

Intensive green roofs are high profile and look like real roof gardens because a larger variety of plants can be used since the number of roofing layers is increased. Waterfalls, gazebos and ponds can be added and these roofs can be used as gathering spaces. Intensive green roofs are a great way to promote people intermingling with nature. Since these roofs are more intensive and have more material they are relatively flat and also have a higher degree of maintenance that is required.

There are many advantages to having green roofs such as reduced energy costs, storm water management and easier maintenance. Not to mention that green roofs are more pleasing to the eye than tar and shingles. Green roofs can also assist in ensuring a camp will achieve LEED certification. There are also government tax advantages to your organization if you use green roofing.

Natural Playgrounds

Today many children lack the type of play that incorporates the outdoor environment. With busy schedules and family obligations few children get the opportunity to go outside and explore the natural world. Natural playgrounds integrate sand, water, dirt, living plants and wood into play centers for children. These natural playgrounds look very different than the typical conventional playground that is constructed out of steel tubing and plastic. By integrating more from the natural environment into the playground, children will have the feeling of freedom, exploration and experience. 

By incorporating a natural playground behind a school, at a nearby park or at a summer camp provides an area where children can play with natural elements. Natural playgrounds allow children to self-direct their playtime and create their own activities. From discovering a bug under a rock, walking through a huge tree trunk to sculpting mounds out of sand, the possibilities are endless.   

In 2007, the No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Coalition was formed to advise Congress and the public about the need for our schools to dedicate more resources and attention to environmental education. While basic school subjects such as math, science and history are all important to children, just learning about them while sitting in front of a computer hinders them. Children that sit at computers and learn about nature but never spend time outside will have a sense of disconnect with the environment and be less enthusiastic about protecting it.

With the addition of natural playgrounds to camp sites, children will have another area to investigate the environment. By including sand pits, working gardens, arbor swings, tree houses and outdoor seating, the children will spend more time outside learning about their surroundings.

Here is a list of activities I enjoyed as a child:
Leaf Rubbings
Collecting Rocks
Jumping in Puddles
Smelling Wildflowers
Spotting objects in the Clouds

Do you have any examples of your own?

There are many websites on-line that encourage this type of play and provide ideas for outdoor activities. To find out more about what you can do to engage your children or understand changes that would be made in your child’s education if Congress adopts the NCLI proposals, visit: http://www.nclicoalition.org/