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.

More Trees Please

Outdoor professionals have known for a long time, that spending time outside is beneficial to kids in many ways. For years, research has provided compelling evidence of the need for today’s kids to spend more time outdoors.

Outdoor professionals, as well as past campers, past staff members, or anyone who has been involved in the camping industry can attest to the value of the outdoors. A recent study helped to show this long-known fact to the rest of society. The study looked at the NDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, or, in layman's terms, a measurement of vegetation density. The study measured NDVI around 905 elementary schools in Massachusetts. The results showed significantly higher test scores in both math and English in areas with higher density of trees.

"It shouldn’t be surprising anymore that green spaces make us happier, healthier, and just generally better, but every time a hard finding on the topic pops up it seems incredible once again. Just being near nature is enough to bump up kids’ grades—though we’ll need more data to back this up, it probably can’t hurt to head out and look at some trees any chance you and your kids can get." - Levitan

As the next generation continues their education, one thing is clear: there is a growing need for outdoor education. Whether it is camping out under the stars, identifying trees, or learning about the water cycle, camps offer unique opportunity to teach kids about nature - in nature. As the research regarding the benefits of time spent outdoors becomes clearer (and that today’s kids are losing touch with nature), more and more schools are looking to camps for outdoor education opportunities.

Many camps and organizations are listening and responding to these schools' calls for programs. Take the current “Camp Moves Me” movement sponsored by the American Camp Association for example. It is, according to the ACA’s website, the “first ever, nationwide, fundraising effort aimed at celebrating the spirit of camp while raising dollars to send more children to ACA-accredited camps across the country.”

Does your camp have an outdoor education program? What could your camp offer to nearby schools or after school programs. Perhaps it is a simple as allowing schools to use camp property for an outdoor lab field trip, or perhaps as structured as a weeklong outdoor education experience. Whatever it is, camps are in a unique position to continue to serve youth beyond the summer months.

To learn more about starting your own Outdoor Education Program, check out this guide from The Oregon Community Foundation here.



Levitan, Dave. "Green Space Makes for Better Students." Conservation RSS. Conservation Magazine, 14 Oct. 2014. Web. 20 Oct. 2014.

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

Sustainable Camp Sites: Energy Efficiency

Not only are sustainable green practices good for the environment, but it can help your camp save on energy costs too.  Here's 12 simple things you can implement into your camp to help save energy:


Lighting:

1. Design with natural light.  Consider window & skylight placement; use suntubes and light shelves.
2. Utilize motion-activated lighting, which is only on when people are present. 
3. Switch to compact fluorescents or LED lights, which last longer.

Heating & Cooling: 

1. Use instant, tank-less hot water heaters. 
2. Incorporate geothermal heating/cooling.  Build part of your structure underground or store your water pumps underground. 
3. Tint windows to help block sun and cool interiors.

Ventilation: 

1. Use natural ventilation! Put in operable windows. 
2. Space buildings far enough apart to allow for air flow.
3. Orient buildings to the prevailing winds 

Use “Green” Energy Sources:

1. Solar (solar panels and photovoltaic cells)
2. Hydro (water mills and turbines, dams, and tidal power)
3. Wind (windmills, turbines, and spires)

With these methods put into practice, you'll soon start seeing energy savings at your camp!

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

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.

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.

Sun Tubes, Solar Pipes and Skylights . . . Oh My!!

With so many products available and numerous manufacturers that can help, they all have one thing in common, adding natural daylight to any space on any project.  For anyone who has experienced these products firsthand, I’m sure you will agree 100% that the light produced by such a small opening is greater than anyone can really imagine, especially in spaces with no windows.  From sun up to sun down the product is letting in natural sunlight.  While all uses of these products are successful, the focus of this blog will be on the Sun Tubes.

Sun tubes are used for transporting or distributing natural light.  Unlike skylights that are placed directly on the roofs surface emitting light straight into the space, sun tubes use a tubing system that can deliver light over 50’ and can include 90 degree angles within the tubing.  Most sun tubes are applied to the roof’s surface and then a flexible or metal tubing system is put in place in order to channel the light into the appropriate space.  Exhaust fans, dimming controls and diffusers are just a few features that most products offer as add-ons.  From commercial warehouses, to residential spaces and camp facilities, these products can be used one at a time or several at once.  In some areas, you might be able to claim a federal tax credit and various state and local incentives (www.dsireusa.org/).  Sun tubes can also be used towards achieving LEED points on any project (www.solatube.com/commercial/daylighting/solatube-leed/index.php). 


How can sun tubes be used at camp? 

• Troop Houses
• Shower Houses
• Dining Halls
• Cabins
• Health Centers
• Or any structure with a roof!!   

What are the benefits of using sun tubes?

• Cost-Effective, reducing the cost in energy consumption
• Day lighting any space in nearly any climate
• Minimal Roof Structure Impact
• Leak-Proof Design
• Endless possibilities with a highly flexible, modular system

A brand-name solar tube costs around $700, including installation, assuming the structures roof is a standard composite shingle roof.  Various add-on’s similar to those mentioned above will increase the price of each kit.  However, a sun tube lights your space with the natural light of the sun 365 days out of the year, therefore allowing you to avoid using as much artificial light.

Does your camp use sun tubes?  If so, share your experience.

Composting at Camp

Composting is a great way to reduce waste and reuse it in a way that will better the environment we live in. Compost contains major plant nutrients and will help any flowerbed or garden flourish like it never has before. Many people will buy fertilizers and this will help your garden to do well at first, but over time it will wear down and the plants will not have the overall health they will attain with compost. Composting will provide a long term steady feeding of nutrients that plants desperately need. Composting also makes the structure of the soil it is put back into better and improves moisture retention. Adding compost back into the soil around plants will create healthy, vivacious plants and will boost flowering and fruiting.

There is a specific process to follow when you are composting and the most important things to remember when composting are: green, brown, water and air. Green items include weeds, kitchen scraps and grass clippings. Brown items could be dead leaves, straw or woodchips. Make sure to add these things in layers; also add a layer of soil between the layers of green and brown to get the process started.

Once the mixture has been started, you need to make sure that the mixture remains damp. The compost should always be damp, but not too wet. Turn the pile every few days to aerate the compost and make sure that air is getting to the bacteria. The more this is done the quicker the bacteria will break down the mixture and you will have compost.

If you are using a square composting bin, it will be easier to aerate by having a second bin to just transfer the mixture back and forth. These bins can either be bought or made.

Above is a photo of a camp that practices composting and outlines the process it takes to ensure successful compost. Here is a link to a website that shows you just how to make composting bins at home. http://organicgardening.about.com/od/compost/ht/storagecompost.htm.

It is also very easy to ventilate your mixture if you use a tumbling composter. These can range in price from $70 to $350 depending on the size and stability of the bin.

[The compost pile should heat up to at least 150F within the first 24 hours, if it does not the mixture needs more green material to help it along.]

There are many uses for the compost once it is finished “cooking”, which usually takes 3-4 weeks. You can add it to mulch, soil and potted plants to guarantee that your plants receive all the nutrients they need to live long and healthy lives.

Make sure to follow these tips for the best outcome when composting. http://compostguide.com/composting-tips/.

Do you compost or know anyone who does? Do you have any helpful tips? Let us know!

Recycling at Camp and at Home: Encouraging Recycling at an Early Age

There are numerous items that can be recycled whether at camp or at home. Why not make it a challenge? Items such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, printer cartridges, CD’s, books, shower curtains, metal scrap, carpet, mattresses and sports equipment are just a few. Most of these items can be found at camp or at your home. Encouraging campers to not only recycle while at camp, but at home can be challenging. With a small incentive or making them aware that they could be helping others might make recycling a little more fun for your children/campers. 

There are several programs world wide that encourage collection for probable causes. Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (http://www.acbcohio.org/) is one cause here in Ohio that collects aluminum cans and uses the profits to aid burn victims. Recycle Caps with Aveda (http://www.aveda.com/aboutaveda/caps.tmpl) is another program that encourages recycling bottle caps that Aveda then uses in their future products. 

One thing most people aren’t aware of is recycling your plastic bottles with the cap still attached usually results in your bottle being tossed into the trash. Different plastics are used in the bottle versus the cap of almost all products and while both items can be recycled, mixing them together causes the final product to be downgraded. To learn more about recycling plastics found in your everyday lives visit, http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/187/1/Recycling-by-the-numbers.html. Here you can discover what products are demanded and which ones might be toxic if introduced to heat, as well as what the number within the triangle really means to consumers and manufacturers. 

Utilizing one of these programs or coming up with one on your own will allow children to reach a set goal on collecting items to be recycled with a possible reward at the end. Documenting their process or bringing in receipts from recycled material could be a few ways children keep track of their success.  

Are there any programs in your community or at your camp that encourages people to recycle? Can you share your experiences or any ideas for making recycling a success?  

  Above: A picture showing how easy your camp can incorporate recycling. By putting labels on each can, it is an easy way for campers to help out the environment and others every day.