Have you noticed a trend? Children today are being raised to think more sustainably. Through their own curiosity (and with the help of some parental guidance), environmental practices are top of mind for many children and young adults. Practices like recycling and limiting waste are common in households. With sustainability in mind, you may be wondering what eco-friendly activities you can include in your camp? These activities can reinforce practices children may be learning at home — and can build trust and excitement for your program among parents. 

Whether you run art activities or STEM classes, there’s an opportunity to embed sustainable activities into your curriculum. Such activities are beneficial not only for the principles they teach children, but also for their ability to encourage social distancing and COVID-19 safety. Looking for more support to jumpstart your camp? Check out our ultimate guide to starting and running a kids camp.

Check out 5 eco-friendly activities you can add to your daily camp routine!

1. Get a conversation started

Regardless of the type of camp you’re running, there’s always an opportunity to include sustainable practices and activities. It’s never too early to think as an environmentalist, and discussions should be had with your campers. Explore lesson plans, like the Earth Guardians Plan, that can help begin and foster a conversation. It’s your responsibility to see how you can embed these ideas into your routine. But just note, there’s no bad place to start when it comes to talking about the environment! 

2. Plant trees!

Planting trees is a fulfilling activity, especially if you run programs with campers who return each year, or semester. Regardless of the type of camp, spending some time outside talking about the importance of trees is beneficial for a basic understanding of how the environment around you affects daily life. From teaching young ones about the roles trees play in our ecosystem, to why they’re necessary for life, trees are important for so many reasons.

Plus, campers will get the opportunity to see the tree(s) grow whenever they return — how sweet is that?

3. Plan activities that connect with nature

Regardless of where your camp is based, odds are you can access some sort of nature. Whether it’s a local park or a nearby stream, the best thing about nature is...it’s all around us! Try introducing practices like nature walks, meditation. If you run an art camp, maybe you take class outdoors? Think about how nature and sustainability can be embedded into your program

4. Talent show for eco Ideas!

It’s time for your camper to take the big stage with their big ideas. This activity is an exercise in creativity, environmentalism, and fun! Host a talent show where kids can bring their ideas, thoughts, and vision for sustainability. This is meant to be a fun (and even silly) activity where there are no rules — just big ideas. Campers can vote on their favorite after!

5. Start a garden

Oh, and how could we forget one of the best activities? Starting a garden is the easiest way to teach children how to appreciate nature. Whether you’re showing them how to nurture a plant starting from a seed, or the tips of a green onion in water, gardens can be big or small! Explain  how it takes water, healthy soil, and sunlight to grow!