YELC begins with an immersive summer program for students entering the 6th or 7th grade in the coming Fall*. Campers will attend a one-week camp M-F from 8:30am-5:30pm. Camps will be kept small with a group of 15 (subject to COVID-19 protocols), where youth will become change-agents who design and implement climate-smart solutions aimed at improving air/water quality and/or natural habitats where they live.
After the camp, the campers will participate in at least two volunteer events with identified partner organizations during July-November, to deliver a positive impact within their community – things like tree plantings and creek cleanups. A schedule of opportunities will be provided. Campers will also run a personal fundraising campaign for one of the organizations**, with a $40 minimum goal. Campers will present to their peers in November, about their experience.
YELC will lay the foundation for an on-going, youth-led movement to conserve energy and protect air, water, and ecosystems from the impacts of urban life.
*Prior year campers are not eligible to participate in this program again.
**Splash will not be an eligible recipient of these fundraising campaigns.
WHAT WILL CAMPERS LEARN?
During the week-long camp, each day will cover topics related to:
- Climate Change / Air Quality
- Energy & Transportation
- Water
- Food Production / Consumption / Waste Management
- Land Use / Natural Habitats
- Project Management
The campers visit local sites for guided tours and experiences related to the topics listed above. Campers will sample and collect data, gain experience using some of the tools and materials that scientists and engineers use in their work, as well as participate in hands-on activities at the Splash Science Center.
Campers will get the chance to engage with professional environmental scientists, engineers, social scientists, and environmental protection activists to learn about their careers and what they did in order to work in specific fields of expertise.
HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY!
Campers will participate in at least two volunteer events with identified partner organizations during July-November, to deliver a positive impact within their community – things like tree plantings and creek cleanups. A schedule of opportunities will be provided. Campers will also run a personal fundraising campaign for one of the organizations (not Splash), with a $40 minimum goal. Campers will present to their peers in November, about their experience.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Students entering 6th and 7th grades in the coming Fall* who already have some interest in the environment or natural habitats and are interested in growing their knowledge through hands-on learning would make great YELC’rs!
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
What do campers need?
- Lunch
- Sunscreen already applied
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Water shoes and swim suit/water play clothes at least for Water Day (we’ll let you know if others)
What do we provide?
In addition to the experience,
- FUN
- All Program Materials
- Transportation to all field excursions
What does it cost?
It may be hard to believe, but this program is FREE for campers! Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, we are able to provide this program at no cost to participants.
Special Thanks to these organizations for funding this program!
When is the camp?
Campers will attend one of the following weeks:
June 5-9 | June 12-16 | June 19-23 | June 26-30
how can we apply?
- Parents/Guardians with Prospective Campers* – Click on the button to the right and fill out the 2023 application WITH your child!
- Prospective Campers – make a commitment to be an active participant in all aspects of the Program.
*Prior year campers are not eligible to participate in this program again.
Splash will let parents know by the end of April if their child’s application has been accepted and, if so, for which camp week their child is registered.