At Sacramento Splash, we believe our planet’s future lies in the next generation’s hands. Through our Youth Environmental Leadership Camp (YELC), we empower young minds to become environmental stewards who will lead the charge in protecting the earth. One such remarkable student whose life was profoundly impacted by the camp is Jannat, a 2024 YELCer who took learning about the environment and found purpose in advocating for its care.
Jannat’s story is a testament to the power of hands-on environmental education and the incredible impact that our programs have on students. She shared her experience at YELC with us, and we are excited to showcase her story and the ripple effect it is creating within our community.
Discovering the Beauty of Nature
When asked about her favorite part of the Youth Environmental Leadership Camp, Jannat immediately recalled the field trip to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and Cordova Creek. “My favorite part of YELC was the field trip when we visited the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and Cordova Creek,” she said. It’s clear that experiencing nature up close, learning about local ecosystems, and seeing conservation efforts in action left a lasting impression on Jannat. Learning about science from actual Scientists is the cornerstone of the YELC program. Students connect with nature meaningfully, deepening their understanding of environmental issues and the many careers they could pursue.
A New Perspective on Environmental Responsibility
While at YELC, Jannat discovered a surprising and critical aspect of environmental care: wastewater treatment. “I learned how wastewater treatment is critical in helping the environment,” she explained. This newfound knowledge opened her eyes to how interconnected our daily actions are to the health of our planet. YELC provides students like Jannat with the knowledge and tools to understand environmental challenges and solutions while empowering them to take informed actions to protect the earth.
Fostering a Sense of Purpose
YELC also helped Jannat understand the importance of individual responsibility in environmental conservation. “YELC helped me understand that if we all do our part by caring for nature, we can help with climate change so that future generations can enjoy nature,” she reflected. This realization speaks to the heart of our mission at Sacramento Splash—to inspire young people to take ownership of their role in protecting the environment and creating a sustainable future.
A Message for the World
Jannat’s journey through the camp clarified what’s missing in broader environmental awareness. “I wish more people understood the importance of recycling and picking up trash,” she said. This simple yet powerful message reminds us that everyday actions, no matter how small, can significantly impact our environment. Jannat’s wish echoes the importance of teaching younger generations about sustainability and the direct influence they can have on the planet’s future.
If there’s one message Jannat wants the World to hear: “We need to start cleaning and caring for our environment. Our environmental actions affect how we can live in the World.” This powerful statement encapsulates what the Youth Environmental Leadership Camp instills in its participants—an understanding of the deep connection between human actions and the World around us and a call to action for future generations to take care of the planet.
Empowering the Next Generation
Jannat’s experience is just ONE example of the profound impact that Sacramento Splash’s Youth Environmental Leadership Camp has on young lives just like Jannant, Splash brought 60 campers through the doors in June, and they left camp prepared to volunteer for 4 hours with any Environmental organization. They had to fundraise (minimum of $40) for any Environmental organization BUT Splash! Splash is dedicated to ensuring these future leaders understand that civic engagement begins with the will to act! To continue providing these transformative experiences, we need the support of our community.
As we approach Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, with a goal of $5,000, we invite you to join us in empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. Your contribution can help ensure that more young people like Jannat can engage in educational programs that inspire them to take care of our planet. It costs around $1,000 per student for these campers to have this experience. This program is free to families thanks to the support of Measure H, Rancho Cordova Community Enhancement Fund, the Sacramento Area Sewer District Confluence grant, and donors like you!
Through the support of donors like you, we can continue to offer YELC and other environmental education programs that foster a sense of responsibility, inspire action, and equip students with the knowledge they need to become champions for the earth. Every donation, no matter the size, is crucial in making a difference.
Together, we can empower young minds, create lasting change, and work toward a healthier, more sustainable world. Join us in making a difference this Giving Tuesday!