“Both of our children felt so special this summer. Every day at camp was a great day for them. They loved it so much we extended their stay by three weeks. I don’t know all of your names, but am sure I heard a creative tale about you. Our son loved the horses the most and has learned to care for them. He had such a special bond with his counselor and has really built his self confidence in making friends. They can’t wait to come back next year. You have all touched the life of our children and we wanted to thank you and wish you all well.”
— J&C
parents
Earth!
Earth! Ages 10-15
Camp is the Place... Traditionally summer camps give young people the opportunity to immerse in the natural world. Exploring the natural balance of the earth in its support of the living systems of plants and animals is a basis for the summer camp experience. So, extending on this theme, The Colorado Mountain Ranch adds fire Ecology this season and presents the focus program, Earth!
Now is the Time... Looking into the future of the earth can be exciting, and learning to live sustainably can be fun! Be among the first of your friends to understand sustainability and its importance.
Sustainability... implies that systems can maintain indefinitely. In today's world and into the future, this means using resources wisely, recycling and minimizing "ecological carbon footprints" by conserving fossil-fuel based products.
Wise Use of Resources:
The Earth...New for Summer 2012: Eat Real! Ever heard the expression,"you are what you eat"? Learn how to gather wild foods, grow hardy organic vegetables and herbs at altitude, and milk our friendly goats! Enjoy salads you grow organically yourself using compost for fertilizer and techniques such as companion planting to combat pests. Discover the value of using a cold frame to protect seedlings and extend the growing season.
The Sun... Learn about solar energy. See firsthand how the sun can be used to heat water and air. Build a solar voltaic model and analyze its efficiency. Bake cookies in a solar oven!
Wind... See how a wind mill can pump water and a wind turbine can make electricity.
Water... Learn how to conserve water in its daily uses. Discover the beauty and benefits of permaculture and xeriscape, sustainable landscaping techniques.
Recycle... Find ways to re-use resources, not waste them. Use recycled materials such as toilet paper rolls, food cans and oatmeal boxes for crafts projects. Help maintain the camp's system for recycling glass, metals, plastics, cardboard and paper.
Walk!... Leave your own footprint by walking as much as you can as an alternative form of transportation. In town, ride your bike to wherever you need to go-school, the park, a friend's, the store. Most of you already take the bus to camp so fewer cars are on the road.Explore all sorts of ways to get around that are more sustainable.
Green... If you want to have fun while developing a clearer understanding of what it means to be "green," then Earth! Focus is for you.
Days... round out with Challenge experiences and group choices from all the activities.