PLT Canada environmental education inspires youth at YMCA summer camps

November 15, 2024

Suzanne Hale, a PLT Canada instructor, and Grandpa Bear, who helped her break the ice with YMCA campers.

Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada) and the YMCA know that getting kids outside breathes new life into environmental education. As part of a YMCA science-theme week this past summer, PLT Canada was invited to work with children at three summer camps in Ottawa.

“At the Y, we want to put environmental learning front and centre to really engage kids on the issues that matter, like conservation and climate change. PLT Canada’s instructors are experts at getting kids outside and using the outdoors like an interactive classroom,” said Braydon Birks, Camp Coordinator at the YMCA of the National Capital Region in Ottawa.

A natural fit for environmental education

Project Learning Tree Canada is a leader in environmental education, with a long-standing reputation for developing innovative resources and programs that engage young people in learning about the natural world.

“One of the first things we did with the campers was to go for a walk around the yard to see what they noticed about the natural world around them. Kids started to see things like leaves with holes in them. So, that was a perfect opportunity to ask kids what would eat holes in leaves and then chat about the relationships between the insects and the trees,” said Tara Topping, a PLT Canada instructor. “We also had a beaver make a surprise appearance on the lawn, and the kids went bonkers.”

PLT Canada’s participation in YMCA Ottawa’s summer day camps was a natural fit. Both organizations share a commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility and curiosity in the next generation. YMCA Ottawa summer day camps offer a diverse range of programs designed to promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children.

Science week at the day camps underscores the YMCA’s recognition of the importance of environmental education based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in today’s world. Collaborating with PLT Canada helped the YMCA deliver high-quality, engaging content that encouraged children to explore and understand the environment around them. For example, campers participated in a scavenger hunt to identify different species of plants and animals and worked together on a project to understand how ecosystems function and the importance of biodiversity.

These activities were more than just a fun way to pass the time; they were carefully curated to help children develop critical thinking skills, foster teamwork, and cultivate an understanding of complex environmental issues. By engaging with these topics in a hands-on way, campers were more likely to retain the information and develop a genuine interest in science and the environment.

Exploring the environment with PLT Canada through hands-on learning

During science week, PLT Canada instructors used some of their environmental education and green career resources. The Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide is a PLT Canada resource that makes environmental education accessible and fun for young learners. The guide connects students with nature, using engaging activities that explore various aspects of the environment, from ecosystems and biodiversity to the impacts of human activities on nature.

PLT Canada’s Forest Literacy Framework is a guide for teaching and learning about forests that offers 100 forest concepts for grades K-12. The Green Jobs: Exploring Forest Careers guide includes activities to help youth research forestry jobs and practice managing and monitoring forest resources.

Building a foundation for future partnerships

The success of science week at the YMCA Ottawa summer day camps is a testament to the power of collaboration between organizations with a shared vision. PLT Canada’s expertise in environmental education, combined with the YMCA’s commitment to youth development, created a unique and enriching experience for campers and staff.

“Our facilitated approach to being outside, where you get kids to focus on what’s in front of them, was a hit with Y staff. Basically, we involved the staff as active participants, and they really seemed to get it that you don’t need a field trip to a perfect, pristine forest to do outdoor education. The environment is all around us—you just have to choose to engage with it,” said Suzanne Hale, a PLT Canada instructor.

Looking ahead, this partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations between PLT Canada and other YMCA camps across the country.

“We loved our experience with PLT Canada and want to see them back next year. I would like to grow the relationship in the coming years,” Birks said.