Summer Camp in the age of Climate Change Protecting the joys of childhood
Summer Camp in the age of Climate Change Protecting the joys of childhood
Campers and staff of the C & O Canal Cycling Camp pose on the last day before biking from Antietam Aqueduct to Brunswick, Maryland.
On North Carolina’ s hottest day in 2007, with temperatures reaching 102 degrees, my Girl Scout camp unit looked on as my best friend climbed the camp’ s 35-foot rock wall. While we sweated and recovered from exhaustion from our own attempts, she persisted through the heat and was the only one to make it to the top.
Since then, the planet has only proceeded to get warmer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’ s Fifth Edition of Climate Change Indicators in the United
By Christy Korzen
States, the decade of 2014-2023 was the warmest on record since thermometer-based observations began. The report found that since the 1960s, the frequency of heat waves in major cities has steadily increased, and the length of heat wave season is now on average 46 days longer. All of this comes at the same time as youth are spending much less time outside than previous generations. Summer camp, once a cornerstone of childhood, is facing more challenges.
The threats of climate change and the personal growth I achieved at summer camp inspired me to pursue a career in environmental education. In my work, I have met countless dedicated professionals committed to helping young people connect with the natural world. Environmental education is uniquely related to the challenges the world faces. As educators and environmentalists, we understand the significance of all living things and know how to advocate for meaningful solutions.
Black Hill Discovery Center opened in 1991. Since then, our educational programs, native plant
plenty I autumn harvest 2026 41