Southern California is covered with litter! When students come to our camp, most are aware that litter exists where they live, but have no idea what to do about it. Our camp wants to become a training ground so students can discover alternatives to landfill and challenge them to take the lead in litter pick-ups both at camp and in their own communities.
We are picking up litter at outdoor education camp while learning about what can be recycled and composted. When we leave camp, we'll return to our homes and schools with the tools and resources we need to pick up and sort litter in our own communities.
While there were several youth who were unenthusiastic about this project, some were very motivated and wanting to do even more.
Litter is found even in places least expected. Most items take a long time to break down, and even then they never truly decompose (plastic, cigarette butts, etc.)
Kicking off the project with a better presentation about why we are doing this, followed by frequent check-ins.
Seeing the excitement from the top litter-picking teams, plus the excitement of teachers getting new recycling bins and litter-picking supplies for their schools.
This project tied in well as an action extension for the Waste Awareness class at Pine Valley Outdoor Science Camp.
