Creating future generations of nature stewards
If you’ve visited Riverwood over the summer, you may have seen me at work in my role as our Camp Director, leading a group of kids on a hike through the forest. Well, “hike” may not actually be the best word for it, because the kids tend to stop every few seconds to excitedly point out something they’ve spotted. A chipmunk! A chickadee! A frog! A rock!
Yes, even a rock!
That’s the sort of enthusiasm we love to see from the kids who attend our day camps. Not only does it make my work a little easier (and more fun), but it makes me feel optimistic about the future of our park, and our planet, because it’s nature-loving kids and youth who will grow up to become the next generation of environmental stewards.
Because of our caring community of donors, we can offer incredible opportunities for kids and youth in our community to get close to nature, and instill in them the importance of protecting it.
You should know, it’s not just the children who attend camp who feel moved by nature. Our summer camp also employs youth – like Jay, pictured below – to give them valuable experience and pathways to green careers. Our work helps shape future environmental leaders, and that’s something we’re proud of. I hope all supporters of The Riverwood Conservancy take pride in that as well.
As we get set for another summer of camp programming, I would kindly ask you to make a special spring donation, which helps us spark a love of nature in kids, while also building the foundations for youth to excel in environmentally-focused careers.
Your gift will keep The Riverwood Conservancy’s nature-based work – from camp to conservation – going strong through one of the busiest times of the year.
Last summer, I was fortunate enough to have camp counsellors, including Jay, alongside me as we ran our day camps. They were invaluable in supporting the campers well-being, confidence, and creativity. But I didn’t realize the effect that working here at Riverwood had on Jay until she shared some of her reflections with us.
“I knew that I loved the environment, conservation work, and community engagement, but I lacked direction in my career. After working with The Riverwood Conservancy, I not only realized my passion for environmental education, but also felt like I belonged in the field for the first time,” said Jay.
“I learned so much from shadowing Liz and watching her with the kiddos out in the field and behind the scenes with program preparation. I felt supported every step of the way and super safe and comfortable. My plan now is to work in the environmental education field full-time.”
Isn’t that wonderful to hear? Jay’s experience is a reminder of just how important it is to connect kids and youth with nature.
With your support, we can continue creating connections to nature during formative years, and help the next generation care about the environment as much as you and I already do.
Thank you for making our work possible, and hope you can stop by the park soon to see a rock or two!
Sincerely,
Liz Jankowski
Camp Director & Environmental Educator