According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for environmental careers are expected to grow over the next decade.  Fostering a respect for nature in students K-12 may not only increase the desire to pursue such careers but according to the North American Association for Environmental Education (naaee), environmental education shown to provide a wide variety of positive impacts on youth: 

• Improves knowledge in science, math, reading and writing
• Emotional and social skills (i.e. self-esteem, team work, leadership skills)
• Environmentally friendly behavior such as reducing water use, recycling, and community clean-ups
• Critical thinking, communication, problem solving
• Motivation to learn
• Civic interest and engagement

This Fall, Boone County Extension partnered with Boone County schools to provide an unforgettable, hands-on experience to 1136 Boone County students, teachers, and chaperones.  These individuals were able to learn about their environment through guided, exploratory programs such as night hikes, pond ecosystems, KY wildlife, live animal encounters and so much more.  Students and chaperones learned about healthy ecosystem, adaptations, and how their behaviors impact them.  Programs follow Next Generation Science Standards to enhance classroom learning and provide teachers and students with needed educational content.

Environmental Camp addressed more than environmental issues.  Incorporated into the curriculum is team building exercises that created unity among the students that last throughout the school year. Students receive an experience they will never forget in addition to the retention of environmental topics needed for state testing and real-lie experiences.  Many students were able to explore their natural environment in ways they have never had the opportunity to do before. Teachers all agreed that Environmental Camp meets state standards and that student knowledge of environmental topics improve as a results of the field trip.  All teachers plan to return for 2024 season.