How camp teaches children to appreciate nature

The current health of our planet is a great concern. Everyone, from international organizations to typical families has been urged to practice living in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. “Going Green” is a fairly new practice for many households. However, at Sugar Bay Resort, a holiday camp for kids and teens, children are taught how to live Eco-friendly lifestyles and appreciate the environment on a daily basis. 
 
Here are 5 ways in which children are taught to appreciate nature and the environment at camp:

1. Recycling

Sugar Bay has separate bins placed at camp especially for recycling; one for paper, one for plastic and one for metal. On arrival, campers are shown where these bins are located and briefed on the importance of recycling at camp, and in our everyday lives. Food never goes to waste at the camp, as all leftovers are collected and delivered to the pig farm after every meal. Recycling is also integrated into the camp’s offices, where the staff has a special collection of “scrap paper” that they all make use of completely before recycling. 
 
2. Reuse of Household Items


Arts and Crafts classes ensure that most household items are reused and turned into something valuable instead of being dumped in the trash can. The camp collects cardboard, empty glass jars, plastic bottles, straws, newspaper, plastic bags and a host of other household items which they turn into useful props for stage production and beautiful artwork. A favourite is definitely the gel candles which is made in empty glass jars and used to light up the venue during final campfire. 
 
3. Energy Conservation


Although the camp is fully equipped with electricity, energy conservation is greatly emphasized on. Campers are always on the lookout to ensure electricity isn’t being used redundantly. If a cabin leaves on their lights or fans unnecessarily, the camp imposes a penalty on the group, ensuring they become more responsible with electricity usage. Making use of candles and lanterns during camp out teaches campers that they can live off the grid. 
 
4. Relishing the Environment

The natural setting of the camp, away from the urban areas, in a tranquil canopy of indigenous trees on a beautiful beach off the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is definitely worth relishing. Most of the activities the camp offers are set in the natural environment; land; sea or lagoon and involves constant walking through nature. This exposure to nature helps children experience the environment in a completely natural way and in turn, embrace it.

5. Environmental Education

 
Marine biology, nature conservation, and sustainability are just some of the topics in the environmental education category, which are taught at camp. The Director, Zoe Ellender, who is very passionate about sharks, hosts a shark talk and plays an interactive game with campers. This “Shark Talk” enlightens campers and promotes the conservation of these endangered species. A “beach explore” is scheduled at least once a week during every camp. Campers learn about the sea, marine species, participate in a fish dissection and undertake a beach clean-up during this program. Wildlife classes on reptiles are also held at camp. Campers get to interact, participate in practicals and learn whilst having fun. It’s never too late to go green; but the earlier, the better, and the longer the Earth lives. 

Send your kids to Sugar Bay for a vacation that ensures a balance of fun and learning. Your kids will come back home teaching you a thing, or two about living an environmentally friendly lifestyle and the importance of appreciating nature. 

Want an educational tour for your school? Call us now on 032 485 3778 and speak to our School Tours Liaison, Tayla. Check out this video of what we have to offer during our School Tours at Sugar Bay.  Alternatively, drop her an email at tours@sugarbay.co.za