SRU to host environmental summer camp June 20-24

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March 7, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Slippery Rock University's Office of Sustainability will host an environmental summer camp for area high school students and teachers, June 20-24.

The camp, "SRU Healthy Planet, Healthy People Environmental Summer Camp and Community Project Incubator," is a five-day, four-night immersive experience at which attendees will engage in lessons and outdoor activities on a variety of topics including: features of a sustainable campus; water and air quality; acid mine drainage mitigation; leadership development; and sustainable food and agriculture impacts.

   SCANLON

"The ultimate goal of this project is to initiate and support environmental education and steward community projects across the region," said Paul Scanlon, SRU director of sustainability.

"Environmental education opportunities for youth greatly diminish after they leave elementary school and enter secondary school, although secondary-aged young adults have a great potential to positively impact their communities and solidify their interest in environmental stewardship.

"Students will be taking part in a number of outdoor 'adventures,' as well as learning from acclaimed environmental educators about the rare geographic and geologic features of the Pennsylvania state parks."

The camp is made possible through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Additional project partners include: EconomicsPA; Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV; Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at Moraine State Park; McConnells Mill State Park; and the Jennings Environmental Center.

Participating teachers will receive a number of benefits including a $1,000 stipend, as well as 30.5 Act 48 professional development activity hours for mentoring their students through the project implementation process during the 2017-2018 school year. Participating school districts will also receive approximately $1,000 in mini-grant funding as seed money to implement sustainability projects.

The registration fee for students is $100, which covers room, board and activity fees.

For more information about the camp, visit: www.sru.edu/sustainability or contact Scanlon at: 724.738.4268 or sustainability@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu