Green Camps and EPA Join Forces: Unveiling Our Kickoff Webinar and Sustainable Resources

This webinar marked the beginning of a collaboration between Green Camps and the EPA, highlighted by the joint development of an Energy and Water Efficiency Checklist for Camps and Retreats.  We aspire to foster further cooperation between the youth camp industry and the EPA, recognizing that both sectors can significantly enhance each other’s efforts in tackling climate challenges in the shared communities they serve.
We invite you to watch the webinar to gain insights from leaders in sustainability from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs and partners, and from youth camp professionals and organizations.  Highlights from the webinar, along with presentation slides, resources and speaker information can also be found on this page.

Webinar Recording and Slides

Meet the Speakers

Jerry Lawson | National Manager

ENERGY STAR Small Business & Congregations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Presentation Focus:

  • Overview of ENERGY STAR’s work and impact.
  • Introduction to ENERGY STAR’s new focus on camps and retreats.
  • Energy Star Resources for Facility Management and Benchmarking
  • Invitation to create a co-branded Energy and Water Efficiency
  • Partnership with Green Camps to support the youth camp industry.

Resources:

*US EPA Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions

Energy Star Checklist

https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/tools/ES_Checklist_Camps_2023_0.pdf

Join as an Energy Star Partner

https://www.energystar.gov/partner_resources/join-energy-star

Contact Info:

Email: lawson.jerry@epa.gov

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrylawsonepa

Danny Sudman | Green Camps

Executive Director/Founder

Presentation Focus:

  • Shared the journey and mission of Green Camps.
  • Emphasized the importance of learning from nature and implementing sustainable practices in camps.
  • Discussed the Green Certification program for camps and the importance of building a culture of sustainability.

Resources:

About Green Camps Certification

http://www.greencamps.org/certification

Guide to Forming a Green Team

https://www.greencamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Green-Camps-Guide-to-Starting-A-Green-Team.pdf

Join Green Camps/Access Free Green Needs Assessment

https://www.greencamps.org/join/

Contact Info:

Email: Danny@greencamps.org

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannysudman/

Lincoln Larson | North Carolina State University

Associate Professor, Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management

Presentation Focus:

  • Presented a study on the state of sustainability in camp organizations across the U.S.
  • Highlighted the motivation behind engaging in sustainable practices and the current sustainable practices in camps.
  • Discussed the barriers to sustainability and the interest in making sustainability a higher priority.

Resources:

Research

https://js.sagamorepub.com/index.php/jorel/article/view/11684

https://www.greencamps.org/research/

Contact Info:

Email: Danny@greencamps.org

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lincoln-larson-76a7096/

United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) Association

Presentation Focus:

  • Discussed the role of United Methodist camps in promoting sustainability and creation care.
  • Shared specific projects like the living shoreline restoration project and solar arrays in Oregon.
  • Talked about the importance of educating campers and retreat guests on sustainability.

Resources:

Sustainability Checklist for Camps and Retreat Centers – Co-Branded with Energy Star

Contact Info:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-burch-7968b41a/

Jacob Rodenburg | Camp Kawartha

Presentation Focus:

  • Focused on environmental education for children.
  • Introduced the concept of regenerative buildings and the “Pathway to Stewardship” project.
  • Emphasized the need to inspire children to care for the environment.

Resources:

Pathway to Stewardship

https://pathwayproject.ca/

Contact Info:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobrodenburg/

Christine Honan Simpson | Catalina Environmental Leadership Program

Program Director, Outdoor and Environmental Educator and Expedition Leader

Presentation Focus:

  • Shared details about the composting and garden program at Catalina Island.
  • Discussed how they incorporate ecological principles into their educational program.
  • Highlighted the importance of hands-on experiences in teaching about sustainability.

Resources:

Catalina Environmental Leadership Program

https://www.celp.net/

Contact Info:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-honan-simpson-a95a2436/

Kenny Thomas | Park Hotels and Resorts

Senior Director Of Engineering

Presentation Focus:

  • Discussed the Green Park program and its focus on sustainability in luxury resorts and hotels.
  • Talked about the importance of emissions reduction, energy procurement, and the implementation of sustainability projects.
  • Emphasized the role of sustainability in business decisions and investor relations.

Resources:

Green Park Program

https://www.pkhotelsandresorts.com/responsibility

Contact Info:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-thomas-342801a/

Thank you for Supporting the Sustainable Camps Movement!

We warmly invite you to join us in championing sustainable development in the youth camp industry. By partnering with Green Camps, you can make a significant impact. Whether you’re interested in volunteering your time, sharing your expertise as a presenter, becoming a valued member, or supporting our mission through donations, your contribution is vital. Green Camps offers a variety of ways for individuals and organizations to get involved and make a difference. Your involvement not only supports environmental stewardship but also nurtures the next generation’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. Let’s collaborate to create lasting change and inspire young minds! Connect with us to explore the numerous ways you can contribute to this exciting and important movement.