Green Camps is conducting research to better understand composting practices at camps to provide support in adopting or enhancing composting programs. As part of this effort, we are inviting camps to participate in a 10-minute call with our intern to complete a short composting survey. This conversation will not only help us gather valuable data but also provide camps with resources and guidance on composting best practices.

Schedule a Call with Our Intern

We encourage camps to complete the survey in conversation with a Green Camps intern to help provide a more interactive and supportive experience.

📅 Schedule a 10-minute call through Calendly.

📧 Prefer to connect via email? Reach out to intern@greencamps.org

🔗 If you’d rather complete the survey independently, you can access it directly here. However, we highly encourage scheduling a call to enhance the experience and provide additional support!

Real Time Survey Data

As survey’s are completed, the charts below will update automatically to provide real-time insights into composting practices and sustainability trends across the camp community. This growing dataset will be analyzed in partnership with university researchers to better understand opportunities for impact.

Research Goals & Objectives

This ongoing internship focuses on engaging camps in sustainability efforts by:

• Collecting data on composting practices and challenges within the camp industry.
• Educating camps about composting benefits and providing resources to assist them.
• Supporting camps in implementing or improving composting programs.
• Using research findings to inform broader sustainability initiatives within Green Camps and the camp industry as a whole.
• Creating a strong case for funding green initiatives, such as composting, by demonstrating their impact and feasibility through collected data.

Explore More Green Camps Research

Our composting initiative is just one of the many research efforts at Green Camps. Check out other projects focused on sustainability in camps:

Exploring the Barriers and Motivators to Camp Sustainability

In a study published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, Green Camps investigated the current environmental sustainability practices of U.S. camps. The research identified participation in sustainable actions across five categories: waste management, sustainability education and communication, natural resource and wildlife conservation, energy and water consumption, and purchasing and procurement. While many camps are already engaged in sustainable practices, especially in waste management and education, the study found that inadequate financial and technological resources are significant barriers to further sustainability efforts. These insights highlight a strong interest in sustainability within the camp industry and reveal multiple ways to realize that potential.

Environmental Sustainability and the Camp Experience

In collaboration with Campfire, Green Camps conducted a study in 2020 to explore parents’ perspectives on environmental sustainability in summer camps. The findings reveal that while traditional camp experiences remain a top priority, parents also value environmental education, minimizing environmental impact, and engaging children in sustainability-focused activities. However, the concept of ‘green’ certified camps remains unfamiliar to many parents, and its influence on camp selection is uncertain.

This research highlights opportunities for camps to integrate sustainability initiatives while aligning with parental expectations.

Get Involved: Internship & Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in working on projects like this? Green Camps provides opportunities for students and professionals looking to advance sustainability in the camp industry through research, education, and outreach.

🔗 Apply for an Internship or Volunteer to gain hands-on experience in sustainability leadership.