Canadian summer camps are at the forefront of adapting to the increasing effects of climate change. These campgrounds are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their campers despite having to deal with searing heat waves and the dark threat of wildfire smoke.
By embracing cutting-edge techniques and promoting environmental awareness, they are preserving the tradition of summer camp and raising a new generation of environmentally conscious people. This article offers an in-depth exploration of creative initiatives by Canadian summer camps to meet the demands of a changing climate.
Summer camps adapt to climate change
Credit: The New York Times
Nadia Clendon loves camping so much that she uses her summer camp alias, Potamus, even at home. For Potamus, we performed at Sandy Beach Park, the 15-year-old said. And we maintain the Potamus Gardens. Nadia is autistic.
Nadia’s mother, Jana El-Guebaly, says that even though she only attends for a few weeks each summer, Nadia’s experiences making friends and participating in activities are so important to her that she talks about them for months.
Nadia, however, was at her Calgary home when she spoke to Global News. Due to the terrible air quality, her camp was cancelled. It took Nadia a while to realize that today would not be a camping day, according to El-Guebaly.
Camps across the country are facing problems due to climate change. They must adapt to the warmer climate and smoke from wildfires.
Credit: Global News
According to camp managers in Ontario and Alberta, they are committed to preserving the essentials of camping, like making friends while canoeing or relaxing by the campfire. But those activities can take on a different guise to keep kids happy and safe.
In case they encounter more wildfire smoke, “We’ve sent N-95 masks on many of our longer trips, especially in Algonquin Park,” Andrea Lewis said. She works as Camp Kawartha’s health coordinator and is a registered nurse. The camp is located about 170 kilometers east of Toronto.
Also, according to her, the cabins at Camp Kawartha are now air-conditioned, keeping campers out of the sun from noon to 2:30 p.m. Speaking from Toronto, she added that staff have begun scheduling more opportunities for campers to soak in the lake.
Lewis said the summer weather had put the spotlight back on children’s health, focusing on symptoms of tiredness, increased thirst, irregular breathing and headaches. He noted that children “absorb more heat from the environment and produce more heat when they exercise,” despite sweating less than adults.
Credit: Education Abroad
The Ontario Camping Association, which accredits camps in the province, is led by Dave Newnham. He added that by adapting, the camps can continue to provide traditional activities, even if they seem a bit different. Speaking from Hamilton, he commented: “If we can’t have a campfire, then people are quite inventive. Using cardboard painted red and orange,” (the counselors and campers) are building imaginary fires. And they are still singing songs as they sit around that huge fire,” he continued.
A water regatta, for example, could no longer be scheduled in the middle of the day, according to Newnham, who is also vice president of camping and outdoor education for the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
“The environmental conditions in which we operate the camps will change over time, regardless of El Niño, climate change or the wildfire situation. The situation will not be the same as 20 years ago. And this kind of discussion about how we are changing will need to continue, he said.
According to Aurora Anderson, a board member for the Alberta Camping Association, planning will likely involve:
- More activities indoors and with air conditioning.
- More funding for transportation to and from those places.
- More sports meant to cool down the participants.
They are using cooling pads and participating in various water games. She said from Calgary: “We also have water cannons for water battles. El-Guebaly stressed the importance of the camp for her two children.
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Their 15-year-old son, Jalen Clendon (camp name: “Ice Tea”), spent ten years camping with Nadia and volunteering there. He added that he has definitely improved my understanding of Nadia and people with similar issues. “Shouldn’t I send them to the camp anymore?” El-Guebaly declared.
No, just because it’s awesome.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn