FIFTY YEARS of STEWARDSHIP Interactions with nature are good for the heart and soul. Spending time outdoors improves health, learning, problemsolving, and memory, along with other benefits we are just starting to understand. YMCA Camp Surf’s location on the coast in Southern California is incredible. The fact that its 45 acres includes a sandy beach, gentle left break, tide pools, and coastal wetland creates the perfect backdrop for nurturing deep connections to nature.
Having an Environmental Stewardship Plan changed the culture of YMCA Camp Surf. All departments and staff worked together to learn and make changes in order to reduce consumption of natural resources, minimize waste, and promote sustainable stewardship. More importantly, the staff wanted to model those choices for the kids and families that participated in camp programs. The plan was updated annually to meet changing needs, and to consider new information and options.
YMCA Camp Surf was started to provide outdoor opportunities for youth. Programs have evolved over the years, and life-changing outdoor experiences have always been the goal. In the 1990’s the YMCA focused nationally on the 4 “core values” of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Camp Surf took that to also mean respect for all living things, and included environmental stewardship as part of Responsibility. In 2004 staff developed a Waste Reduction Plan that over time became the iCARE Plan. iCARE was started by YUSA to bring environmental stewardship to YMCA camps across the country. Leadership changes at YUSA moved in a different direction, but YMCA Camp Surf continued to be an iCARE champion.
Recycling efforts increased, and recycling bins were placed next to every trash can to emphasize choices. Reducing and reusing resources was even more important than recycling since, by the year 2000, more than 15,000 people visited YMCA Camp Surf every year. Disposable food service items were eliminated and paper plates and plastic ware were no longer used for convenience. Campers on trips started washing plates and cups. Cloth napkins replaced paper napkins, and guests donated unwanted mugs to replace paper coffee cups. The message was clear: YMCA Camp Surf was taking the extra step to reuse items, instead of creating cheap and easy “convenience” garbage.
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