Background
Camp Kawartha has offered outdoor recreation and environmental education to children, families and the Peterborough community for almost a century.
Camp Kawartha operates the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, which was constructed to demonstrate sustainable living. It is a unique partnership between the Gainey Foundation, Trent University and Fleming College’s sustainable building program. More than 30 foundations, organizations, public institutions, businesses and individuals have supported the construction and programming of the Centre.
Taking action
The Camp Kawartha Environment Centre is a green building that showcases innovative features such as straw bale construction, photovoltaic and geothermal technology, energy metering, compost toilets, a living green roof and a rainwater collection system. The building was designed to be carbon-neutral. Camp Kawartha has a comprehensive environmental education program:
- Curriculum-based youth education programs on topics including alternative energy, sustainable living practices in action, ecology, and art
- Environmental education training for current and future educators
- Workshops on sustainable living for residents from the Greater Peterborough Community.
Achieving results
Since Camp Kawartha opened its doors two years ago:
- 4,366 elementary and secondary students have participated in climate change-related talks. Online surveys demonstrate learning benefits from the programs
- More than 7,500 visitors have participated in tours, programming and open houses, including more than 400 teachers and principals
- The photovoltaic solar system has produced 4,860 kilowatt hours of electricity, saving an additional 8,262 pounds of carbon from being released
Born from a simple dream to serve as a model of sustainability, the Centre has enriched the social capital within Peterborough through its partnerships and community outreach.
