Thousands of children have learned how to plant trees through The ChariTree Foundation’s environmental education programs
Vancouver, BC — 15/4/2024 — — Since 1930, the province of British Columbia has successfully planted 10 billion trees, with an impressive 2 billion being planted in just the last seven years through heightened reforestation efforts.
The ChariTree Foundation commends this 10 billionth tree milestone and notes that in recent years children and youth in BC and across Canada have had the opportunity to participate in The ChariTree Foundation’s programs by planting trees through their summer camps, schools and outdoor education programs.
“This is a fun way to get kids outside, teach them to plant local tree species and care about their world,” says Andrea Koehle Jones, award-winning environmental education advocate and executive director, The ChariTree Foundation. She hope to give thousands of campers at 100 camps in BC and across Canada an opportunity to plant a tree this summer. “When children understand trees and how they impact the world they depend on, they are more likely to make a lifelong commitment to protect the environment for themselves and future generations.”
The ChariTree Foundation has just launched their updated program so even more children and youth at Canadian Camping Association (CCA) summer camps across Canada can participate in a ground-breaking national children’s tree planting and biodiversity education project.
More than 100,000 children at summer camps across Canada have already planted trees with camp staff and now The ChariTree Foundation wants to give even more kids an opportunity to plant a tree and learn about the importance of trees.
Canadian Camping Association (CCA) camps across Canada can apply to participate in a ground-breaking national children’s tree planting and biodiversity education project.
PROGRAM FAQ
CCA Camp owners and directors can apply now for a $1,000 grant to:
- purchase fruit trees and / or native trees and seedlings for your campers to plant (from your local tree farms and nurseries)
- bring in environmental education experts like teachers, biologists, arborists… to help kids plant and learn about trees and biodiversity
- host a children’s tree planting party for campers.
*Grants will be provide to CCA camps until the grant fund runs out so apply early. Successful applications will be announced by email and delivered by June 12, 2024.
“We had lots of fun with this tree planting project. With a certified arborist on our team we made good use of the trees with strategic placement while making it a fun time for our campers.” – Derrik, Lake Scugog Camp.
Camps applying for a $1,000 grant from The ChariTree Foundation should watch for announcements on charitree-foundation.org + @Love_Trees
The ChariTree Foundation is a national non-profit connecting children across Canada and around the world to environmental education to help them survive and thrive today and lead a better tomorrow.
Andrea is a ‘Women for Nature’ mentor and a recipient of a National 2011 Canadian Camping Association’s Award of Excellence for her tree planting and environmental education program that gave more than 100,000 children at summer camps across Canada an opportunity to plant trees.
“Thanks to all CCA campers, staff and volunteers and of course the remarkable Catherine Ross, my mentor from Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da ~ who all worked together to plant thousands of trees across Canada over the last ten summers,” said Andrea Koehle Jones, Founder, The ChariTree Foundation.
“We successfully planted 300 saplings at Camp Wenonah in July this year! It was a unique experience for campers and staff alike, providing them with the opportunity to bond with nature and contribute to the land of the Camp they all hold so dear. Every camper, ages 8-18, had the chance to plant a tree in the location of their choice- some groups even planted tree gardens near their cabins which they could revisit and watch with care. Thank you ChariTree Foundation for providing us with this wonderful opportunity.” – Janette, Assistant Director, Camp Wenonah
“Thank you again for this great initiative. Wonderful idea, and a hit with our campers.” — Miles Villneff, Assistant Director, Onondaga Camp.
“We appreciate the gift that you provide which allows us to remind our campers and staff the need to maintain our efforts towards renewable resources. Thank you.” — Jocelyn Palm, Director, Glen Bernard Camp, Sundridge, ON
“Getting the trees each year is a big thrill for our us. I think we have been involved for 5 + years with the program. It was a difficult year with the high heat in the early summer but we did our best to get trees in the ground and established early. It is rewarding to see trees from a few years ago doing well. We are always working to connect our campers with the natural environment, tree planting and clearly helps.”
— Jeff “Capt” Brown, Owner/Director, Camp Otterdale, Lombardy, ON
“The children had a great day outside learning about the trees and how to plant and care for them. As the trees grow, they will provide important habitat and their shade will help maintain a healthy, cool water temperature in Joseph Creek. Thank you ChariTree!” ~ Blue Lake Camp, Cranbrook, BC
“It was a meaningful connection for them and am incredible gift to make concrete change to the site through planting of trees. I know that as those trees grow our staff will be directing reminded about the meaningful work that they did. — Thanks again!” — Sharon Millar, Director, Cave Springs Camp, Beamsville, Ontario
“There is something magical about the act of planting a tree. It is one of the best ways to foster hope and empowerment for a greener future. Kids love taking part in this meaningful act. Thank you for the opportunity.” — Jacob Rodenburg, Douro Dummer, ON