Planting a tree is an act of hope for the future and children need to have hope now more than ever.
ChariTree’s ‘A Tree for Every Child Program’ strives to give as many children as we can a tree of their own. It’s about supporting environmental education programs for children by giving kids a tree to plant at their home, camp or school that is native to their region ~ and an opportunity to connect with nature and contribute positively to their world.
When children plant trees they can learn:
- hands-on experience changing the world by learning how to plant and care for a tree
- STEM tree science and ecology
- forest connectivity and cooperation
- compassion for trees
- tree conservation
Over the past ten years, more than 120,000 children had the opportunity to plant a tree at summer camps across Canada and in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Nepal.
“Thank you again for this great initiative. Wonderful idea, and a hit with our campers,” said Miles Villneff, Assistant Director, Onondaga Camp.
The ‘Tree for Every Child Project’ was created by ChariTree founder and children’s environmental education advocate, Andrea Koehle Jones, in cooperation with The Canadian Camping Association. More recently, Andrea has focussed on international projects. She says it’s about creating a fun opportunity to get children and teens outdoors and teaching them to plant trees and care about something beyond themselves. “I’m so happy kids had the opportunity to learn more about trees and their contribution in the world,” Koehle Jones said. “I love projects that educate and empower kids to know that they can help make the world a better place. I am thankful for all the amazing camp and school leaders who helped out ~ and I’m especially proud of every child that planted a tree.”
“It is amazing to see seedlings that we planted two years ago thriving and growing all over our property,” said- Meg Doherty, Camp Ekon.
“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.”
— Jeff “Capt” Brown, Owner/Director, Camp Otterdale, Lombardy, ON
“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
“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 an 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
How to request seedlings:
Follow on Blue Sky or check The ChariTree Foundation website for updates when we are open for schools and camps to request trees.