National Forest Foundation | Earth Camp

Earth Camp

Conservation Stewards for a New Generation

The National Forest Foundation proudly supports Tucson-area high school students in underserved communities by providing three-day experiences throughout the school year; connecting science, art and communication, ethnobotany, and engineering with hands-on stewardship and restoration experiences on the Coronado National Forest. Earth Camp brings STEAM skills to life while also providing outdoor leadership opportunities.

Support Young Minds

With your help, we can get more students outside!

  • Provide program support
  • Sponsor a student,
  • Donate equipment and supplies.

Photo by Michelle Dillon Photography

With our partners at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Arizona Conservation Corps, four unique sessions are offered, each aligned with a STEAM career and technology focus. In each session, students learn the connection between current professional fields/interests and the resources and values of the Coronado National Forests. Students can participate in one (or all) of the four sessions, including:

  • The science of earth conservation
  • The art and communications of earth conservation
  • The engineering of earth conservation
  • The foods and culture of earth conservation

Earth Camp stewards develop new skills and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. All while connecting their interests and career pathways to a new landscape and perspective.

Eci Fall 18 006
An Average Day in the Life of an Earth Conservation Camp Steward

Each of the three-day sessions offers new experiences. Students will:

  • Work in the field on a restoration project,
  • Apply session themes to restoration and management needs on federal lands,
  • Meet a variety of scientists, social media specialists, forest leaders, and botanical experts,
  • Participate in team-building and leadership development activities, and
  • Provide reflections of personal and conservation goals through photos, social media content, and blogs.
Img 4536

Outcomes

  • Connecting Tucson-area high school students in under-served communities to their backyard National Forest
  • Introducing new career pathways aligned with STEAM focused interests
  • Supporting stewardship and restoration on the Coronado National Forest
  • Developing a new generation of public land stewards and advocates

Contact

Rebecca Davidson, Southwestern Regional Director and Youth Programs Director, at [email protected]