The grounds around Edisto Hall at James Island County Park were buzzing with excited volunteers, enthusiastic students, inspired community partners and amazing teachers during the 10th Annual Youth Environmental Summit. It was a great day for everyone to come together and share information about what they had done during the year and gain ideas about what kinds of environmental issues they may want to work on next year.
Upon arrival students met their group leaders and were given t-shirts, water bottles and chicobags for use during the day. Then, they got to rotate through stations to interact with community partners and learn from other student presentations as well. Participants helped build a shed for Habitat for Humanity, pet a diamondback terrapin from the SC Aquarium, bowled for recycling with the Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth & Families, peeked into the microscopic world of phytoplankton with the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network and much, much more! Students from Porter Gaud, Haut Gap Middle School, Charleston Day School, Belle Hall Elementary School, Black Street Elementary School, Stiles Point Elementary School, James Island Charter High School and Wando High School all presented their projects using posters, videos, brochures and even a rap!
After spending time learning what the various organizations are doing to improve our communities, participants were treated to a yummy lunch from CiCi’s pizza and The Cake Stand. During lunch everyone reflected on the high points of the day and shared what they most enjoyed. Although everyone agreed that they had learned a lot, many participants were surprised by Charleston’s air quality (Coastal Conservation League) and the importance of oyster habitat (SCDNR SCORE program). One of the favorite presentations was the “Recycle Rap” from the Haut Gap Middle School students!
After lunch Stacey Littlefield and Anna Richardson of Lowcountry Earth Force gave EcoHero awards to student leaders from Stiles Point Elementary School, Charleston Day School, Belle Hall Elementary School, Black Street Elementary School and Haut Gap Middle School. All EcoHeros were chosen by their Earth Force groups for being leaders in the Earth Force projects and got a certificate and a free ticket to the SC Aquarium! Following awards everyone got a chance to speak with any of the community partners they may have missed, participate in a sing-along, have their face painted or just enjoy James Island County Park. “It was very, very exciting and fun.” said Briandria Mack of Haut Gap Middle School and we at Lowcountry Earth Force definitely agree.
For more information about the Summit please see the Charleston Post and Courier article link above.
