Building a sustainable camp culture
Imagine sustainability as a massive LEGO set—a collection of colorful bricks, each representing a resource that helps build a sustainable model. Unlike traditional LEGO sets with clear instructions, sustainability is an evolving process that varies from camp to camp due to differences in location, resources, and organizational priorities. Most of us are working with a mix of pieces—limited budgets, minimal buy-in, and limited knowledge about best practices for sustainability. But with creativity and determination, we can still create something meaningful.
What motivates directors to make camps more sustainable? Is it saving money, educating campers, attracting camper families who prioritize sustainability, responding to staff requests, or addressing pressure from key stakeholders? Whatever the motivation, leaders should start by collecting data. This action can help avoid wasting time, energy, and money—resources that could be more effectively utilized with the information gained from conducting a Green Needs Assessment.
Harnessing The Power Of Data
A Green Needs Assessment is the foundation for any camp that wants to implement meaningful environmental changes. It’s a tool that helps directors understand where they are, so they can plan where they need to go. By collecting data on areas like energy use, water consumption, and waste management, a needs assessment provides information to make strategic decisions that maximize both environmental and financial benefits.
The Value Of Data
Data aren’t only numbers and information—they are a powerful ally in achieving sustainability goals. Data can help leaders avoid misguided actions and instead focus on impactful, well-planned initiatives. By knowing exactly how much energy a camp uses, where water is being wasted, or how waste can be reduced, the staff gains clarity. This clarity means less guesswork and more efficient use of time and resources.
More importantly, data are the keys to securing funding. Many green initiatives fail to get off the ground simply because there’s a lack of evidence of their impact. By systematically collecting data, camps can build a compelling case for funding. This approach has already proven successful for many camps. For example, Pete Mahan at Geneva Glen Camp installed a water-monitoring system using EKM flow meters, which provided valuable data to track water use and identify leaks. With an initial investment of around $5,000, the camp was able to implement flow meters, omnimeters, and wireless communications across multiple wells. This setup not only saved time in daily monitoring but also provided insights into water use trends, enabling the camp to take proactive measures in water conservation.
At Green Camps, the team has found that research and data collection are the first steps to creating sustainability success stories. The organization’s vision is to leverage research to fund sustainable initiatives at camps nationwide. While Green Camps is not a research organization, it actively collaborates with researchers to advance its goals. As Lincoln R. Larson, Ph.D., Associate Professor at North Carolina State University, says, "I have worked on multi-million-dollar grants with many state and federal agencies, but few of those research projects have generated the real-world impacts that we've achieved through our partnership with Green Camps. It's great to work with an organization that really values research and thinks about how that work can be applied to change the culture of sustainability in camp organizations."
Dr. Larson's perspective highlights the broader value of research and data-driven decision-making. By collecting needs assessment data, Green Camps is building a case to attract funding for sustainable initiatives that benefit all camps. The collective data help create a larger narrative, one that shows how camps are uniquely positioned to make a significant environmental and educational impact.
Avoiding Overwhelm And Finding Focus
When it comes to sustainability, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of opportunities—energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and more.
Just like sorting LEGO pieces, a Green Needs Assessment helps directors figure out what they have and what to focus on first. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by too many options, data provide a clear path forward, allowing each camp to make informed decisions that align with its values and capabilities. This structured approach helps prevent distractions and allows leaders to choose projects that yield the most significant results.
Sample Needs Assessment Questions
Energy Consumption
- What types of energy sources does your camp currently use?
- How much energy does your camp consume monthly?
- Are there areas where energy consumption seems unusually high?
- Have you implemented energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting or energy-efficient appliances?
Water Usage
- How much water does your camp use daily?
- Are there any known leaks or maintenance issues related to water systems?
- What water-saving fixtures are currently in place (e.g., low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, etc.)?
- Do you have any water reuse or conservation initiatives in place?
Waste Management
- How is waste currently managed at your camp (e.g., landfill, recycling, composting, etc.)?
- What types of waste are produced in the largest quantities?
- Are there opportunities to reduce single-use items?
- How do you involve campers and staff in waste-reduction efforts?
Purchasing Practices
- Do you prioritize purchasing eco-friendly products?
- Are there opportunities to source supplies locally?
- How do you evaluate the environmental impact of the products you buy?
- Are there sustainable alternatives for frequently used items?
Environmental Education
- How are sustainability concepts integrated into camp programming?
- What opportunities exist for campers to learn about environmental stewardship?
- Are staff trained to incorporate sustainability education into their daily interactions?
- How do you measure the effectiveness of environmental education initiatives?
Educating And Empowering Campers And Staff
Whether a camp is installing low-flow showerheads or starting a composting program, consider how these actions can be used to educate campers and staff. At Catalina Island Camps, campers participate in sorting food waste, transporting it back to a garden, adding it to the compost pile, and then participating in an array of garden projects.
This composting program diverts around 20,000 pounds of food waste from the landfill each year. Campers love this experience so much that during evenings with free-choice programs, up to 40 campers voluntarily come back to help with more garden projects or just hang out. Let campers be part of the process—get them involved in waste audits, energy-saving challenges, and other initiatives. This hands-on approach helps demystify sustainability and shows campers they have the power to make a difference. Remember, even small, strategic changes can make a big impact when guided by clear data.
Take The First Step With Green Camps
At Green Camps, we believe every camp can become a model of sustainability, and it all starts with understanding the program’s current impact. Our free Green Needs Assessment is designed to help camps gather essential data to make informed decisions, prioritize actions, and secure funding for green initiatives. After completing the assessment, camps will receive a free consultation with custom recommendations tailored to the program’s unique needs.
Dani Suchow, Director of Pocono Springs Camp, says, "Danny and the Green Camps Team helped us realize that sustainability goals don’t have to be overwhelming. Both big-picture and small-scale progress [were] made from our initial brainstorm, with a realistic plan of action able to be put into place the very next day. Forming a 'Green Team' of our own staff, who are dedicated to moving us towards a 'greener' future, was a great way to hear feedback from unique angles around camp. Seeing the pride they take in bettering Pocono Springs is impactful, and we are excited to empower them with opportunities to create change within our camp community."
Together, we can build a brighter, greener future for the camping community. The time to act is now, and every small step counts. Visit https://www.greencamps.org/needsassessment/ to get started or reach out at hello@greencamps.org for more information. Let’s work together to create a sustainable camp legacy that will inspire generations to come.
