Building Their Own Future: Campbell Collegiate Environmental Club
By Phil Boychuk
Most people feel more energy on a sunny day, but for the students of Campbell Collegiate in Regina a sunny day brings a different kind of energy in the form of hot water produced by their solar-thermal panels. Thanks to the Campbell Collegiate Environment Club, students can wash their hands or shower after gym class knowing that the hot water they are using produces fewer greenhouse gases than a conventional fossil fuel system. After an ambitious campaign to raise money for solar-thermal panels was launched in 2008, the Club’s efforts came to fruition when the panels were installed on the school’s roof in July 2009 by Kelln Solar, local solar company.
The Campbell Environment Club has created an enviable record of achievement since a student first approached teacher Deborah Neiblas six years ago with the idea of starting an environmental club. This year’s goal is to renovate a dilapidated, off-limits campus courtyard that is strewn with concrete (and the odd dead pigeon). They want to create a gathering place for students surrounded by native prairie plants.
The enthusiasm of the students in their solar energy campaign was so inspiring to the executives of the Co-operators Life Insurance Company in Regina that they made a generous contribution which meant the panels were installed earlier than projected. Sustainability is part of The Co-operators’ corporate mandate, and the company was looking for ways to be a catalyst for environmental change. The idea of assisting high school students with sustainability projects was so tantalizing that they hired a full-time coordinator to work with all of the environmental clubs in Regina’s high schools. In September 2009, Kathleen Wilson was hired as the first Sustainability Youth Coordinator. Wilson currently works with five different high school environment clubs. She provides them with professional guidance on how to plan, coordinate and implement environmental projects. She is a permanent resource person for the clubs.
The Campbell Environment Club started with 5 students and now averages about 15 to 20 members. It aims to raise consciousness about the environment among the student population. The club goes on field trips and attends environmental events. Amanda, the club’s current president, noted that being in the club has expanded her understanding of environmental issues “I always thought that it was important to ‘recycle,’ but now I realize that the first step is to ‘refuse’ altogether if I can.”
In addition to the solar panels, the club’s 2007 and 2008 Eco-Fairs were exceptionally successful. Local environmental groups were invited to showcase their activities. They included displays on pesticide reduction, recycling, outdoor education, and wildlife and habitat preservation among others. Even political parties were invited to highlight their environmental policies. Also, speakers gave talks on environment issues.
A prominent feature of the Eco-Fairs are the science projects on the environment. Two elementary schools participated along with the Grade 10 science students. Prizes are awarded to the best student projects. Club members sell popcorn, t-shirts and cloth bags to raise money. Exhibits have included a smart car, a hybrid car and a solar oven. A burrowing owl was very popular last year.
The Eco-Fair concept is now expanding. A number of high school environment clubs are presently working with Wilson to create an “Eco-Village.” The event is tentatively planned for Thom Collegiate in the spring. She is also advising individual clubs on their sustainability projects including vermicomposting and low-energy sensor lighting.
The genesis of the solar-panel project occurred in 2008 when the Regina Public Schools sent 10 students from each high school to a week- long conference on energy production. The students felt that renewable energy merited more investigation. After the conference some of them joined the Environment Club, as did Mr. Ian Mitchell, a Campbell teacher. The club concluded that putting up solar-thermal panels was feasible. The students were adept fundraisers. A dinner and silent auction fundraiser at the Abbey Restaurant was a highlight. In an impressively short period the club had raised $25,000. Mr. Mitchell is still in “awe at how quickly it came together.”
The partnership between the high schools and The Co-operators has been remarkably beneficial. It is generating exciting sustainability projects, and the students are deepening their understanding of the environment. Wilson embraced her new role and immediately organized a one-day youth environment forum in November at the University of Regina. Students from Regina and local high school environmental clubs participated in workshops about sustainability, project management, and leadership development. The students also met environmental leaders from the community.
Wilson is helping the students master the fundamentals of creating sustainability projects. The students are learning about such things as advertising, networking, fundraising, project design, and connecting to business, government and community. She will be hosting mid- and end-year meetings to help club members review their progress and build momentum for new projects.
Regina high schools are producing the next generation of environmental leaders.
To make a donation or learn more about the Campbell Collegiate Environment Club you can email them at: Campbell_environ_club@hotmail.com
For information on The Co-operators’ Youth Sustainability Program see the Regina Yes Network blog at http:reginayesnetwork.blogspot.com/ or contact Kathleen Wilson at: Phone (306) 347-6497 or Email: Kathleen_wilson@cooperators.ca
Article appeared in the January/Februrary 2010 SES Newsletter.
