Teens
Teenagers may be ready to learn about the environment more independently than younger kids, but parents can still be involved by providing suggestions, directions, and limitations. Parents may also lend a hand in creating and directing different opportunities for teens. Becoming involved with certain groups can help improve teenagers' self-esteem and introduce them to other teens with similar interests. Some opportunities may offer insight to future careers, while others may help students accrue volunteer hours needed for grade school or college.
Teens can do environmental research for a science-fair project. Many students are required to do a science-fair project either for extra credit or as part of their grade. Topics can include burying waste to determine how long it takes to degrade, or watering plants with acidic liquid to determine the effect of acid rain. By performing the research and the experiment, students can learn environmental lessons firsthand.
If teenagers want to experience the outdoors and learn about the environment, they can participate in a parks program. Some programs include helping maintain facilities or teaching and leading children, while others focus on adventure. The Yosemite National Institutes offer teens from eighth through twelfth grade sleep-away camps at different parks. At the Olympic Park Institute in Washington, students can participate in the Elwha River Project that includes five days of exploring the ecosystem. The Yosemite Institute in California offers twelve days of backpacking, rafting, and rock climbing. Campers also perform research that could lead to college credit. More information on these programs is available online at www.yni.org.
The Teen Environmental Media Network, founded by Jerry Kay, gives high school students in Marin County, California, experience in learning and reporting on the environment. The teens perform research and learn how to interview, write, and edit their articles. Stories appear in community newspapers and on local and national radio programs. More on this program can be found at www.eecom.net.
Rather than sit on the sidelines listening to adults, teens can be active participants in environmental, humanitarian, and animal causes. Teens can join organizations geared toward their age group or they can mix it up with other ages. Organizations such as the Humane Society have a special branch just for teens called Humane Teen. This organization provides teens with information on organizing projects that can help animals in their own town. The Web site www.humaneteen.org also has information on becoming involved in larger issues like factory farms and fur labeling.
