Camp Gray - A Catholic Camp - Environmental Stewardship Program

Environmental Stewardship Program
Camp Gray ESP photo - Camp Gray: A Catholic summer camp and Year-round retreat center

"We are not gods, but stewards of the earth." -- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

"[Camp Gray] did a great job of incorporating faith in the environmental activities by expressing the importance of what God gave to us through creation." -- 7th Grade Teacher

Environmental Stewardship, in contrast with environmental education, places an emphasis on the "why" of environmental science and conservation. As Christians, we care for creation (the earth, plants, animals, and each other) because we are part of a greater community. We are children of the Creator who promised Abraham, "I will be your God, and you will be my people." The focus of the program will be on how we uphold our part of that covenant.

Our Site:

225 acres of varied ecology in the Baraboo Hills including prairies, marshes, oak savannas, pine woodlands, a stream, a pond, and open wetlands.

The Program:

For grades 5-8
Opportunities to experience wonder and awe in God's creation
Hands-on learning of science concepts like ecosystems, decomposition, the water cycle, botany, and more
Fostering healthy relationships in Catholic community - including leadership and team building
Integration of care for creation with current environmental and social issues
Opportunity for self-reflection and practical ideas to take home
A bit of good old camp fun!

During a typical ESP retreat, the class will do some icebreakers and team building activities, have a picnic lunch, go on an exploratory hike with science, prayer, and games, have choice time, do an evening activity, have a campfire, participate in an environmental vespers. . .and that's just day one!
On the second day the group will participate in a solo hike, hands-on Eco-rotations where science concepts are taught, and a closing program. Some of the Eco-rotations, include

"May the Forest be with You" - teaches about forest ecology and management.
"ExStream Hike" - learn about stream ecology and dynamics as well as the water cycle.
"Alien Invaders" - teaches about invasive species, why they are a problem and what we can do to control their spread.
"Marsh Madness" - learn about the functions of wetland areas and examine the invertebrate life that lives there.
"Camp Gray: Survivor" - teaches wilderness survival skills and the "leave no trace" ethic of human interaction with the wild.

These Eco-rotations focus on hands-on, experiential learning and are a favorite part of the students' experience.

May the Forest be with You!
Two students learn about forest management in "May the Forest be with You"

The Leaders:

Faith-filled role models
Most with college degrees
Trained in retreat leadership
Practicing environmental stewardship
Volunteers, living in community at Camp Gray
See also, our Volunteer Program Specialists >>

The Price:

The price of an Environmental Stewardship retreat varies based on the number of participants and the time of year it is conducted. For more information on pricing for an ESP retreat, please visit our School Program Rates Page >>

For more information about the program, pricing, and available dates, contact Rebecca, our program director at 1-800-711-4729 or you reach her via Email >> You can also just download the Environmental Stewardship Retreat Request Form >> and send it in to Camp Gray. Many thanks.

Camp Gray ● E10213 Shady Lane Road, Reedsburg, WI 53959 ● 1-800-711-4729 ● www.campgray.com ● Email Us