As part of our mission, Casey Trees engages youth from all over the District, investing the next generation in the cultivation and care of our urban tree canopy. Through in-school programming, school tree plantings, partnerships, and spring and summer break camps, youth not only learn the significance of trees in their city, but also how they can meaningfully impact their future in a changing world.
This month, the education team at Casey Trees hosted a week-long spring break camp for 21 students in 3rd to 5th grades. As part of our TreeWise program, the theme was Planet Protectors, and campers learned about the local impacts of climate change and how they can be stewards of their natural environment right here in DC.
Each day was rooted in a different theme, and activities were centered around crafts, hiking, and science experiments. Campers had a great time forging new friendships, learning new games, and exploring the Brookland community, all while developing the skills to restore their environment and advocate for positive change in their DC neighborhoods.
Check out what campers were up to each day!
Monday: All About Trees! 🌳
We kicked things off with a behind-the-scenes visit to the Tree Operations “shop” to see how our team plants and cares for trees across the city. Then it was off to Turkey Thicket Park, where we practiced identifying trees with the Casey Trees Species Guide, tasted redbud flowers, and made beautiful leaf luminaries with our collected tree treasures.
Tuesday: Action and Advocacy 📝
We dove into local government, learning who makes decisions in DC and how we can speak up for the environment. Campers wrote thoughtful letters to their councilmembers and ANC officials with some incredibly creative ideas. We also visited Noyes Park for games and a trash cleanup, joined by ANC Commissioner Ra Amin (5B04), who chatted with the kids about how they can make a difference right in their own neighborhoods.
Wednesday: Water Watchers 💧
Water was our focus, and we explored how it moves through our city with watershed models and digital simulators (surprisingly popular!). We tested stormwater retention and talked about the impact of different surfaces in our neighborhoods. Campers then competed in our very first Casey Trees Nature Quest—a team scavenger hunt filled with silly tasks and nature discoveries! You can also be a “water watcher” and sign up for our Watering Alerts to help!
Thursday: Pollinator Power 🐝
We spent the day learning all about pollinators, starting with a visit to the Bee Care Institute at the Franciscan Monastery. With help from a beekeeper, we safely observed a working hive and even tasted honey straight from the comb! We also explored how seeds travel and got crafty designing seeds that could float, glide, or tumble through the air.
Friday: Field Trip Fun 🌸
Our big adventure took us to the US National Arboretum. We traced the path of the Anacostia River, saw firsthand how trash affects our waterways, and connected it all back to our watershed lessons. After a peaceful hike through Fern Valley (and a frog hunt!), we enjoyed the lilacs in bloom and a picnic lunch at the Capitol Columns. You can visit the arboretum anytime and follow the Friends of the National Arboretum to learn about upcoming events. We wrapped up the week back at Casey Trees with some sweet reflections and a super fun ice cream party with everyone.
Thanks to generous funding from partners and donors, we are able to provide a lower-cost camp for families and support other program initiatives in the city with a focus on Wards 5, 7, and 8—areas with lower tree canopy.
If you’re interested in sponsoring a youth scholarship for one of our camps, a $500 donation helps us provide a safe, fun, and educational outdoor camp for youth at low-cost. Your gift helps grow both our urban forest and the next generation of environmental stewards. Donate here.
