Educating kids about sustainability is crucial to a healthy future.
We empower future leaders to create a sustainable tomorrow with hands-on educational programs in local classrooms, and outside in gardens and on public lands. We help students understand the connection between humans and the environment, and to make decisions that reduce their impact.
How We're Making an Impact
EarthSmart: 4th & 5th
We've built interactive lessons that focus on waste reduction, resource conservation, and sustainability in a free class-room science series that ends with a trip to the landfill.
EarthSmart is free for schools in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties!
Summer Camps
We offer two, four-day summer camp options each summer!
Forest Explorers is for kids entering 1st-4th grades, and Eco Hero Adventures is for kids entering 5th & 6th grades.
Outdoor Days
In partnership with the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon, outdoor days provide students with an understanding of the systems in nature that make life possible. Students connect with the natural world through hands-on experience in local settings.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Support youth education today
Are you passionate about connecting students to nature and sustainability in schools? The Environmental Center is seeking like-minded individuals and businesses to sponsor the Youth Education program.
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Internship Opportunities
We currently host two regular internship opportunities through our Youth Education Program:
- Outdoor School Day Internships, beginning in spring, take place at various outdoor sites across the region. Outdoor Days are experiential based hands-on learning, playing, and exploring in nature. Read about Outdoor School Day internships.
- Summer Camp Internships take place from June to August. Interns help to deliver two programs focused on sustainability and connection to our local environment: Eco Hero Adventures and Forest Explorers.