Earthkeepers Program Details

	"Earthkeepers is a great place to learn about nature, to find your connection with it and to learn how to protect the Earth."

EarthkeepersTM is a comprehensive environmental science program geared to 4th graders. The on-site portion of the program lasts three full days at the Earthkeepers Training Center, a natural outdoor setting at T.R.E.E.'s Outdoor Classroom just west of Covington or at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve in Barataria. The Earthkeepers staff and the classroom teacher combine efforts to provide a dynamic, effective learning experience. The teacher will continue this program back at school which will encourage the students to continue to apply their learning beyond the classroom. Earthkeepers is a beginning unit rather than a culminating one.

The Earthkeepers program helps young people understand the life support systems of the planet while developing a personal relationship with the earth and its life. The program deals with four basic ecological concepts – the flow of energy, the cycling of materials, the interrelating of life, and the changing of forms. Participants also experience the richness of the earth through first-hand contact with the natural world.

Another important component of the program is asking the participants to examine their personal lifestyle, committing themselves to individual changes that will reduce impact upon the systems of life. This commitment is greatly magnified by helping others back at school to know and to care about the earth, the final component of the program.

The following are some important points you'll want to know:

• Earthkeepers has been run by T.R.E.E. for the past 9 years. Over 1,300 New Orleans area students have attended. The staff is highly trained, caring and committed.
• T.R.E.E. and school personnel provide a 1 to 4 adult to student ratio during the program. Students are NEVER without adult supervision.
• The class receives direct instruction from T.R.E.E staff. The students are divided into small working groups of three to four by the teacher, so during each activity students have full participation in the hands-on activities. This provides for personal, quality learning for each child.
• Students provide their own lunches.
• The cost of the Earthkeepers program includes EVERYTHING! (Included in the cost is bus transportation, site fees, all supplies for activities, and instruction by T.R.E.E.'s highly trained staff.)