If you are anything like me, you are reading this article while sitting indoors. I can remember a day when the majority of my days were spent outdoors. When I was a child I would dig in my backyard in New Jersey, wander the tide pools on vacations in Florida, and celebrate the cold beauty of winter skiing in Pennsylvania. No matter where you grew up, I am sure you can remember being “kicked” out of the house to play with friends, which led to hours of imaginative play. The wonder of those experiences and the intimate contact with creation has a lasting impact on our psyche.
As I look at my children and at the youth I encounter, I realize they are still filled with wonder when they come into contact with nature. I also realize that because there are many more choices that keep them indoors, they come into contact with nature less often than I did as a child. Whether it is the computer, the VCR, or their parents’ fear of the unknown that keeps them inside, their separation from nature has real consequences. They become alienated from a connection with God’s bounty, from a respect for the world around them, and from the cause and effect understanding of the impact of their actions on the environment.
Though today’s youth may not have the same personal relationship with and understanding of their environment, they are more educated than their parents were about the impact of our modern lifestyles on the environment. They are familiar with concepts such as global warming, fuel scarcity, and the impact of continued industrialization, so when they are introduced to the environment they live in and to God’s call to care for creation, they are fascinated and are eager to make a difference. They want their faith to be active and applied. Rick Ufford-Chase, former moderator of the General Assembly, PC(USA) observes, “At youth rallies throughout my travels as moderator, I heard how hungry they are for a tangible way to show their faith to others — for a way to make a difference.” Their concern for the environment coupled with their desire for purpose and mission creates an amazing opportunity for the Church that can be addressed through thoughtful and intentional programming at our camps and conference centers.
A movement is growing to build on the foundation laid by Presbyterian camps through environmental education and eco-theology, by partnering them with the resources, passion, and knowledge of Presbyterians for Restoring Creation (PRC). This partnership has led to the creation of the Presbyterian Conservation Corps (PCC) program. According to Ufford-Chase, the idea for furthering the existing relationship between Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA), the association supporting Presbyterian camps and professionals, and PRC with a focused program like the PCC started during his time as Moderator. “As I visited our camp and conference centers, I saw the vast tracts of preserved land our Church holds and the experienced leadership working with youth in those ministries. I began to think that by combining the strengths of PCCCA and PRC we could create a program like the PCC that would inspire and train youth for action in eco-stewardship. It is through providing opportunities for our church members to put their faith and their passions into action that we will re-energize the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and step out again as leaders in mission.”
The plan is to run a pilot Presbyterian Conservation Corps program at Westminster Woods in California in August of 2007. A group of college students will be trained as “Eco-Stewards.” They will be taught the theological call to care for others and the environment, and will gain practical experience by installing composting toilets that will benefit the campers and the environment. PRC will provide skilled instructors while the host camp and PCCCA will provide the youth leadership and program organization. The hope is that the enthusiasm for and the knowledge gained from the initial PCC program will inspire new programs where “Eco-Stewards” will teach high school students at summer camps, share their experience with churches and governing bodies, and work in other ministries at home and abroad putting their faith and skills into action.
The Rev. James Speers of Presbyterians for Restoring Creation shares in the excitement of the PCC program, “It is a great opportunity for Presbyterian, and other, youth and young adults to put into practice, through training in theology and best practices, some specific stewardship, education, and/or building programs in our camp and conference facilities. It can capture the imagination of young people at a time when they are searching their hearts, passions, and talents as they begin to consider career and life goals. It is a chance for our church to connect with that youth-young adult generation we all-too-often write off.”
The Presbyterian Conservation Corps is just the first step of what could be a multi-faceted movement to empower youth to act on their passions and have an impact on improving both the health of the planet and the health of all God’s children. The PCC will show that if we provide training, theology, direction, and resources, youth will respond with passion and results.
Will you join us? You can join us by encouraging youth to learn about and participate in the PCC; by telling your congregation and governing body about PCC; by volunteering as a PCC leader; by identifying ministries that PCC participants can partner with after their experience; by financially supporting the PCC; and most importantly by joining us in praying for the leaders and youth who will participate in the PCC this summer. To find out more you can join our Yahoo Group at https://groups.yahoo.com/group/conservationcorps/ or contact PCCCA at www.pccca.net or PRC at www.prc.org .
Brian Frick is program director of Heartland Presbyterian Center in Kansas City, Mo. He serves on the board of directors for Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA) and is the co-moderator of the Presbyterian Conservation Corps (PCC) partnership along with Rebecca Barnes-Davies of Presbyterians for Restoring Creation (PRC).
