Members of the International Wind Energy Academy (IWEA) at Lethbridge College stand in front of a
group of eager children. Eight college instructors are brimming with enthusiasm as they prepare to share their passion for wind energy with their young pupils. It’s the first year for the IWEA Wind Energy Youth Camp and it’s hard to tell who’s more excited – the kids or the teachers.
Lethbridge College hosted the IWEA Wind Energy Youth Camp on August 18. Twelve “eco-conscious” kids took part in a day full of learning, interaction and games, all with a focus on wind energy and the environment.
Kendra Gawletz (Comm. Arts ‘05), camp coordinator, says the kids learned about how wind energy is created and why it’s an important natural resource to southern Alberta and the world. Through hands-on wind experiments, even building their own turbines, the kids learned about renewable resources and what they can do in their own homes, schools and neighbourhoods to improve the environment.
“We want the kids to know that they can do their part in bettering the Earth, no matter how young or old they are,” she says. “We want to empower children to think for themselves and be creative when it comes to being eco-friendly.”
Gawletz says that wind turbines are a part of our landscape and it’s important that kids understand their significance in providing us with a clean, unlimited energy source. She says kids can be passionate about the environment but often need help getting started. “I think sometimes they feel that they can do very little, because they are young, and they don’t have their own money, but we want to teach them that there are things they can do and that every little bit helps.” She says kids can learn how to set an example for their peers, teachers and families. “Kids can inspire a ton of change; they just need to be empowered.”
Kids are our future. Camps like these are important because the more kids know about environmental issues, the better off we will all be. Gawletz says, “We essentially want to leave lasting impression with these children so that they can grow into informed, educated, eco-savvy adults.”
