Four Green Steps summer program

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© Copyright 2009-2011 Four Green Steps
Educational Activities for:
Summer camps
Community centers
Recreational facilities
School programs
Activities for All Ages

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Table of Contents
Enviro-Collage....................................................................................6
Enviro Colour War..............................................................................8
SHORT Activities:.............................................................................9
LONG Activities: ............................................................................13
EVENING Programs for camp or other school activities: .................15
Closing Ceremonies .......................................................................17
Waving the Green Flag.....................................................................18
Make Your Own Veggie Garden........................................................20

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Green Jeopardy
Suggested Level Grade 4-7/ ages 8-13
Time Frame At least 2.5 hours
Purpose To have students differentiate
between recycling, composting and waste.
Objective
Many students are unaware of which items
have to be recycled, composted, or thrown
into the garbage. This special day program
allows students to learn about three
important components towards helping the
environment. They will gain an in-depth
understanding of recycling, composting and
waste as they compete in teams for points
based on their knowledge.
Supplies
* Markers, crayons, pencils
* Scissors
* Paper or cardboard (preferably recycled
paper)
* Glue (any type of nontoxic water soluble
glue or make your very own vat of home-
made glue)
*Magazines, newspapers, journals (to find
pictures of the items, it is also a great way to
recycle your old magazines!)
Set Up
The teacher will have to prepare all the supplies prior to starting the activity with his/her
students. Art supplies will have to be organized and allotted to each student in the class. In
addition, the teacher will have to ask the students’ parents, the students, and/or send a note
home to the parents regarding the activity and what they may be required to bring into class.

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Structure
The students in your classroom should first be split up into teams. The amount of teams will
vary depending on the size of your classroom. In order for the students to feel comfortable
in their groups and get to know each other, have them come up with a team name
(preferably related to the environment). 10-20 minutes
*Option* Have your students create a team sign, which will include their team name. They
can create this sign using recycled paper, construction paper, old magazines and/or
newspapers. To maximize their knowledge on the environment, you can have them include
all types of pictures or drawings related to the environment. The best sign can be awarded a
certain amount of points. There can be a first, second and third place (depending on how
many teams there are), and award each a descending amount. 30- 45 minutes
Once all the teams have come up with a name and/or created their posters, and have
settled down, the teacher will then hold up a paper with an item on it.
*Option* The teacher can ask the students to each create their own paper with a recycled
or composted item, or one that would be thrown into waste. They can create the papers
using crayons, pencils, markers and construction or recycled paper. This will test the
students’ knowledge on the environment. 20-30 minutes
*Option* The teacher can ask the students to bring items to school on this particular day.
These items will fall under one of the three categories: recycling, composting or waste.
Instead of showing the students a paper with an item on it, the teacher can use the items
the students brought from home. This will give everyone in the class a chance to contribute
to the game.
*Option* The teacher can do this activity after lunch time, so that he/she can use the items
that are finished (and clean) from students’ lunch boxes.

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Once the teacher either holds up a paper with an item on it or shows the class an item, the
students will then have to decide if the item has to be recycled, composted, or thrown into
waste. The first team to raise their hands (or tap a bell or buzzer), will be able to answer. If
they answer correctly, they will be awarded a certain number of points (at least 2 points). If
they answer incorrectly, another team will have the chance to answer the question.
However, the team who answers correctly will be awarded fewer points than the original
team would have received (around 1 point).
After two teams have answered and they are incorrect, move on to a new item. The teacher
can continue to hold up as many items as he/she wants, until one of the team wins. The
teacher has the option to decide how many points a team must earn in order to win
(depending on how much time you have to play this game). The teacher can also give out
bonus points to teams who are able to mention what the item is used for. 1 hour +

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Enviro-Collage
Suggested Level Grades 5-8/ Ages 9-14
Time Frame At least 1.5 hours
Purpose To have students learn and
understand more about the environment.
Objective
Many students do understand the
consequences of their actions on the
environment. This activity allows students to
see a connection between everyday items,
natural resources and the environment.
Students will develop a deeper understanding
of living sustainability through this activity.
Supplies
* Paper or cardboard (preferably construction
paper or recycled paper)
*Eco-friendly markers, crayons, pencils
*Scissors
*Glue (any type of nontoxic water soluble glue
or make your very own vat of home-made
glue)
pictures of the items, it is also a great way to
recycle your old magazines!)
Set Up
students. Art supplies will have to be organized and allotted to each student and/or team in the
class. In addition, the teacher can ask the students’ parents, the students, and/or send a note
home to the parents regarding the activity and what they may be required to bring into class.
Structure
This activity can be done individually or in teams. If you decide to have the students do this
activity in teams, you can start by splitting your classroom into equal teams. The amount of
teams will vary depending on the size of your classroom. In order for students to feel
comfortable in their groups and get to know each other, have them come up with a team
name (related to the environment).
*Option* At the end of the activity, you can have each team explain the reasoning behind
their team name. 10-20 minutes
Once all the teams have settled into their groups (and come up with team names), the
teacher can distribute construction paper or cardboard to each of the teams. The teacher

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will then explain to the students what the activity entails. The students will be asked to
create a collage of pictures and/or items pertaining to the environment. The pictures the
students use will come from newspapers, journals, magazines, or anything you’d like to
reuse! 10-15 minutes
*Option* Students can bring in items from home or the outdoors to glue onto their collage.
This will create more of a variety in the collages.
The teacher will then give the students some guidelines. They must include items from at
least 3 of the categories on their collage, which include: composting, recycling, nature,
health, wellness,. All pictures must have to do with the environment. The students will be
awarded points for incorporating a variety of items, a variety of sources (magazines,
newspapers etc.) and for incorporating items that can be reused. Teams that include
pictures from all categories will be awarded the highest amount of points (based on their
relevance). 5-10 minutes
When the students are putting together their collages, they will also have to write a
sentence or phrase under or on top of each of the pictures they use on their paper. The
sentence must explain the item’s relation to the environment, its importance, and/or both.
45 minutes
Once the class has finished their collages, they will have the opportunity to present their
posters to the rest of the class. They will have to give an explanation of their poster (no
longer than 5 minutes). After a team presents their poster, this would be a good time for
them to explain their team name as well. Teams will be awarded points based on their
explanation of their poster and the items they included on it. Be sure that every team gets
ranked and is giving points. We want everyone to be considered a winner! 20-40 minutes

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Enviro Colour War
Suggested Level all ages
Time Frame Colour war may be a 1 day
activity for day camps or schools or up to a
3 day activity for overnight camps.
Purpose To have students or campers work
together in a team to compete in a variety
of activities that raise environmental
awareness
Objective Whether they’re at school, camp,
or a community center, kids always love to
get involved in colour war. Tying in the
environment to colour war is a perfect
combination. Not only will students be
playing games and having fun, but they’ll
broaden their knowledge on the
environment as well!
Setup
Participants will be introduced to the theme of colour war:
Evil Global Warming is about to take over the world. Each team must compete against
one another in numerous obstacles with the hopes of winning the battle and defeating
him!
Teams will be arranged, for example:
Treesgreen
Oceansblue
Wind Energywhite
Solar Energyred
If you are at camp, campers will be sent back to change into their team colour and if you’re
at school, events will start the following day so that students can dress accordingly
*The idea of dressing up in a colour helps you feel like you’re part of a team and you
feel more involved
Activities
Depending on whether colour war will be 1 day or 3 days, there are various activities that can
be arranged. A 1 day colour war can partake in 5-10 short activities and 1-2 long activities. A 3
day colour war can partake in all the listed activities. If you have participated in colour war
before, you can do the same activities as long as they are not wasteful, preferably outdoors and
eco-friendly influenced.

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SHORT Activities:
1. A Day in the Life of a Vegan
Each team must design 3 meals that a vegan would eat. Students will be instructed of
the foods vegans can’t eat: meat, fish, eggs, dairy. They must have a main a drink, main
course and appetizer for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The team with the most
interesting and nutritious meal plan wins.
Goal: To learn about different meal options that are better for the environment.
2. Canoe Race
(Camp appropriate)
Team captains will participate in a canoe race. They will be given exact instructions of
their route.
Goal: To learn about a non-wasteful method of transportation and to connect with
nature by being outside and on the water.
3. Fire Time
(Camp appropriate)
Each team must build their own fire. They will be given appropriate materials to do so.
The first team whose fire burns the rope lying on top of the fire will win.
Goal: to learn how to build heat in a natural way.
4. Team Logo and poster
Each team must create a team logo. Their logo must be relevant to their team name and
the environment. The poster must be made using recyclable materials. Team with the
most creative logo and poster that uses the most recyclable materials wins.
Goal: To have students thinking about the environment in a creative way and re-using
materials that would otherwise be wasted.
5. Parachuting Egg
Each team will be given an egg, a balloon, Popsicle sticks, tape, straws, and any other
materials you’d like, preferably recyclable. Their goal is to create a masterpiece that will
prevent the egg from cracking when it is dropped from a higher surface. The
masterpieces will be dropped multiple times until there is only 1 team left without a
cracked egg.
Goal: to raise awareness about conservation.

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6. Colourful Rocks
At least 3 rocks per team (decorated or painted in their colour) will be hidden
somewhere in the camp or the school. Each team must race against one another to find
their coloured rocks. Different clues will be made and new clues will be given once the
first rock is found to lead to the second, etc. The team who finds their rocks first wins.
Goal: To be active and enjoy playing a game that doesn’t use any electricity.
7. Scuba-Rocks
(Camp appropriate)
Each team will have to search for their coloured rocks, at least 5, at the bottom of the
pool or lake (in a shallow area). They will be given 5 timed rounds to search for the
rocks. Each team that finds a rock will be given a head start in the next round.
Goal: to be active and connect with nature by swimming.
8. Volcano Eruption
Each team will be given the appropriate materials. Their goal is to create an erupting
volcano (out of a water bottle). Although they will be given the materials, they will not
be told how much to use of each.
Materials include: reusable water bottle, water, baking soda, vinegar.
Goal: is to learn about a natural environmental activity that occurs worldwide.
9. Half Empty, Half Full
Each team will line up in a straight line with one team member at a water source (lake,
pool, fountain or sink) and the other team member with a big bucket in front of him or
her. The person at the end of the water area will fill up their eco-friendly cup and pass it
to the person in front of him. The next person will pass it up until the 1st
person can
pour it into the bucket. The team to fill the bucket first will win. Teams lose points or
have to stop for a certain amount of time (seconds) if they drop any water at all.
Goal: to learn about conserving water.

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10. Nature Walkfinding the most unique leaves, branches
In a school:
Each team will be given a certain amount of time to go on a neighbourhood walk. The
idea is to find the most interesting things in recycling bins or items that are planning on
being thrown out. The team with the largest variety of items will win.
Goal: finding treasure out of another man’s trash, reducing waste.
In a camp:
Each team will be given a certain amount of time to go on a nature walk. Their goal is to
find the most interesting things in nature (unique leaves, branches). The team with the
largest variety of items will win.
Goal: Finding beauty out of nature.
11. I Spy Nature
(For young children)
Each team will go outside and view nature at camp or in a park near school. They will
then have to draw 3 different things they see. The team with the most unique drawings
that incorporates the most items will win.
Goal: finding beauty out of nature.
12. Sink a Canoe
(Camp appropriate)
In the swimming area, each team will compete against each other. Their goal is to sink
the canoe by splashing water into it as fast as possible. One canoe per team.
Goal: Working as a team in a natural body of water
13. Vegan For A Day
Each team will have to cook or bake a vegan meal. They will be assigned to make a
different course or type of meal. Team with the most unique and nutritious meal wins.
Goal: to learn about cooking a meal as opposed to buying processed or packaged foods
and to learn about a vegan diet.
14. Tent Building
(camp appropriate)
Each team will be required to build a tent properly. Each time something falls, they
have to pause for 1 minute before they can continue. The team who builds the tent the
fastest wins.
Goal: to learn about building your own shelter in nature.

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15. Go Eco
Each team will be required to come up with (write down) as many ideas for their camp,
school or facilities to ‘go green’ and ways for them to be more environmental. They will
be awarded points per idea. Once a team says an idea, you cannot repeat it.
Goal: Learn different ways to be environmental in their daily life.

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LONG Activities:
1. Compostable and Recyclable Hunt
Each team will be given a list of compostable and recyclable items. Their goal is to try
and find as many items as possible before time is up. They can also be creative and
create the items listed.
Goal: learn about disposing waste properly and what items can be reused
2. Scavenger Hunt
Each team will be given a list of items they will have to find. The majority of the items
will be eco-friendly. The team to find all the items first wins
Goal: work in a team and be aware of items that are good for the environment
3. Dance, Dance, Dance
Each team must create a dance and incorporate the environment. They can do this in
various ways. Some ideas are: using a specific song, using particular items, or dress a
certain way. The most creative team wins.
Goal: to see that incorporating the environment can be fun!
4. Plaque It Out
Each team must create a team plaque. This plaque must include their team name,
incorporate the theme of colour war, and the environment. The plaque will be
decorated with recyclable materials, old magazines, dead leaves, etc. Creativity wins.
Goal: have the environment in mind and use recyclable materials.
5. Bead-a-Thon
Each team must create at least 5 different styles of bracelets. They will do this using
hemp or eco-friendly beads. They will sell their bracelets to co-staff, administrative staff
and campers (where applicable) by donation. All donations will go to charity, but the
winning team gets to decide which charity their money will go to. For instance the
oceans team can donate their money to an ocean conserving society and the tree team
can donate their money to a tree planting organization if they win.
Goal: Learn how to raise money for the environment and how to inform others of why
they should be donating.

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6. E-Photo Hunt
Each team will be given a list of items they must find. When they find these items, they
have to take pictures of them. The majority of these items will relate to the
environment, whether they are items in nature or eco-friendly items. If teams cannot
find the actual item, they are encouraged to be creative. Whoever takes all the
successful pictures first wins.
Goal: to be thinking about nature in a creative way.
7. Enviro-Video
Each team must direct and produce a video throughout the day (it will be presented at
night). Their video must relate to their team name, the environment and incorporate as
many aspects of the environment as possible. The video must be at least 5 minutes.
Creativity and insightfulness wins.
Goal: learn how to present important environmental issues and conservation tips in a
concrete video.

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EVENING Programs for camp or other school activities:
1. Sing Song
Each team will have to come up with a song. The song must be related to the
environment and incorporate as many topics as possible. The most informative lyrics
win.
Goal: to be able to write about the environment in an enjoyable and educational
way.
2. Sports Game
Each full team will compete against one another in a sports game, of your choice.
You can have playoffs and finals (depending on how many teams you have and how
long your colour war is).
Goal: to be active and work in a team in an outdoor environment.
3. Enviro-Trivia
Each team will be contestants in a trivia game pertaining to the environment. They
will be asked questions on current events, and given facts and statistics. They will
have to answer questions correctly and determine whether the facts or stats given
to them are true or false. Points can be given for correct answers and the team with
the most points at the end wins.
Goal: To be actively thinking about the environment.
4. Wheel of Eco-Fortune
Each team will be contestants on the “Wheel of Eco-Fortune” show. They will be
given different categories and will have to guess letters to determine what the world
is. They will gain points for the correct letters they guess. Example words: eco-
friendly, deforestation, environmentalism, sustainability, grassroots, climate change.
Quotes can also be used.
Goal: to learn about key words in terms of current environmental issues.
5. Enviro Play Time
Each team will have to create a skit or play pertaining to the environment. The
content will reflect environmental items and they must incorporate natural
materials. The most informative and creative skit wins.
Goal: to incorporate the environment in an enjoyable drama activity.

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6. Enviro-show
Each team will have designated photographers throughout the day. During this
evening program, team members will pick and choose their favourite photos. They
will be required to create a slideshow and add in some relevant music. The most
creative and diverse show wins.
Goal: to look at nature as beautiful and artistic.
7. Team Cheer
Each team will have to come up with at least 3 different team cheers. They must be
original and incorporate their team name. They will then partake in a cheer off with
the other teams. The team that is most creative and enthusiastic wins.
Goal: to focus on their specific team aspect and be eager to cheer about it.

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Closing Ceremonies
The closing to colour war will be the Eco Award Ceremony. Teams will present their song,
dance, plaque, video and slideshow at the event. Awards will be given out to individual team
members for outstanding performances in each of the categories presented. The winner will be
announced at the ceremony based on points from all activities.
Optional Prizes:
The winning team gets money donated to their team charity if the bead-a-thon was
done.
The winning team’s plaque can be hung up in the school or camp cafeteria until the next
year’s colour war.
The other teams can be in charge of cooking a camp or school wide vegan meal and the
winning team can simply enjoy it.

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Waving the Green Flag
Suggested level Grades 5-8
Time frame At least 1 hour and 45 minutes
Purpose To have students demonstrate
their pride towards the environment.
Objective Students will become more
familiar with the environment and its
representative images and/or symbols.
They will be working in teams and gain a
deeper understanding and importance of
the environment.
Supplies
*Piece of material cut into the shape of a
flag, preferably reused (old sheet, towel)
*Poles or old broom handles
*Reusable materials
*Eco-friendly markers and paint
*Paint brushes
*Scissors
*Glue (any type of nontoxic water soluble
glue or make your very own vat of home-
made glue)
pictures of the items, it is also a great way
to recycle your old magazines!)
Set-Up
students. Art supplies and materials will have to be organized and allotted to each team in
the class. In addition, the teacher can ask the students’ parents, the students, and/or send a
note home to the parents regarding the activity and ask them to bring reusable materials to
class.
This activity requires teams. The amount of teams will vary depending on the size of your
classroom. This activity can begin by splitting your classroom into equal teams. In order for
students to feel comfortable in their groups and get to know each other, have them come
up with a team name (related to the environment). 10-20 minutes
*Option* At the end of the activity, you can have each team explain the reasoning behind
their team name.
Once the students are split up into teams, they can start by designing their flag. Make sure
they brainstorm ideas for their flag before anyone starts decorating it. Have them
incorporate different aspects of the environment into their flags (recycling, natural
resources, compositing, wildlife, nature). In addition, encourage them to use as many
materials as they want. You can have them write inspirational quotes or some of their own
sentences on the flag as well. The more creative they get, the better it is. 1 hour +

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Once each team has completed their flags, they can display them to the rest of the class.
They can give a short explanation on their flag, along with their team name. 20-30 minutes
When awarding points for each team, distribute points in the categories of: appearance,
creativity, incorporation of environmental topics and flag explanation. In terms of
determining the winner, make sure each team is considered a winner. If distributing prizes
is an option, give each team something. 10-15 minutes

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Make Your Own Veggie Garden
Time Frame Around 2 hours and ongoing
throughout the year
Age group all ages
Purpose For students or campers to learn
about the benefits of planting their own
vegetable garden and eating local food.
Objective Many people are unaware of
where food comes and how it gets from soil
to plate. Agriculture is a big part of the
planet and it is important to learn about it.
More often than not, food travels a very
long time across countries and continents
which is damaging to the environment.
Students can learn that it’s beneficial to buy
local produce and it’s even possible to
access it in their own school or camp!
Set-up
The teacher or camp will have to have all the gardening tools and seeds prepared for the
children prior to the activity. If at school, a note should be sent home with the students to
inform the parents of this activity and remind them to wear clothes that can get dirty.
Ask students to look at their vegetables when at home the day before or in the camp
cafeteria and check the stickers to see where they come from. On the day of the activity,
ask for examples of where their produce was from. See if students or campers can guess
why it is bad for the environment for produce to come from far away. Encourage learners to
speak up and discuss the benefits of eating locally. Explain how they are helping the
environment and living more sustainably. After a discussion, students and campers can be
ready to start their own garden. 30-60 minutes
Your veggie garden should be in an open area that receives a lot of sunlight. If an outdoor
garden is not ideal, an indoor area near a big window can be designated. Be sure that your
garden isn’t too big because you want the kids to be able to reach everything it contains.
Once you have found the perfect spot, you should split your class up into even groups.
Assign each group a specific section of the garden. This will allow everyone to have their
own responsibilities for their own part of the garden. Once the groups are made and
everyone is settled, you should have each group dig around 5 inches deep. You should add
in some compost and manure to the soil. 30 minutes
The next step is to plant the seeds you have purchased. Depending on the brand, the
directions for planting may differ. After planting the seeds, be sure to water them very well.
30 minutes

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Students and campers will be assigned for a week at a time to be in charge of watering the
garden once a day either before school, after school or during lunch time.
Be sure to have the people responsible for watering remove the unnecessary weeds, insects
or pests in the garden. Spot out some examples so the children know exactly what to look
for.
Depending on the season, some vegetables are better to plant than others. Here are a list of
recommended vegetables per season:
Winter Vegetables: asparagus, garlic, shallots, horseradish, rhubarb, lettuce, onions,
peas, silver beet, spinach, broad beans, leek
Spring Vegetables: carrots, cabbage, herbs, beetroot, cheery tomatoes, tomatoes,
lettuces, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini, spring onion, silver beet, peas, water chestnuts,
ginger, potatoes
Summer Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, Chinese
cabbage, cucumber, endive, lettuces, parsnips, radish, silver beet, squash, sweet corn,
tomatoes
Autumn Vegetables: beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cress, leeks, lettuces, onions,
parsley, peas, radish, shallots, spinach, turnips
Once the vegetables have been planted and begun growing, make sure the children keep an
eye on them and watch them as they harvest. Once again, give examples of what a
harvested vegetable should look like and have them remove those that are ready to be
eaten.
Once vegetables are fully grown, food can be:
- Distributed to students and campers to take home,
- Given to the cafeteria to cook with,
- Or a time can be arranged where students or
campers along with the instructor can all cook
together.

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