"e" inc. Summer Science Camp is just around the corner! We've got 2 action-packed, fun-filled weeks planned and can't wait to get started. Thanks to generous donations from our previous campaign we were able to accept 4 youth from the Charlestown neighborhood on a full scholarship to our program. We have 2 more kids who have applied to the program and are in need of financial assistance. Help us shape their summer by getting these kids to camp for free!
Growing up in a busy city like Boston, Massachusetts, it is often difficult for urban youth to make the connections between their daily lives and the natural world around them. Many are unfamiliar with the marine species living just under the surface of the Boston Harbor, or have never thought about how their usage of a plastic bag could affect a sea turtle swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.
That’s where “e” inc. comes in! “e” inc. – the environment science learning and action center is a community-based non-profit whose mission is to create scientifically-confident environmental citizens committed to understanding and protecting the Earth. In 2013-2014 alone, “e” inc. provided civics and science sessions to well over 6,000 children and teens in school year residencies and summer intensives at over 20 Greater Boston schools, community centers and other educational institutions.
Our Project
This year, “e” inc. is running its own Summer Science Discovery Program. The program will be based at the “e” inc. Discovery & Action Center in the Charlestown Navy Yard and is open to children ages 6-12. The program is comprised of two 1-week sessions with a different theme each week (Week 1: Our Ocean; Week 2: New England Habitat). Each day will have a hands-on science lesson, exploration of the HarborWalk (fishing and crabbing, planting in raised beds, etc.), and an art project related to the day’s theme. Through a partnership with the Boston Rowing Center, participants will also have the opportunity to learn rowing techniques before setting off to explore the Little Mystic and Boston Harbor by boat.
How can you help?
To cover the costs of this program, we must charge $400/week per child. However, it is very important to us that our participant group represents the diversity of the city. We are seeking funding to help subsidize the fee and make the camp more accessible to all families and we need your help! Any donations will go directly to a scholarship fund that will offset costs for low-income families. Our goal of raising $3200 will cover the cost for 8 Boston youth to attend our summer program and have the opportunity to explore the natural side of their city.
Who is "e" inc.?
“e” inc. brings in-depth science investigation programs to low-income communities throughout Greater Boston and has succeeded in capturing the interest of children who face academic, social, and economic challenges. Our programs engage young people in hands-on science and, as their understanding grows, helps them build skills to make a difference. It is this particular coupling of academics with community involvement that helps our children make, not just academic gains, but social growth, as well.
Past youth-led action projects have included: school-wide campaigns to save energy by turning off lights, making reusable bags, gardening and composting and writing letters to companies involved in deforestation.
Our educators come with a wide range of experiences and talents. From mentoring at-risk youth to international work, "e" inc. educators' passion for the environment is only outmatched by their enthusiasm for working with youth.
Find out more about our staff here: http://www.einc-action.org/our-educators.html
Why environment science?
At “e” inc. we strongly believe that we are at a critical point in determining the future of our planet’s health. We are all aware of the environmental changes happening around the globe, from climate change to dwindling fish stocks; however, at “e” inc., the conversation doesn’t stop there. In addition to understanding the science behind these changes, we feel it is crucial to teach children that they have the power to make a difference. What may seem like a simple action has the power to inspire others and make change. Through hands-on experiences, “e” inc. kids learn to appreciate nature and are motivated to make a difference for the planet, all the while discovering their valuable place in the ecosystem.
But, don't just take it from us...
“I just wanted to tell you that today was the best. I faced two fears in one day – I held a crab AND got into a boat and rowed!”
–Dorian, 11 year old from Dorchester, MA
“This is the best day ever! When I get home I’m going to tell my mom all about the sun’s energy!”
– Kindergartner at Harvard-Kent Elementary School, Charlestown MA
"[The squid dissection and calamari lab] was the most delicious lesson
I’ve ever had!"
– 4th grade student from Jackson Mann Community Center, Boston, MA
"Thanks to "e" inc., our school is now salvaging buckets of untouched, packaged food, that was headed for the barrel and redistributing it to students in need of snacks."
- Anthony Sharp, John F. Kennedy School Science Teacher, Somerville, MA
“"e" inc. is one of our most prized partnerships and I recommend their program to other schools with no reservations!”
– Nicole Young, Josiah Quincy Elementary School, Community Partnership Coordinator, Boston, MA
For more information on “e” inc., check out our website: www.einc-action.org