Canadian Environmental Education Projects

ChariTree Foundation 2024 Camp Tree Planting & Biodiversity Education Grant

Vancouver, BC — 03/03/2024 — The ChariTree Foundation is finalizing plans for an updated program so even more children and youth at summer camps across Canada can participate in a ground-breaking national children’s tree planting and biodiversity education project.

More than 100,000 children at summer camps across Canada have already planted trees with camp staff and now The ChariTree Foundation wants to give even more kids an opportunity to plant a tree and learn about the importance of trees.

“This is a fun way to get kids outside, teach them to plant local tree species and care about their world,” says Andrea Koehle Jones, award-winning environmental education advocate and executive director, The ChariTree Foundation. “When children understand trees and how they impact the world they depend on, they are more likely to make a lifelong commitment to protect the environment for themselves and future generations.”

Once the application window opens in late March 2024, camp owners and directors can apply for a $500 grant to:

  • purchase fruit trees and / or native trees and seedlings for your campers to plant (from your local tree farms and nurseries)
  • bring in environmental education experts like teachers, biologists, arborists… to help kids plant and learn about trees and biodiversity
  • host a children’s tree planting party for campers

“We had lots of fun with this tree planting project. With a certified arborist on our team we made good use of the trees with strategic placement while making it a fun time for our campers.” – Derrik, Lake Scugog Camp.

Camps interested in receiving a $500 grant from The ChariTree Foundation should watch for announcements on charitree-foundation.org + @Love_Trees

Once the program opens for applications, camp owners or directors can fill out an online request form. Do not email The ChariTree Foundation about this program as everything will be coordinated through the form since the foundation is operated by volunteers.

“We successfully planted 300 saplings at Camp Wenonah in July this year! It was a unique experience for campers and staff alike, providing them with the opportunity to bond with nature and contribute to the land of the Camp they all hold so dear. Every camper, ages 8-18, had the chance to plant a tree in the location of their choice- some groups even planted tree gardens near their cabins which they could revisit and watch with care. Thank you ChariTree Foundation for providing us with this wonderful opportunity.” – Janette, Assistant Director, Camp Wenonah

The ChariTree Foundation is a national non-profit connecting children across Canada and around the world to environmental education to help them survive and thrive today and lead a better tomorrow. 

“Thank you again for this great initiative. Wonderful idea, and a hit with our campers.” — Miles Villneff, Assistant Director, Onondaga Camp.

Supporting environmental education projects across Canada

In recent years, The ChariTree Foundation expanded its reach by helping to send kids to camps and schools with environmental education programs. The ChariTree Foundation aims to make sure that all children and youth have equitable access to nature-based outdoor learning programs.

ChariTree has helped fund outdoor classrooms as well as opportunities for inner city classes to participate in various outdoor education programs. ChariTree also helps send campers who can’t afford summer camp to various Canadian Camping Association camps with environmental education programs.

“All kids, regardless of their economic circumstance, deserve the chance to be immersed in, to find the joy + beauty in #nature. Thanks to TheChariTree Foundation, this is something they will remember for many years to come!”~ Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha + Trent University

Let’s grow with nature

To see recent local, national and international environmental education projects, follow The ChariTree Foundation on Twitter.

Contact info [at] charitree-foundation [dot] org if your camp or school needs help with outdoor learning, tree planting, or environmental education programs or is building outdoor classrooms and is a REGISTERED CANADIAN CHARITY. ChariTree can only donate to other registered Canadian charities.