An important part of the “Sustainable Development Academy” for junior youth held at Green Acre Baha’i School in July 2011 was the study of Baha’i Writings on the environment and social justice. The interactive lessons helped the 52 young people in their pre- and early teens to make a connection between the spiritual and material dimensions of life, beginning with Bahá’u'lláh’s statement that, through nature, mankind can learn about God’s attributes and qualities.

“Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator,” Baha’u’llah said. “Nature is God’s will and is its expression in and through the contingent world.”

The theme of the five-day Academy set in the lush Baha’i property in Eliot, Maine, was “Environmental Stewards: Champions of Justice.” As part of Baha’i participation in the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, the program drew youth from 15 U.S. states, four countries and three continents, and was led by 10 counselors and 4 facilitators – including two expert outdoor educators.

Like similar programs carried out in Michigan and California in fall 2010, the Academy addressed pressing environmental and social justice issues such as the impacts from modern day consumption patterns, climate change, hunger and poverty. It also sought to establish a deeper connection with the natural world through a range of outdoor learning activities designed to awaken the senses, arouse curiosity, and inspire reflection. Literally half the learning activities were held outdoors in the surrounding woods, fields and along the Piscataqua river shoreline.

Note to self… You can change the world!

At the end of the five days, the youth wrote letters to themselves that will be mailed to their homes at a future date as a reminder of the session. In the letters, they penned fresh learning and insights, ideas they hoped to apply when they got home, and commitment to social action in their communities.

Many were inspired by the film, “Young Voices on Climate Change” which highlights ways that young people of the same age had taken a range of concrete actions in response to climate change. They began to imagine how they might undertake similar actions in their own communities upon returning home.

Expressing optimism for taking action, one student wrote: “Don’t think you can’t change the world because it is too big. You can! Just by doing small things like changing light bulbs to CFLs, cleaning up trash, and even painting the roof of your school white [to reduce heat absorption]. You have the power to make a change, and if everyone works hard, and works together we can change the world.”

Another: “I learned about climate change and how human [activities] are [affecting] our planet. But we also learned that a lot of young people are trying to save the planet by doing things like getting their school to go green or planting a million trees. After watching the video [Young Voices on Climate Change] I thought if they could do it why couldn’t I? I decided I wanted to plant trees because trees are getting cut down and trees help process all the CO2 that’s getting pumped into the atmosphere.”

Another: “I want to remember how you can make a difference with your junior youth group. … You can help out in soup kitchens and start a fund raiser with a bake sale.  For climate change you should talk to city council to get permission to give speeches and plant trees and organize food with friends at other people’s houses… You should place three different bins at different places in town.”

Drawing closer to nature

Many of the youth were deeply moved by the activities held, feeling the transforming power of nature for the first time. They were surprised at how calm and happy spending time in nature made them feel.

One youth wrote, “The program this week helped me to appreciate nature. This week I learned about the importance of nature and how it is a reflection of God. I also learned that humans are greatly contributing to many of the environmental problems, but we can make a difference. I hope I can remember these things in the future so that I can do my part to help save the environment.”

Another: “I also took from this camp the nature that God created and how it can help you feel better just being here.”

Another wrote: “I have never felt so close to nature.  I loved the way that this camp changed the way I think about everything in nature.”

Another, speaking of the reflection time spent in the natural surroundings of Green Acre shared feelings of newfound comfort and peacefulness inspired by the setting, “…All the wind, trees, water make Green Acre a heaven on earth. Right now I hear the waves laughing and having fun. I have an oak tree above me to keep me cool. It feels like the perfect time to write this now because words cannot describe the beauty of this place. I love it here.  I can feel God around me and it is the most amazing feeling in the world. Peace, love, kindness, relief – all said in this one place. Right here is like being surrounded by God!”

Positive peer groups

One wrote about the personal connections and learning that took place: “This camp has been life changing. I met so many wonderful people who I hope to stay in touch with. I learned things that everyone my age should know.”

Similar programs in support of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development are planned for the fall at Bahá’í conference centers in Michigan and California. Geared toward youth aged 11-14, they will be held on two weekends in October.  More information will be available through the schools’ websites:

• Bosch Bahá’í School, (CA) October 14-16, 2011
• Louhelen Bahá’í School, (MI) October 21-23, 2011

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