The Importance of Introducing Young People to the Environment at a Young Age

"I was really glad I took the time to see nature at its best.” ~Monikah Baltimore

“My community doesn’t care that much about the environment. In the new recreation center there are recycle containers but no one uses them. The employees just put boards on top of the containers for storage. That really bothered me so I talked to the lady in charge. The woman said, that’s the least of my worries and I felt brushed aside.”

Then Monikah was introduced to SCA when we visited her school, the School Without Walls. Monikah was hesitant at first, but when she got into the program SCA gave her a more in-depth look at conservation and the environment. It even pushed her into taking AP Environmental Science. One of Monikah’s favorite experiences was “reaching the top of this mountain and looking off and seeing Mirror Lake [Wind Cape National Park, SD]. Even though I was struggling up the mountain it was the most rewarding experience ever. Being at the top and seeing all these wonderful things. People don’t even take the time to experience things like this. I was really glad I took the time to see nature at its best.”

When asked how to get people involved, Monikah thinks that making youth aware at a very young age is key. “That’s how I ended up dedicated and involved,” Monikah says. “When you learn [about the environment] at a young age it becomes natural and second nature. My school took us on trips and gave us hands on experiences we saw the environment as a fun place and I got to see that if I take care of it then more people can enjoy it.”

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