From July 25th till August 20th of 2010, Praxis International Institute (PII) hosted two separate back-to-back summer camps for youth at its Craik Ecovillage campus. The first camp saw 10 delegations of 15 year olds and their leaders from 10 different countries. The theme of the camp was “Living a Green Life.” The second camp saw approximately 40 youth from all across Canada.

Building on the knowledge that it will be our young people that will lead the way in any paradigm shift, and also that experts tell us it takes 21 days to start (or break) a habit, the camps were important because during this time period students not only learned about how to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, but actually got a chance to experience it first-hand. By not only discussing and learning about issues but actually practicing such solutions as water conservation, (we use rainwater recovery so monitoring and being “aware” of daily water levels and usage was critical), using composting and humanure toilets, eliminating most junk food and choosing to eat healthy, regularly composting other household organic waste and recycling, recycling recycling to name a few, participants saw tangibly the results of their efforts.

Based upon lessons learned and successes experienced during these first camps, Praxis International Institute has decided to offer “Living Green” camps on a regular basis, and to extend and enlarge the topics and activities included in these camps. So far, Praxis as hosted or booked at least three more similar camps. In April of 2011 Praxis hosted a delegation of 18 Japanese students ranging in age from grade 7 to grade 12, and starting in July 2011 Praxis will host two more camps with at least one of the camps being students from China.

The Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Association (SOEEA) is a dynamic association that supports educators in many environments, including formal (schools), in-formal (public awareness), and non-formal (training). SOEEA believes in being active participants in change. SOEEA gives people an opportunity to discover the environmental and outdoor education options available in Saskatchewan.

SOEEA has partnered with EECOM (Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication) to host the EECOM 2011 Conference, a national level environmental education conference that is held annually in locations across Canada. This will be the first time the conference has been held in Saskatchewan.

The overall theme of EECOM 2011 is “Exploring the Sociological in Education and Culture: Becoming Active Participants in Change”. EECOM 2011 focuses on exploring the issues of learning and being active in society AND our environment. Societies determine the use (and abuse) of our environment and, as such, it is imperative to (re)consider the environment in our socially and culturally designed practices.

EECOM 2011 will be held at the University of Regina June 8-11, 2011. Attendees include academics, students, environmental organizations and interested members of the public. Conference sessions fall into the following strands: environmental/social justice education, place-based learning, food/agriculture/sustainable living, activism/youth engagement, leadership development and diversity/species at risk. Preconference events include a Research Symposium on Environmental Education, and an Ecotour of the Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills regions of the province.

Conference organization itself followed “Green Guidelines” to reduce the environmental impact of the event.

1) Purpose – to provide to community residents a safe, accessible indoor walking venue throughout the winter months

2) Importance - The walking program enhances community residents’ personal walking programs during months when limitations typically exist. As well, the program extends specifically to sufferers of cardio obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

3) Issues addressed – safety during the winter months, accessibility, regular scheduling, value of socialization

4) Target groups – Although all community residents have access to the program, there is a specific target group, that is those suffering with COPD and currently the subject of a collaborative treatment program initiated by the Five Hills Health Region and the Craik Doctor’s Office.

5) Venue – the Craik School gymnasium

6) Timeline – January 31 through school closing at the end of June

7) Genesis – As part of the CSLP health committee’s action plan commitments, the decision was made to provide for an indoor walking venue for those who desired to begin or continue their personal walking program in an accessible environment during the months when weather and safely issues are typically the limiting factors.

8) Accomplishments – successful launch of the program, widespread community knowledge about the availability of the program, integration of a series of “pedometer challenges”, average of 15 walkers per session, successful collaboration featuring the CSLP health committee, the Five Hills Health Region, Craik School and the Craik Doctor’s Office, improved health of participants

The Yara Community Gardens are a pesticide-free garden area that is open to all members of the community. For a minimal plot fee gardeners have full access to their plot in which to grow delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables. We strive to promote a healthy lifestyle, bridging cultural and generational gaps, as well as providing an area for outdoor education to occur.

Four Directions  is located in North-Central Regina promotes individual, family and community health and wellness. It provides healing, inclusive of all people, honouring individual uniqueness, meeting community needs through the use of the Medicine Wheel and holistic practices to help people get, and stay, healthy.  Involvement of community Elders, residents and staff have brought a distinct Aboriginal character to the Four Directions Community Health Centre. Four Directions offers primary health care, addictions services, prenatal programming, programming for families, programming for children and food security programs.  Many of the programs have an educational aspect to them.  For instance, the prenatal programming includes prenatal classes as well as the "Healthiest Babies Possible Program".