Immersion is one of the best ways to learn about watershed ecology, which is what 27 middle school-aged campers did during Montgomery County Community College’s H2YO! Summer Camp programs July 12-23.

Wading into the water, they observed the creek’s inhabitants and learned about invasive species, such as the rusty crayfish. Taking water samples, they checked the quality and health of the Manatawny Creek, testing its pH, nitrate and oxygen levels. Hiking in the woods, they witnessed the natural infiltration process.

 “The H2YO! Summer Camp is a hands-on experience that introduces youth to science and other topics in a fun environment,” said Dr. James Bretz, MCCC Dean of STEM. “During their land-use presentations, we could see how much they learned throughout the week as they creatively used that knowledge to develop projects that would protect the watershed and the environment.”

MCCC’s summer camp programs are a fundamental part of MCCC’s overall mission to provide meaningful learning experiences to students of all ages at all stages of life. Grants from Meridian Bank via the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program and the Landis Foundation provided funding for the programs.

MCCC collaborated with community partners, Schuylkill River Greenways, Green Valleys Watershed Association, and Take It Outdoors Adventures to host two camp sessions this year.

Camp staff included Connie Nye from Sweet Water Education; Victoria Laubach from Green Valleys Watershed Association; Sarah Crothers, Diana Maher and Julianna Roseo from Schuylkill River Greenways and Bretz, Jared Brown, Anjuli Aker, Amy Auwaerter and Kris Bompadre from MCCC.

Participants for the first week were Ariella Ebling, Harper Williams, Jordyn McIntyre, Lucy Zuniga, Maya Ebling, Mora Dilworth, Neveh Foster, Rebecca Ventrone, Riley Moser, Rylee Bauer and Shailyn Miller.

Participants for the second week were Aarav Shah, Aarush Shah, Brighton Scott, Caitlin Schatz, Callie Hall, Declan Guarino-McWilliams, Gabriel Harbach, Grace Saul, Hannah Romberger, Jackson Powell, Kierstyn Schatz, Nathaniel Mansfield, Niko Mansfield, Reese Guarino-McWilliams, Stella Guarino-McWilliams and Thomas Winters.

Many campers ventured out of their comfort zones to learn new things, like kayaking and fishing.

“Kayaking was a lot of fun, and we saw a bald eagle catching a fish,” said Rylee Bauer, 13, describing her favorite time at Marsh Creek State Park.

“My favorite part was kayaking in the Schuylkill River,” said Declan Guarino-McWilliams, who was part of the second week of campers who paddled from Ganshahawny Park to the Pottstown Riverfront Park with the guidance of Take It Outdoors.

In addition to the watershed and wildlife, the campers learned about local history at Pottsgrove Manor.

“We learned about what they did to live at that time,” said Lucy Zuniga, 11. “We made butter using a churn, which tasted really good.”

“This area has so much to offer with the Schuylkill River Trail, state and local parks and area organizations,” said MCCC Biology Assistant Professor Kris Bompadre. “It was great working with these partners to teach the campers.”

On the last day of camp, the students worked in groups to create plans and maps for the development of the Pottstown Riverfront Park. The groups used their communication skills to present their development proposals during mock land use hearings before guest panelists and friends and family members who were in the audience.

During the first week, Environmental Geology Assistant Professor Dominike Merle-Johnson, Administrative Assistant/Camp Coordinator Anjuli Aker and Dr. Bretz served as the land use panelists. During the second week, Benjamin Foster, P.E., of Cedarville Engineering Group, LLC; Assistant Dean of Student Services Amy Auwaerter; and Professor Merle-Johnson were the panelists. 

The campers' creative proposals included campgrounds, restaurants, a mushroom garden and even a splash park. Each group gave a brief presentation and answered questions from the panelists, audience and their peer groups. In the end, they received feedback “to glow and grow upon.”

"This has been a fabulous experience for them, not like anything else they have done,” said Nye, describing how they developed teambuilding and leadership skills doing the various activities. “Through the process, they have become future stewards of the environment.”