What does Earth Day mean to you? Plants, trees! Picking up litter! Those were the popular answers from participants in the Oneida Indian Nation Recreation Department’s Junior Youth Ambassadors Program when posed the question during an environmentally-themed activity April 19.
In recognition of Earth Day, youth crafted little green creations of their own that featured low-maintenance succulents tucked carefully into mini terrariums with mulch, potting soil and decorative stones. Under the careful direction of Donna Howe, Youth Programs Coordinator, the activity was completed quickly as the kids’ thoughts surely turned towards Spring Break, even while snow flurries filled the skies outside.
Earth Day is Sunday, April 22. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with Javlyn Aregano’s (Turtle Clan) thoughtful plans to pick up trash on Earth Day, something she even wrote down as one of her monthly goals in her planner.
With the project completed, next came ideas on what to do with the cute little terrariums. We’ll just say there’s a good chance several moms will be receiving a special gift this Mothers’ Day.
Junior YAP is open to Nation Members, Children of Enrolled Members and Health Services clients in grades 3 – 6. The group meets twice a month on Thursday evenings at the Rec Center. For more information on all of the Oneida Indian Nation’s youth development programs, contact Donna Howe at 315-829-8484.
