GreenLearning and the York Weston Community Services Centre piloted an engagement program for youth during spring break. Participants ranging in age from 7 to 17 learned about environmental stewardship while becoming more integrated into Toronto culture. Highlights of this unique program included:

• A role play on the first day, with youth pretending to be delegates at a UN conference, debating whether or not wealthier nations should provide most of the economic stimulus needed to transform global energy habits.
• A scavenger hunt with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority at Parc Downsview Park (and a game of tag afterwards).
• A karate workshop at Summit Karate Schools.   Photo credit: Ann Alimi

• The creation of the first completely youth-run non-profit organization in the community: Reclaiming Our Weston Developing Youth, or ROWDY.

The program was led by Elaine Ho, Redfish School of Change alumnus. Given the success of this year's program, subsequent programs are expected to extend for more than a week and also take youth outside the city.