Summer 1996 Renewable Energy Summer Camp For Teens

In June 1996, NAREEP joined forces with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), and Solar Energy International (SEI) to conduct a renewable energy summer camp for American Indian high school students. More than fifty students from fifteen tribes attended the camp, located high in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Along with enjoying the natural surroundings, volleyball, and each other’s company, the students spent a week learning the principles of solar energy. Students participated in hands-on workshops on solar geometry and site selection, solar cooking, and solar electricity. They even built their own solar cookers, with delicious results! A number of the students said that, as a result of the camp, they would now do their high school science projects on renewable energy themes.

Learning science was tied to learning about traditional Native American perspectives. A local elder led a talking stick ceremony and prayed for future generations, reaffirming the spiritual link between Native Americans and the earth, sun, wind, water and green plants – the basis of renewable energy. Participants learned how the philosophy behind renewable energy fits into value systems of various Native peoples, while its practice offers promising future avenues for employment and sustainable economic development on reservations.

The workshop was led by AISES summer camp director Rich Garcia, SEI’s Johnny Weiss and Laurie Stone, and NAREEP’s Chris Greacen and Lori Wahl. Second only to the enthusiasm of the students and their instructors, the workshop’s success relied on the common missions and different strengths of its three constituent organizations. AISES, the country’s largest intertribal membership organization, fosters increased Native American participation in science and engineering careers while encouraging the understanding of science from traditional Native perspectives. SEI is an internationally renowned non-profit training center for renewable energy technology, with a strong commitment to minority opportunity and social justice. NAREEP served as instigator and matchmaker between AISES and SEI for the camp, providing funding and logistical support, as well as instruction and curriculum planning.