History

The 2025 Nature Connection Camp with the Horizons program went extraordinarily well! Read more below:

This year, DARC Earth spent two full weeks with Horizons campers, teaching the basics of fire safety, shelter-building, tent set-up, and general survival skills. Simultaneously, the campers played in, learned about, and built up a connection with nature and the natural environment as a whole, leading to increased confidence, increased excitement to go outdoors, and… 

darcearth

September 6, 2025

2–3 minutes

adventure, camping, hiking, nature, travel

This year, DARC Earth spent two full weeks with Horizons campers, teaching the basics of fire safety, shelter-building, tent set-up, and general survival skills. Simultaneously, the campers played in, learned about, and built up a connection with nature and the natural environment as a whole, leading to increased confidence, increased excitement to go outdoors, and even strengthening friendships around shared outdoor activities.

ACTIVITIES: 

This year, we were able to expand the curriculum substantially, allowing for much more in-depth learning, thorough engagement of a variety of subjects, and more subjects overall. This year, we engaged:

• Natural Observation: Developing skills and experience around ways one can observe, appreciate, and experience nature, achieved through group-based exploration, interest-based lessons, and even a 5-senses scavenger hunt!

• Shelter-building: Developing skills and experience around the creation and customization of basic natural shelters, such as the teepee and the lean-to, achieved through hands-on learning. Numerous groups of campers worked together to build and maintain natural shelters, and in so doing actively learned about the sites that were better/worse for shelters, which materials they preferred, building techniques, and even how animals made their shelters, knowledge that they could, and did, incorporate into their builds.

• Tent Set-Up: Learning about the basics of tent set-up, including preferable locations, how to make camp, and tent etiquette. The campers learned how to play in tents, how to keep them clean, and how to set them up extremely quickly in tent set-up competitions, possibly the highlight of the camp as a whole. The tents used were generously donated by REI Co-Op, whom we thank from the bottom of our hearts.

• Fire Fun/Safety: Learning about the basic process of starting a campfire, but more extensively how to be safe around it, and how to have fun. Smores were made, songs were sung, stories told, and each camper left with a smile.

• Water Filtering: Developing skills around the basics of water filtering and water safety

• Aquatic Exploration: Spending time in and around aquatic ecosystems, using the Aquatic Ecosystem Exploration Kits generously donated by Causewave Community Partners. Due to the generosity of Causewave, the kids were able to magnify subjects of interest, identify aspects of aquatic ecosystems, and even safely interact with aquatic fauna, such as crawfish and minnows!!

While the campers did spend a large amount of time learning new skills and concepts, the focus of the camp was nature connection, or building an emotional connection with nature. Henceforth, we spent much time over the two weeks playing games together outside (such as Red Light Green Light, Statues, and Hide and Seek), having fun around the campsite that the campers themselves built (playing Go Fish in tents, building up canopies and seating areas using sticks and logs, and asking the three questions that, all together, may as well have been the camp motto: “What’s this? What does it do? Can we learn about this one?” Naturally, all questions were followed by attempts at identification, thoughtful conversation, playful exploration, and thorough excitement from all.

Overall, it was extremely successful. We hope to continue and expand the camp next summer, but can only do so with donations! Find our Venmo below and help us with our mission.

HELP US FUND FUTURE VERSIONS OF THIS CAMP:

http://venmo.com/u/darcearth

Nature Connection Camp 2025!! 

Our work last year proved to be so successful that we will be hosting another summer camp this summer, now two consecutive weeks long! This version of the camp will be far more involved, thorough, and will have a much more powerful impact on the kid’s lives. So what exactly is going on? Specifically, we… 

darcearth

April 15, 2025

1–2 minutes

Our work last year proved to be so successful that we will be hosting another summer camp this summer, now two consecutive weeks long! This version of the camp will be far more involved, thorough, and will have a much more powerful impact on the kid’s lives.

So what exactly is going on? Specifically, we are running a 2 week summer camp, in conjunction with Horizons at Harley, a “transformational summer learning experience that helps students from underserved Rochester families succeed,” with rising elementary school children, in which we explore sensory connection to nature, relationally with and in nature, fire building, tent making, water filtering, and more. The core of the project is raising to awareness and concern our immersion in the natural world — our dependence on it, and its dependence on us. And of course, we want kids to have FUN outside!

We are always in need of materials and assistance, so feel free to go to our “donate” page to fund this project or our “contact” page to give us your ideas!

Nature Connections Summer Camp – 2024

The 2024 Nature Connection Camp with the Horizons program was a wonderful success! Read more below: Over the course of several weeks, the 2nd Graders of the Horizons program participated in a variety of outdoor activities. Most reported having a wonderful time, and many even reported this camp being the highlight of their summer! When… 

darcearth

September 3, 2024

1–2 minutes

The 2024 Nature Connection Camp with the Horizons program was a wonderful success! Read more below:

Over the course of several weeks, the 2nd Graders of the Horizons program participated in a variety of outdoor activities. Most reported having a wonderful time, and many even reported this camp being the highlight of their summer! When asked about what they learned, kids were able to discuss the important points from all the classes! 

ACTIVITIES: 

• 5 senses experience: learning about how kids can experience nature in a scavenger hunt and 5 senses activity

• Setting up a tent and natural shelters

• Filtering water and keeping water safe with EPA-approved water filters

  • Using customized water bottles, we learned about how to keep water that is filtered safe from unfiltered water

• Basic fire starting, making fire starters and fire safety – with Marshmallows!

• Basic ecosystem comprehension

  • Using a ball game to simulate an ecosystem, we learned about the importance of all organisms in a nature community

We, at DARC Earth, would like to send out our deep appreciation to REI Co-op, who sponsored the tent activity and, through their generosity, forged the basis for deep emotional connection in between these kids and nature.

HELP US FUND FUTURE VERSIONS OF THIS CAMP:

http://venmo.com/u/darcearth

Nature Connections Summer Camp – 2024

Good news, folks! The nature curriculum was accepted by Horizons at Harley for a summer-long camp for 2nd graders. Read on to learn more: This generation of kids will be exposed to ever-more climate change, climate catastrophe, and associated social-political fallout. And yet they do not despair. They are the activists of the future! They… 

darcearth

July 20, 2024

1–2 minutes

Good news, folks! The nature curriculum was accepted by Horizons at Harley for a summer-long camp for 2nd graders. Read on to learn more: 

This generation of kids will be exposed to ever-more climate change, climate catastrophe, and associated social-political fallout. And yet they do not despair. They are the activists of the future! They know that their survival and capacity to flourish are at stake, but are not yet in touch with the values that will guide them to a sustainable future. Our camp centers on promoting the care, respect, and admiration for nature that they will need if the future– supposing there is one — will not reproduce the past. By teaching outdoor skills and building a connection with nature, DARC Earth camp promotes pro-environmental behavior and centers attention on the inestimable value of the natural world. 

We are running a 7 week summer camp, in conjunction with Horizons at Harley, a “transformational summer learning experience that helps students from underserved Rochester families succeed.” With rising 2nd graders, we explore sensory connection to nature, relationally with and in nature, fire building, tent making, water filtering, and more. The core of the project is raising to awareness and concern our immersion in the natural world — our dependence on it, and its dependence on us. And of course, we want kids to have FUN outside!

We are always in need of materials and assistance, so feel free to go to our “donate” page to fund this project or our “contact” page to give us your ideas!

New York H.E.A.T. Act Rally In Albany

New York´s Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, or the NY H.E.A.T. Act, if passed, would decrease energy and heating prices across the state. There is much to learn about on this bill, but the main points are described below: If you want to learn more, WAER 88.3 has an excellent article on it: https://www.waer.org/news/2024-01-23/bill-to-combat-climate-change-known-as-the-heat-act-gains-momentum-at-the-state-capitol The… 

darcearth

February 25, 2024

1–2 minutes

New York´s Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, or the NY H.E.A.T. Act, if passed, would decrease energy and heating prices across the state. 

There is much to learn about on this bill, but the main points are described below:

• It would cap the percentage of monthly income that must be devoted to heating and electricity before the government gives financial aid at 6% for low/medium income households

• It would lead to significant progress for the state of New York towards its 2050 goal of net zero emissions

• It would get rid of the 100 foot rule, a rule that says if someone wants to bring oil to a building withing 100 feet of an existing pipeline, then the government will pay for the extension of the oil pipeline (this may sound anti-humanitarian, but this would both free up government budgets for other, more vital programs and remove the government´s reliance on oil monopolies)

If you want to learn more, WAER 88.3 has an excellent article on it: https://www.waer.org/news/2024-01-23/bill-to-combat-climate-change-known-as-the-heat-act-gains-momentum-at-the-state-capitol

The Harley School´s Climate Club, led by co-presidents Devlin Rosen-Carole and Lucille McClaren, went to Albany to lobby our representatives. They lobbied the representatives while they were in session, adressed NYS Assembly Member Harry Bronson in his office, and much more.

Climate March 9/15/2023

On September 15, 2023, several climate organizations marched in Rochester from City Hall to Washington Square Park. We marched to demand the end of the fossil fuel era and to build local engagement. Here are some more details on the march: https://www.metrojustice.org/join_the_rochester_climate_march DARC Earth, Limited helped organize the posters, recruit volunteers, and provided the food… 

darcearth

January 7, 2024

1–2 minutes

On September 15, 2023, several climate organizations marched in Rochester from City Hall to Washington Square Park. We marched to demand the end of the fossil fuel era and to build local engagement. Here are some more details on the march: https://www.metrojustice.org/join_the_rochester_climate_march

DARC Earth, Limited helped organize the posters, recruit volunteers, and provided the food to the marchers. Because we did not want to increase waste, we solicited contributions from local bakeries for end-of-day baked goods, and received incredible amounts of food from Maleks Bakery, Bagel Land and Balsam Bagels. Thank you! We also spread the word on the DARC Earth mission and received our first donations!

Paperless Project (Capstone Project)

Schools use lots of paper. Use of paper, as a non-renewable resource, leads to deforestation, carbon emissions from processing and transportation, and chemical contamination from processing. Given that 1/3 of the oxygen we breathe is produced by trees, saving forests is integral to human life on earth! The Pandemic gave us all an opportunity to… 

darcearth

April 30, 2023

1–2 minutes

Schools use lots of paper. Use of paper, as a non-renewable resource, leads to deforestation, carbon emissions from processing and transportation, and chemical contamination from processing. Given that 1/3 of the oxygen we breathe is produced by trees, saving forests is integral to human life on earth!

The Pandemic gave us all an opportunity to engage more online, and we can use this to reduce our paper consumption now that we are back to school!

When schools were closed during the COVID Pandemic, many students in the US were equipped with a Chromebook and email address. Because these are now incorporated into many learning routines in and out of the classroom, I believe that schools can stop using paper completely.

My 8th grade capstone project included an analysis of how my school could go about decreasing (and eliminating) paper use. I started with data collection and analyzed student, teacher and administrator concerns. A survey of students showed that 53% of students and 80% of teachers were already trying to reduce their paper consumption, while only 10% of students were not already submitting homework online. So, the obvious next step is to help them!

I created a 3 phase plan that would allow a gradual transition to less paper usage, with each phase ending with a feedback survey. This was intended to decrease the impact of some potential pitfalls, including:

1. Students forgetting their computer at home

2. Students cheating more easily on tests or homework

3. Distraction from games and social media

4. Maintenance of technology and relevance

5. Higher screen time for students

6. Charging the computers

Check out the Phases for our particular school environment, below (Schoology is our local learning management software):

I hope you will consider helping your school reduce paper usage too!

Seneca Park Zoo/Rochester City Cleanups!

Hey guys! Today we went to a trash cleanup at Mapplewood Rose Garden hosted by Seneca Park Zoo, who are additionally supported by the Rochester City Government. Not only did we clean up a lot of trash, we found an amazing new organization! They are taking a brief recess due to snow but are going… 

darcearth

January 2, 2023

1–2 minutes

Hey guys!

Today we went to a trash cleanup at Mapplewood Rose Garden hosted by Seneca Park Zoo, who are additionally supported by the Rochester City Government. Not only did we clean up a lot of trash, we found an amazing new organization! 

1. Lots of people turned up!

2. Those lots of people were very committed, so we picked up a lot of trash

3. Students at RIT sort through the trash and collect data

4. They find spots where there is a lot of trash to be cleaned up

5. One can host your own cleanup using their equipment and bags!

They are taking a brief recess due to snow but are going to start back up again in April. This is a great organization and I hope people join! Here is the link to their website: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/great-lakes-clean-ups-mrg22/

UPDATE: On Earth Day (April 22), 2023, we cleaned up Durand Eastman Beach with the Seneca Park Zoo. So many people came and we collected tons of trash! I helped a team of kids sort the trash so that it could be properly reported. Check out future clean ups at https://senecaparkzoo.org/events/

Pandemic progress

Hello all! Recently I have been a bit behind in updating the website so I have put together a list of thing that I did during the pandemic peak. Being in lockdown made everything difficult but we (me and a motivated group of friends) made some small but powerful changes. -In 2020, we advocated for… 

darcearth

December 31, 2022

1–2 minutes

Hello all! Recently I have been a bit behind in updating the website so I have put together a list of thing that I did during the pandemic peak. Being in lockdown made everything difficult but we (me and a motivated group of friends) made some small but powerful changes.

-In 2020, we advocated for our school to use metal sporks instead of single use utensils (used for infection control during the pandemic peak)

-In 2021, I marched in a climate rally in downtown Rochester

-In 2021, my class and I cleaned up for Durand Beach (here are some picks). Finding this much trash was the work of an hour – yuk!

Sidewalk Success!

Before the pandemic in 2019, I was able to attend and lead my class (as then a 5th grader) at a climate walkout. Situated on a busy street without sidewalks or bike paths, getting to school safely and without generating emissions is not possible. At the march, I created a petition for a sidewalk and… 

darcearth

December 31, 2022

1–2 minutes

Before the pandemic in 2019, I was able to attend and lead my class (as then a 5th grader) at a climate walkout. Situated on a busy street without sidewalks or bike paths, getting to school safely and without generating emissions is not possible. At the march, I created a petition for a sidewalk and bike path on this street and presented it to the Brighton Town Board at a regular Board meeting. We have recently received information that the Brighton Town Board is planning to use a budget of $500,000 to create a sidewalk from East Ave. to Monroe Ave. with the possibility of a bike path! This will connect East Ave. and Pittsford Plaza by foot, bike camps will be able to stay safe, people who live in the vicinity will be able to move further without emissions, school kids will be able to cross the street safely, and the house-lined streets will become safer for kids growing up. This is an overall win for all! 

Monroe County is currently taking input on this website to find where other good/bad places would be for sidewalks. There are some great comments there and you can add your own. You can also show that you think a comment has a good idea by liking the comment! We added a few about the intersection of Clover St. and Elmwood Ave. Give it a go: The goal is to reach 20 likes on said comment! 

Recent Accomplishments

Of late, there is also a significant amount of progress that has been made. Our school’s environmental club has been working to recruit and we have: -Organized a campus cleanup -I have received an award for outdoorsmanship and activism. It is called the Carter Danforth Thomas Leadership Award. There was a 7th grader activist a… 

darcearth

December 31, 2022

1–2 minutes

Of late, there is also a significant amount of progress that has been made. Our school’s environmental club has been working to recruit and we have:

-Organized a campus cleanup

-I have received an award for outdoorsmanship and activism. It is called the Carter Danforth Thomas Leadership Award. There was a 7th grader activist a while ago at my school who loved the outdoors. Unfortunately, he died at a young age. In memory of his life, a award was created for the most outdoorsy activist. Yearly, in the 7th grade, we go on an outdoors field trip for one week. Winning the award sponsored the entire trip, food, transportation and all.

-We have set up a stand at a school activities show. It was an event at which students showed of what they were doing in each grade. One group had made a real hoverboard!

-Organized a bake sale to clean up trash and plant trees. We raised over $150 for #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas. 

Argument

Argument for Action  

Conclusion: Our moral scheme needs to be altered. You are obligated to help those exposed to suffering and death from climate crisis if the cost of your help is not a major sacrifice. *Adapted from Peter Singer’s “Affluence, Famine, and Morality” 

darcearth

November 6, 2020

1–2 minutes

Argument for Action 

1. Suffering or death from lack of food, shelter, and medical care are bad and can be prevented 

2. Climate change will lead to suffering and death from lack of food, shelter, and medical care.

3. We should not forget about suffering and death because it is not immediately affecting us or people around us

4. Climate catastrophe is not yet immediately affecting us (as much as it will be)

5. We don’t don’t prevent this suffering and death, though we can

6. We should not discriminate because people are far away

7. We do discriminate because people are far away

8. One feels less guilty if you can point to others and say that they didn’t help either, but, morally, that isn’t relevant — it is still your obligation. If a bad person fails to save a drowning child when they easily could, and you don’t either, pointing at them does not get you off the hook 

9. People encourage others to give money, but when you spend it on other things that you don’t need, luxury or comfort goods, they don’t mind.

Conclusion: Our moral scheme needs to be altered. You are obligated to help those exposed to suffering and death from climate crisis if the cost of your help is not a major sacrifice.

*Adapted from Peter Singer’s “Affluence, Famine, and Morality”

Climate Argument

Climate change is happening at an alarming rate. It can be prevented. The U.S. alone has the influence and technological capacity to go green. But we don’t. We can prevent further melting of the icebergs and drastically cut emissions, but we don’t. We should not wait because it’s not immediately affecting us, but we do.… 

darcearth

November 6, 2020

1–2 minutes

Climate change is happening at an alarming rate. It can be prevented. The U.S. alone has the influence and technological capacity to go green. But we don’t. We can prevent further melting of the icebergs and drastically cut emissions, but we don’t. 

We should not wait because it’s not immediately affecting us, but we do. Others don’t do anything to address the impending climate catastrophe, so why should you? You probably feel less guilty if you can point to others and say that they didn’t help either. But others’ inaction doesn’t let you off the hook — that’s a terrible reason to refrain from doing what you know is right. There are people dying. Icebergs melting. Firestorms. When you do something about it, you are encouraged and encourage others. Even if you, alone, do not solve the problem, when you do what you should, you are a hero. 

You can’t expect others to force you to do what you should. It may be that others don’t care. They may not tell you that you did something wrong if you avoid your obligations to the earth and future generations. But you have a moral obligation. 

Right is right and wrong is wrong. Letting our planet be destroyed is not how we should go. It is not inevitable. We should do something. We really need to change our moral scheme. We are committed to help those in need. We are obligated to save the world. You can help. And you must. Help me help you, and help those in the future. Together, bit by bit, we help can save the world. Please help. Do not agonize, organize.

Co2 extraction

Climate change is becoming worse and worse. One of the main components is Co2. The Greenhouse effect is rapidly heating up the planet. But what if we could take the carbon out of the air? Put it back in the ground? Well, we have figured it out. At ClimeWorks they are running a huge extraction… 

darcearth

September 25, 2020

1–2 minutes

Climate change is becoming worse and worse. One of the main components is Co2. The Greenhouse effect is rapidly heating up the planet. But what if we could take the carbon out of the air? Put it back in the ground? Well, we have figured it out. At ClimeWorks they are running a huge extraction machine that turns the carbon into rock! Wow! Go to https://www.climeworks.com/ to help the cause! So far, there is only one of these, and its kinda small. I hope to change that.

Koalas!

AUDTotal$250.00 Hey guys! I know this happened a long time ago, but I forgot to post this. Way back, in February, I hosted a bake sale with my friends to raise money for the koalas burned by wildfires in Australia. We raised $250 in 3 days! Recently I have been wrapped up in this whole… 

darcearth

September 17, 2020

1–2 minutes

AUDTotal$250.00 

Hey guys! I know this happened a long time ago, but I forgot to post this. Way back, in February, I hosted a bake sale with my friends to raise money for the koalas burned by wildfires in Australia. We raised $250in 3 days! 

Recently I have been wrapped up in this whole Covid-19 thing, but now I’m ready to take action again!

Also, here is a link so that YOU can help the Koalas.

Corona protest

Well, we’re all trapped in quarantine, striving to get toilet paper, and taking online classes. But that doesn’t mean were going to give up on the earth. No. We just can’ t. We owe too much to the earth to give up now. So let’s still protest. But how? We can’t go nearer than 6… 

darcearth

April 17, 2020

1–2 minutes

Well, we’re all trapped in quarantine, striving to get toilet paper, and taking online classes. But that doesn’t mean were going to give up on the earth. No. We just can’ t. We owe too much to the earth to give up now. So let’s still protest. But how? We can’t go nearer than 6 feet to each other. But we don’t have to. My plan is to put signs in my front yard and put chalk on the sidewalk saying, “Save the Earth!” It doesn’t matter if the governor doesn’t see it. Other people will. Then they might do something about it. Then they might tell others in the neighborhood. Then in the city. Then the people who are in office will see our compassion. But, I don’t blame them for not doing more about climate change, they are already doing so much for the people with Corona. Also, you could record you voice and either put it up or get apps to mix sounds and mix your friends’ voices with yours and post it on social media, or just play it on a loop in your front yard and have them do the same. Please join “the chalk protest” and save the earth.

Corona can’t stop us.

Brighton town board success!

I spoke at the Brighton town board and they liked my speech and wanted to help! They told me that my cause is a very good one and they need people like me to do these things. We learned how much we needed to design and build it, and what to do. So now we… 

darcearth

March 25, 2020

1–2 minutes

Me at the Brighton town board

I spoke at the Brighton town board and they liked my speech and wanted to help! They told me that my cause is a very good one and they need people like me to do these things. We learned how much we needed to design and build it, and what to do. So now we know what to do, we do it. Thanks to all the people who supported me in this doing!

Walk Out Success!

On Friday October 18th, 2019, The Harley School students walked out of class and started protesting climate change. It was a successful walkout with a petition and chants. We were on the news to talk about our plan for a sidewalk and bike path on Clover St: https://13wham.com/news/local/harley-students-take-part-in-climate-change-walkout-friday, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=631768224020863 Our next move, hello Brighton Town… 

darcearth

November 6, 2019

1–2 minutes

On Friday October 18th, 2019, The Harley School students walked out of class and started protesting climate change. It was a successful walkout with a petition and chants.

We were on the news to talk about our plan for a sidewalk and bike path on Clover St: https://13wham.com/news/local/harley-students-take-part-in-climate-change-walkout-friday, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=631768224020863

Our next move, hello Brighton Town Board, I brought a petition . . .

Climate Walkout and Sidewalk Protest!

I am organizing a climate walkout at my school and protesting for a bike path and sidewalk! Check out this link for more information: https://globalclimatestrike.net If you want to sign up to help, contact me! 

darcearth

September 23, 2019

1–2 minutes

I am organizing a climate walkout at my school and protesting for a bike path and sidewalk! Check out this link for more information: https://globalclimatestrike.net

If you want to sign up to help, contact me!

lemonade stand

Hey folks! A few weeks ago I had a lemonade stand with my brother – it went great! We raised $65 and taught dozens of people about the trillion trees project. I am saving the money to contribute to this project. 

darcearth

August 19, 2019

1–2 minutes

Hey folks! A few weeks ago I had a lemonade stand with my brother – it went great! We raised $65 and taught dozens of people about the trillion trees project. I am saving the money to contribute to this project.

Update PRIDE Run: 8/4/19

On June 14th, I ran the 5K PRIDE run in 27mins 11secs and came in first for the 19y and under! With your support, I raised $220 for World Wildlife Fund. It was awesome to be around so many people and rainbows, and to run around our reservoir! Thanks so much to my dad for… 

darcearth

August 4, 2019

1–2 minutes

On June 14th, I ran the 5K PRIDE run in 27mins 11secs and came in first for the 19y and under! With your support, I raised $220 for World Wildlife Fund. It was awesome to be around so many people and rainbows, and to run around our reservoir! 

Thanks so much to my dad for helping me to keep pace!!

Help me save the environment!

My upcoming 5k (with PRIDE) for WWF! I will be doing a 5k in June and my goal of fundraising for it is $100. I will be donating the money to WWF(World Wildlife Fund). Please support me! Thanks! Here is my GoFundMe page! 

darcearth

June 9, 2019

1–2 minutes

My upcoming 5k (with PRIDE) for WWF!

I will be doing a 5k in June and my goal of fundraising for it is $100. I will be donating the money to WWF(World Wildlife Fund). Please support me! Thanks!

Here is my GoFundMe page!