Our second session of SPREE Force: Special Agent Training camp was a blast! New and returning campers embarked on an exciting adventure this week, as they learned all about SPREE’s river heroes such as Chompers the Beaver, Crusher the Crawdad, and even the antihero of the South Platte River- the Trash Monster! They learned all about the importance of the South Platte and how to be amazing stewards of the river and its surrounding areas.
Monday was all about learning about pollution and how and why the SPREE force got started. Through hands-on activities such as the Enviroscape, they learned about how everyday actions in an urban environment may impact the waterways in and around Denver. They also learned about how, when, and why the South Platte River flooded in 1965. We discussed the significant impact it had on the city and its surrounding environment, while also generating ideas on how to care for the river and the creatures that inhabit it. Campers estimated how long it takes for different pieces of trash to break down (it takes styrofoam over 100 years!). They were then challenged to think of a possible solution to removing pollution from the South Platte by creating a craft out of recycled materials. The day was complete with groups getting into the South Platte River itself to do an exciting first round of Critter Crawl!
On Tuesday, campers learned much more about the SPREE force leader, Chompers the Beaver, and why he is so important to SPREE and the environment! They also learned about Crusher the Crawdad and got to make a replica of Crusher himself to take home. After creating their secret agent names and ID badges, campers immersed themselves into learning all about beavers, with some of them transforming into one themselves! They learned amazing facts, such as that beavers have two layers of fur, a new super science word – the nictitating membrane, that beavers are keystone species (and what it means to be one), and so much more. Not only did they create a Crusher, but they caught some real crawdads in the river- some groups catching over 50 crawdads in 30 minutes!
Wednesday was a very exciting day for SPREE campers, as we were visited by a special guest! On this day, we focused on the Trash Monster and ways we can prevent it from spreading trash all around Denver and the South Platte. Campers became stewards of the river and Johnson-Habitat Park as they learned how to use trash pickers and gloves to pick up trash! After learning that not all litter comes from humans, they crafted their very own doggy bag water bottle holders to take home. The highlight of the day was our special visitors Mike, Carl, and Sean with DOTI (Department of Transportation and Infrastructure) and their Vac Truck! Campers learned about their role with DOTI, and why their job is so important. After a demonstration on how their vacuum works, campers had so much fun getting wet from their hose!
Thursday was all about water- SPREE force team member Drip Drop and his archnemesis, Evil Drip Drop. Campers learned about why water quality is so important and became Hydrologists themselves as they tested the South Platte River for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity! Campers also tested their engineering skills by creating their own water filters out of coffee filters, rocks, cotton balls, etc., to see if they could filter river water from the soil, and we had many successful inventions! Along with Critter Crawl and several water games, campers stayed cool and had lots of fun! Earlier in the week, LIT (Leaders in Training) campers came up with a theme day for Thursday- dress like a teacher. So many students participated and we loved seeing all their creative ideas come together!
Friday was all about field day, and putting our special agent skills to the test! Campers packed up their essentials and brought them over to Vanderbilt Park for several games and teamwork challenges. For example, campers tested their speed and camouflage skills in a disguise relay; they worked on teamwork and sneakiness while playing steal the object, and worked on their agility and control when they played on our yarn laser obstacle course! After a fun and exciting day, campers came back to Johnson-Habitat to participate in Critter Crawl and to cool off in the river. SPREE camp is never complete without Graduation, and we had a blast congratulating campers for their special agent skills!
Shoutout to Our Amazing Young Professionals Crew!