2006 Embassy Events
Georgian NGOs and Peace Corps Conduct ECO Camp 2006 with U.S. Democracy Commission Grant Funds
In August the Kvemo Kartli Organization Scout Movement (KKOSM), the Georgian Center for the Conservation of Wildlife (GCCW) and Peace Corps Volunteers held the ECO (Ecological Conservation Outdoors) Camp in Kvabiskhevi, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Approximately 80 children aged 12-17 years old participated in the two one-week long camps. The purpose of the ECO camps are to provide participants all over Georgia with a safe and positive outdoor experience, raise awareness of the relationship between humans and their environment, increase appreciation for and understanding of the natural ecological systems of Georgia and create a heightened sense of personal and community responsibility for the protection of Georgia’s natural environment.
ECO-Camp was funded and supported through a U.S. Embassy Democracy Commission Grant, the OSCE, Eurasia Foundation, Peace Corps, KKOSM, and GCCW. Peace Corps Volunteers, their Georgian counterparts and the participating youth lived outdoors in tents and conducted ecologically-related activities such as nature maps, treasure hunts, teambuilding games, and hikes. Georgian counterparts and guest speakers facilitated sessions on basic ecological concepts, critical thinking, decision-making, and volunteerism.