Delaware Interfaith Power & Light visits state park for youth climate retreat

Delaware Interfaith Power & Light hosted a Youth Climate Retreat May 1 at Killens Pond State Park in Felton. About 30 youth ages 5 to 18 spent the day exploring, hiking, munching, drumming, dancing, drawing and learning how to advocate for issues they care about ... specifically, a healthy planet.

DEIPL works through faith communities and community partners to effectively address the causes, consequences and solutions to climate change, and advocate for bold policies that reflect the urgency of the climate threat. This retreat was part of the national Interfaith Power & Light Faith Climate Week initiative and its shared 2022 theme of Sacred Trust: Our children’s right to a livable future. The event was funded in part by a grant from Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

With attendees sitting in a circle overlooking the lush, vernal pond, Shweta Arya, DEIPL executive director, offered a land acknowledgment and set a tone of reverence, appreciation, celebration and Earth care for the day’s activities. The youth were then encouraged to explore the sustainable design elements and displays in the Nature Center, including the composting toilets. A nature walk guided by park staff included an interactive discussion of sensitivity to one’s ecological footprint, threats from invasive species, and evidence of climate impacts.

This was not intended to be the standard discussion of climate causes, impacts, and strategies, but a playful celebration of the wonders of nature that both delight and sustain all. The event concluded with a little artwork, capturing reflections from the day on large postcards that would carry messages to decision makers from members of the generation that will be either benefitting or suffering from the policies they are making today.

Lastly, the youth had a short session on climate advocacy led by Rachel Gregoire of the Green New Deal Network. As they worked, they got to converse with Jaleyn Powell, a young African American woman and passionate community advocate from Sussex County, and Georgetown Councilwoman Christina Diaz Malone, a mature Latina, on the paths they took, what motivates them, and how young people can help drive policy for a healthier, brighter and more equitable tomorrow.

Jascelyn Parson, a YMCA teen program coordinator, said, “It was a serene day. The joys and wonders of the great outdoors captivated me as we learned more about the world's natural resources and historic grounds at Killens Pond. The collaboration of residents, youth, environmental professionals and local elected officials coming together to discuss and address this vital topic was significant.”

For more information or to become involved in the work of Delaware Interfaith Power & Light, contact Shweta Arya at Shweta.arya@delawareipl.org.