How do we activate, empower and inspire children to adopt a sustainable future? This is a question that goes to the very heart of my work and passion. From climate change to species extinction, from pollution to overpopulation, kids have every reason to be worried. In fact for many of our children, the problems they face seem so daunting, so overwhelming that they are frightened straight into apathy. What is the point of doing anything at all, when the problems of tomorrow are so huge, while the solutions seem so small?The answer is that we show them. We demonstrate not just what a sustainable future can look like – for sustaining what we are doing is simply not enough. Instead, we showcase regenerative living in action. From buildings that produce more energy than they use, that are non-toxic, to buildings that harvest water from the footprint they are on. From buildings that are on areas that are more nature rich than before the building was built; buildings that are non-toxic, emit zero carbon and are beautiful. We show them that instead of just doing less harm, we can and must, do more good. Our children need to know that is possible for both nature and people to live together, so that both may thrive.Over the past 30 years, I’ve been working on this vision. I’ve spearheaded the creation of one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings, the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre. I’ve conceived of the Pathways to Stewardship Initiative – where our whole community works together to foster stewardship and every age and stage of a child’s development. I’ve helped to create over 90 curriculum linked outdoor and environmental programs. I established an Eco Mentor program in partnership with Trent University and Fleming College – a training program that gives future teachers and early childhood educators the tools and strategies they need to be effective environmental educators. I’m currently working on a vision to make Camp Kawartha a nationally recognized environmental education leadership centre. We hope to construct one of Canada’s first fully certified Living Buildings as an exemplar of the very best in sustainable living. Kids need to bear witness to hope in action – to know ways in which they can create a zero carbon future – ways in which they can create nature rich communities that work with nature’s cycles – and not against them. If this intrigues you and if you can help – please reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you!