As schools prepare to closetheir doors, if you are a parent, you are probably wonderingwhat you can do to keep your children gainfully occupied during the holidays.On the other hand, if you’re a student, you are probably just looking for something different and most of all fun and exciting to do, during the long awaited August holidays. Have no fear, this week we will share some great ideas to get you eager to go outdoors while at the same time keeping your entire circle busy, entertained and educated.
Think about the Environment as your playground and take advantage of the good sunny weather that is usual during this time in Guyana. This is the perfect time to probably try, if not all, at least one of these activities.

Visiting an Eco-resort or Eco-lodge
If you’ve never visited an eco-resort or eco-lodge before, prepare to have an amazing time; if you have visited one, prepare to relive that exciting experience. Eco-resorts or eco-lodgesare the perfect place to explore and learn about the natural environment in a fun and inspirational way. Here you have the opportunity to go cycling through nature trails, water skiing, kayaking, knee-boarding, and jet-skiing or playing fun games of beach volley ball or badminton. To cool down after, you can take a dip in the fresh water of the many surrounding creeks, lakes or riverscomplementing the nature experience. Many of these tours are guided by well-trained and educated professionals, so you will learn about the culture and rich history as well of the environment. You will learn about what species are endemic to that particular area and how the environment and locals living there benefit from its protection and conservation.

Plant a “veggie”/fruit/flower Garden
Here is another fun and exciting way for both parents and children to bond and learn about their environment while getting fit and eating healthier. Planting a “veggie” or fruit garden at home or in the community offers a number of benefits. Firstly, you will probably need to plant short-term crops if you are looking to do gardening just for the holidays. Crops like celery, shallot, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers are some great choices. Planting some of your own food will save your family money at the market or even a trip to the doctor.Gardening gives you a greater sense of appreciation when you reap the bounty of your efforts. You can use garden waste generated to make a compost heap to fertilize your garden, donate or sell to local farmers. It is a simple but great way to turn unsightly land to attractive land space. You have the option of upcycling waste containers/tyres, as plant pots, trying hydroponics in a selected space in your yard or neighbourhood. The benefits of gardening are endless, try it this holiday.

Go camping in the outdoors
Children these days just do not spend nearly as much time playing in the great outdoors as they used to a generation ago, especially with all of the exciting electronic devices like computers and video games which occupy their time.Grab a map, pack your tents, food stuff and some safety supplies and venture into the outdoors.A camping getaway can be a great way to unwind and reconnect with your family and the natural environment,especially if you’re a city dweller, regardless of your budget. Many people also find that they get better sleep in the fresh air away from the noise and bustle of the city. A good night’s sleep will lower stress and benefit the immune system.Also, while you are camping you will likely to go swimming, hiking, canoeing and more. Increasing your physical activity is incredibly beneficial for your health and will help you to lower your blood pressure, lose weight, improve circulation, and strengthen your muscles and much more.The peace and quiet and relaxing atmosphere of camping will also help to reduce your mental stress and enjoying the serenity of the great outdoors will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated!Parents, if you are unable to make a family camp, enroll your children in one of the camps offered by various groups and organizations.

Volunteer at a nature center
If you have little or no knowledge about the environment and are eager to learn, this is a perfect opportunity this holiday. Volunteeringcan help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health. Here is an opportunity to learn more and interact with nature other than through books, the internet,and television. Guyana is known for its vast flora and fauna population, but how much of those have you ever seen? Nature centers are a safe and exciting way to be at one with nature while at the same time increasing your knowledge on nature and its many processes. This agreat way to get ready for your future career as a budding biologist and environmentalist, while at the same time sharing your knowledge with beginners.

These are just some of the many ideas and activities to do this holiday to keep you busy and informed about your environment and its many benefits. It will help you create memories to last a lifetime but most of all enable you to develop a greater appreciation for nature and the environment. We at the EPA will be happy to provide you with some more great tips and ideas to help you get started. Feel free to let us know what your experience was with these activities or call us to observe activities you planned.
Visit our Facebook page at Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana.

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or you can contact the Agency on 225-5467-9.