By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

NorthBay, an environmental education camp owned and operated by Erickson Retirement Communities, was recently lauded for being a good “green” role model to Maryland students.

Located in North East, Md., on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, the learning camp that serves inner-city youth was recently celebrated for its environmental and educational achievements. It was named a certified “Maryland Green Center” by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE).

“Our Green Center certification demonstrates our commitment to environmental education,” says George Comfort, NorthBay executive director. “We are thrilled that MAEOE has developed this program and thrilled that we get to participate in it.”

A lesson to last a lifetime
At North Bay, students— many who come from under-privileged homes throughout Baltimore and the rest of Maryland— learn a lesson about conservation and sustainability that will last their entire lives. The curriculum includes heavy doses of environmental science and character education taught by certified Maryland Public teachers and staff.

Students immerse themselves in the curriculum for a week and live on the minimum-environmental impact campus.

Keith Williams, NorthBay’s director of education, says, “It’s important because a large part of our education program is geared toward student actions after their NorthBay experience. What they learn here is important, but it also carries over into life well after they leave. We are honored to be recognized for the work we do for our visiting students and schools.”

With a greater good in mind
Since 1985, MAEOE, a nonprofit educational association, has served thousands of teachers, education center staff, and students at all grade levels, with training programs, workshops, awards, and resources.