Going to Camp? Start Planning for It Now : It’s not too early for youngsters to apply if they want an environmentally friendly experience.

It’s already time to think about summer camp for the kids. This is not merely a response to the recent burst of hot weather, which puts us in mind of summer. It’s because Earthwatch research has discovered that some of the best camps--the ones with strong environmental programs--are almost fully booked.

Maybe it’s the improved economy. Maybe it’s increased environmental consciousness. Anyway, it’s time to sign up for what Scott Mathes, an expert in the field, calls “summer involvement projects in environmental restoration for kids.”

Mathes is executive director of a the nonprofit California Environmental Project, an organization that conducts environmental programs at camps in Ventura County and throughout Southern California.

Not only summers but all through the year, Mathes and his staff lead groups of kids away from the comfort of their suburban existence and out into the canyons of the Los Padres National Forest. They study native plants and animals, while pulling rusty fridges out of bushes and streams, filling bags with bottles and cans, and doing whatever is necessary to try to restore the forest to its original condition.

You may have seen TV footage on several network news shows of Mathes and the kids out in the wilderness. “You used to just have to pitch a tent in nature to be a camper, nowadays you find you have to clean up a mess before you can pitch a tent anywhere,” he lamented during a recent interview.

This may seem a strange addition to the usual summer camp program of archery and singing, but, according to Mathes, it’s the coming thing in Southern California. “There’s an evolution (in this direction) going on in summer environmental programs for kids at both residential and, especially day camps,” he said.

Dealing with trash is not new to summer camp attendees in Ventura County, as many regular readers of this column know. Earthwatch has already reported on the experience of kids at Camp Alonim, above Simi Valley, where kids found the trash and leftovers from their first camp meal on display in plastic bags at their second meal. It made them conscious of wasteful ways for the duration of their stay. Arthur Pinchev, director of youth and family programs at Camp Alonim, reports the camp is already 80% booked for the coming summer.

Summer programs of every character--residential, day, religious, museum-affiliated--are going green. Ojai Valley Summer School and Camp, for example, has added ecology to the curriculum alongside history, algebra and literature.

Reflecting this trend is the current slogan of the American Camping Assn., the accrediting organization of the industry. “Camp Gives Kids a World of Good.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Details

* FYI: Following is a list of summer camp programs with an environmental emphasis in Ventura County and nearby, plus reference guides to programs elsewhere in California and nearby states.

* Ojai Valley Summer School and Camp--646-1423--non-sectarian.

* Camp Alonim--582-4450--Jewish emphasis.

* Camp Stevens--(619) 765-0028--Episcopal emphasis.

* Catalina Sea Camp--(800) 645-423--marine science emphasis.

* Sierra Canyon School Camp--(818) 882-8121--day camp.

* REFERENCE GUIDES: The American Camping Assn., Southern California Section--(818) 223-9232 or the National Office (800) 428-CAMP offer guidebooks listing accredited camps and information on their environmental programs.

* STATEWIDE: The California Environmental Project (818) 500-1025 offers summer programs for kids interested in environmental restoration locally.

* REGIONAL: The Center For Environmental Education (310) 454-4585 maintains a comprehensive list of environmental summer programs and field trips throughout Southern California, which are suitable for kids.

* GUIDEBOOK: “Summer Opportunities for Kids and Teenagers” (published by Peterson’s Guides available at local bookstores or at (800) 225-0261) includes listings of environmental camps and programs.

* NATIONWIDE: “A Student Guide to Summer Opportunities in Marine and Environmental Science” is available to high school kids and older by calling (508) 369-7426. The guide offers listings in California and nationwide.