Eco-Stewards West 2007
The Eco-Stewards met at Westminster Woods in Occidental, California situated in the Redwoods for the kick off training event of the Presbyterian Conservation Corps. The group was composed of college students from all over the country and led by pastors, camp directors, youth leaders, and several environmental specialists including Rev. Renee Rico, the head of the Presbyterians for Restoring Creation (PRC).
Each day the Eco-Stewards focused on a different theme: Roots, Hands, and Vision. Roots explored the biblical roots of creation care as well as the history of the Presbyterian church's involvement in the issue. The group developed their individual eco testimonies and shared personal expressions of stewardship. They also explored the roots of Westminster Woods and learned about the camp history and local watershed.
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Hands focused on a physical project aimed at connecting action, ecology, and sustainability by building a compost toilet for use by Westminster Woods. The team built a compost toilet treehouse into the Redwood trees in a location where campers often take long hikes and have nowhere to use the bathroom. Human waste can be toxic and damaging to plants, animals, and even area ground water so the Eco-Stewards provided a way for Westminster nature hikes to be more sustainable. The Eco-Stewards learned that the best part of the compost toilet is the compost result: a rich fertilizer that the camp and local Occidental Arts and Ecology Center can use for gardening.
On the final day, Vision, the Eco-Stewards developed their collective vision for the future of the Presbyterian Conservation Corps. The body unanimously agreed that even more than an organization, the PCC should be an Eco-Steward community, striving to support one another in the journey to care for creation, live certain principles, and lead by example. The group planned the future beyond 2007, with a vision of branching out and training the next round of Eco-Stewards, while promoting nationwide awareness and systemic change. (In 2008 the vision was realized as Eco-Stewards East was a great success!) On the final night the first batch of Eco-Stewards pledged their commitment to God, the organization, and each other and shared communion under the California stars.
