May 5, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 11 SCHOOLS & CAMPS The American Camp Association and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics recently joined forces to bring outdoor ethics and minimum-impact principles to kids nationwide. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and partnerships. The Leave No Trace program builds awareness, appreciation, and respect for wild lands. The Center has a variety of program offerings and curricula to teach and share the seven Leave No Trace principles. According to the Center’s website, those principles include: Plan Ahead & Prepare Know the regulations and special concerns for the area. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups, or split larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass to eliminate the need to use paint, cairns, or flags as trail Campers urged to learn ‘leave no trace’ skills markers. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grass, or snow. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary. In popular areas, concentrate use on existing trails and campsites; walk singlefile in the middle of a trail, even when it is wet or muddy; keep campsites small and focus activity where vegetation is absent. In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails; avoid places where impacts are just beginning. Dispose of Waste Properly Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. Leave What You Find Preserve the past. Examine, but do not touch, cultural or historical structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them. Avoid introducing or transporting nonnative species. Do not build structures or furniture. Do not dig trenches. Minimize Campfire Impacts Campfires can cause lasting impacts. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, and scatter the cooled ashes. Respect Wildlife Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach animals. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behavior, and exposes animals to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife when they are mating, nesting, or raising young, and during winter. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Avoid loud voices and noises. Does Your Child Want to Be a Designer? We can teach her the fundamentals of sewing to unleash her creativity. She can model the garments she’s made at our Annual Fashion Show in June. June Fri, June 4, 8p rk Midland Pa High School a dance studio in the classical tradition Ballet • Pointe • Character • Stretch Partnered Adagio • Adult Classes • Boys Class Accepting students of all levels from age 5 through adults Fashion Show m Needlecraft School June 28 - August 26 • 10am - 3pm Register Now for Summer Sewing Camp 2010 Summer Training Program Register Now for 216 Godwin Ave, Midland Park • 201-444-2976 Teaching Children and Adults Sewing and Designing Skills for Over 30 Years... Check our Website: www.needlecraftschool.org June 28 - August 28 For information & enrollment, please visit our website: www.petrovballet.com or contact us: 201-445-4499 • Email: info@petrovballet.com 134 Hopper Ave, Waldwick, NJ 07463 4-14-10----NeedlecraftSummerCamp(color)4-14-10 3col x 2” Ester for PROOF... from Janine ARGENTINE Starting May 6th Every Thursday 8:30-10PM 4-28-10 kathy/janine Open Level Tango Classes PetrovBallet3x3COLOR(4-28-10) 3 x 3” It’s a drama It’s a dialogue It’s a relationship It’s life... Argentine Tango! At The Center for Modern Dance Education Inc. 84 Euclid Ave, Hackensack, NJ 201-444-2249 www.2fortango.org