WETFest, or the Water Education Training Festival, is a traveling summit that the members of AmeriCorps put on at elementary schools around Cape Cod about marine wildlife and ocean conservation. Kids get to participate in interactive games and hands-on activities, with some of the favorites including an edible aquifer, going inside a bubble, and a "Flush the Kids" skit to learn about septic systems. So far, the festival has gone to 7 schools across the Cape, with more to come, and each time has been met with very positive reviews. Cape Cod Chamber and Blue Economy staff were lucky enough to participate this year, and we give it two thumbs up! (Pictured Left to Right: Rachel Hutchinson, Abigail Archer, Katy Acheson, Sarah Jane Stout.)
News & Press
WETFest: How AmeriCorps is Teaching Kids About Sustainable Water Use
By William Penni
- Collaboration
- Regional
AmeriCorps is a US-based agency that employs more than five million Americans in volunteer work programs across the country. One of the many groups in this organization calls Cape Cod their home, doing work ranging from clearing herring runs to controlled burns of overgrown vegetation. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Sarah Jane Stout, one of the nine AmeriCorps members here on the Cape, about AmeriCorps and the work they do.
Stout explained some of the benefits of working with AmeriCorps on their service projects. One thing that drew her to it was the chance to spend time in a new place, in her case, Cape Cod. Through AmeriCorps, you can choose where you would like to be stationed, with placements all across the country. Housing, food, and a living stipend is provided, so you get the chance to spend time in a location of your choosing without concerns about affordability.
Another thing that appealed to Stout was the range of experiences she would get to take part in. AmeriCorps provides a variety of different services to promote environmental sustainability, which means becoming familiar with numerous aspects of the field of conservation. AmeriCorps provides training and certifications to prepare its members for whatever projects they may take part in, which makes each member come out with a lot of qualifications.
Above all else though, the main goal of AmeriCorps is to make our country a better place for everyone, and they are putting in work everywhere to make that possible. The work these volunteers do is so beneficial and truly impressive.
WETFest
For more information on Americorps Cape Cod, check out their page!