Several education presentations are scheduled this summer for Port St. Lucie camps. More than 500 kids ranging in age from 5 to 14 will participate in a wide variety of activities, including building a model water tower. This is the first time this STEM-focused project has been facilitated by Utility Systems. The campers will assemble a 3-ft. tall tower, which includes a reservoir made from a 2-liter bottle, and a base made from PVC pipe and fittings. Once assembled, the kids will decorate their towers in a theme of their choice. The completed models will be showcased at the end of the summer and judged on their structural integrity, their ability to hold and drain water, and their theme.

Water Hugs, a short story written by Utility Marketing Coordinator Jenny Tomes, will also be debuted at summer camp. After listening to the story, campers will be given a different page of the book to illustrate. At the end of the summer, the best drawings for each page will be selected and used in the final assembly of the book. Those artists will be recognized in the book for their contributions.

Campers will also learn about where our water comes from and how it’s treated through a series of demonstrations and hands-on activities. They will create a water cycle wristband, as well as a DIY water filter. The kids will conduct a flush test comparing wipes and toilet paper and they will create a clog in a sewer pipe.  Francis FOGberg—a model of congealed fats, oil, and grease—will teach them about what not to flush.

Education and outreach is an opportunity for Utility Systems to bring awareness to the many ways we can all help keep our environment thriving. Children can lead the way when they understand how their actions can impact and influence those around them. The presentations help foster environmental stewards who will grow to become community ambassadors.

To learn more about educational opportunities with Port St. Lucie Utility Systems, contact Utility Marketing Coordinator Jenny Tomes at (772) 871-5131 or jtomes@cityofpsl.com. Presentations can include facility tours and information about water conservation, water quality, water treatment and distribution, and wastewater collection and treatment.

For more information, contact:
Jenny Tomes
Utility Marketing and Digital Video Coordinator
(772) 871-5131
jtomes@cityofpsl.com