Schuylkill Acts & Impacts

An Expedition to Inspire Watershed Action

An expedition to inspire watershed action, our Schuylkill Acts & Impacts program engages students from communities within the Schuylkill River Watershed in a hands-on service-learning experience.

A program made possible by Fairmount Water Works (FWW) and its partners, Schuylkill Headwaters Association (SHA) and Stroud Water Research Center (Stroud)

Schuylkill Acts & Impacts is a 6-day watershed expedition along the 120-miles of the Schuylkill River, from its headwaters in the anthracite coal lands of Schuylkill County to its confluence with the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Twelve select students from all 5 counties in the watershed come together to experience first-hand the impact of land use on water quality through guided tours, fieldwork, water sampling and interactive presentations with policy makers and planners.

Students camp in tents at state parks and nature preserves. Students need to bring a sleeping bag, clothes, and their personal items, but all other necessary gear, food and transportation including tents, kayaks, and life jackets will be provided.

Environmental educators from FWW, SHA, and Stroud will lead Schuylkill Acts & Impacts along with expert staff from outfitter Take It Outdoors Adventures. All Outreach & Education personnel have undergone rigorous background checks and have extensive experience in group facilitation and leadership development programs. Outfitting guides have CPR certification and Wilderness First Aid certification. The maximum instructor-to-student ratio will be 1:3.

Students must be high school age and live or attend school in Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties. Selected students must participate in the entire program from Sunday, July 9, 2023 to Friday, July 14, 2023. Schuylkill Acts & Impacts is supported by the generous contribution of individuals and organizations. There is no fee for student participation, but we encourage donations whenever possible.

Students will need a teacher recommendation. A teacher familiar with the applicant should email outreach@schuylkillheadwaters.org a recommendation discussing student’s commitment to learning and any interests/involvement in environmental studies or service projects by Friday March 31, 2023.

Apply here.

Support Schuylkill Acts & Impacts

This program is made possible by our partnerships with Schuylkill Headwaters Association (SHA), Stroud Water Research Center, Take It Outdoors Adventures and the generous contributions from our supporters. Because of people like YOU, we can continue to offer this program free of charge to participating students.

Do you want to help support this year’s program? YOU can help engage the next generation of water stewards!

A multi-day immersive camp experience can be life-changing for youth. Give a gift of wonder, exploration and inspiration! For just $175, your gift will cover all expenses for one student for one day – $1,050 for a week. Change a life, send a child to camp this year – a year where our students are seeking exploration and the opportunity to experience nature.

Additional Giving Opportunities:

Kayak! $200 will support the cost of kayaking the whole week for one student or $50 will support the cost of kayaking for one day for one student.
Campfire Meals! $175 will support the cost of meals for the whole week for one student or $50 will support the cost of a full day of meals for one student.