We are loaded for bear! The use of zoo holiday camp for environmental education.

Abstract

Environmental Education in non-formal educational spaces emerges as a tool capable of making people aware of the importance of conserving natural resources. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of a holiday camp as a tool to promote non-formal environmental education. For 5 days, a total of 19 children between 9 and 12 years old, participated in various activities held in a zoo, located in the city of Dois Vizinhos, Paraná. The research had a qualitative and descriptive character and the field diary and participant observation were used for data collection. The results indicate that the children were made aware of the importance of all animals to the ecosystem and at various times presented critical thinking about the problems caused by man to the environment. It is hoped that the activities developed can collaborate in the process of formation for change, in which people can change their relationship with the environment, not only in their daily attitudes, but as future citizens of rights who demand economic and social transformations for the conservation of natural resources.