Kid-Friendly Ways To Support Wildfire Relief Efforts

Through climate change and human error, wildfires are on the rise. Many of us wonder what we can do to help, especially kids who may be concerned for the plants and wildlife in natural areas. Parents seeking meaningful ways to make kids understand how little efforts can make a big difference should get their children involved in wildfire relief efforts.

By keeping kids engaged with various activities to help preserve our natural lands, you can nurture their sense of empathy, teach them about community service, and show them there’s always hope for the planet. Here are a few kid-friendly ways to support wildfire relief efforts.

Organize a Fundraiser

Whether you want to help people and animals displaced by a recent wildfire or aid an organization working to prevent future blazes, money is always necessary. Lemonade stands and bake sales are kid-pleasers and a great way to generate cash. Chart out a plan with your children to bake, sell, and donate proceeds to the wildfire relief organization or a firefighting crew of their choice. If there’s a local or regional angle, all the better, as this will get people excited about donating. This kind of activity also teaches good lessons about raising money and the virtues of donating.

Craft Care Packages

In the aftermath of a wildfire, displaced people will require rudimentary comforts they may have left behind in the rush to escape a blaze. Heading to the store to buy supplies for care packages—including toiletries and hygiene products, nonperishable snacks, and bottled water—teaches compassion and awareness of the basic items every person needs to survive. Adding personal encouraging notes and art to a care package is another nice touch that could lift someone’s spirits. Inquire relief organizations about whether care packages are needed.

Plant a Tree…or Three!

Before and after fires, there’s always a need for more trees in the world. Get involved with tree-planting initiatives. Sending a donation to a faraway place to plant trees is fine, but many regions that regularly face wildfires have programs that allow families to plant trees and work to help restore local ecosystems. Children will learn about the environment’s resilience and how new trees aid in fighting the environmental effects of wildfires.

Teach Good Camping and Hiking Habits

While wildfires are often a natural part of the ecosystem, most are caused by human carelessness. If you hike and camp a lot, stress the importance of staying vigilant to your children. Educate them on fire safety when starting and putting out campfires and about following the rules and warnings about fires issued at parks and campsites. A little responsibility can go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of fires wherever you stay.

Those are just a few kid-friendly ways to support wildfire relief efforts. Get your kids involved in conservation and fire prevention to build skills, encourage good habits, and ensure a safer, greener world!