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Last updated on November 9, 2007

The goal of the Children's Water Festival is to educate fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students on the importance of water conservation and protection. Through the use of hands-on activities and presentations the students become more aware of the relationship between water, their community, and themselves.

Description:
The 13th Annual Children’s Water Festival will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2008. Over the past 12 years, the festival has had great success with over 23,500 students (fourth fifth, and six graders) from area schools attending. The festival provides a field trip for students where they learn about the importance of our environment and water resources and their role in protecting and conserving it. The students participate in four 25 minute hands on activities that relate to water resources. There are over 40 presenters from many different organizations/agencies and companies including local Conservation Districts, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, American Water Works Association – MI Section, etc.

History:
The GMB is comprised of thirteen local government units in the Metropolitan Lansing Area and was established in 1983. As a local policy board, it's members work together to educate and encourage better use and protection of water.

The festival was created due to a large demand from local school districts for assistance in educating students on environmental issues. This one-day event provides information to over 70 different classes within the tri-county region. The festival introduces basic concepts of groundwater protection in hopes to positively affect students' MEAP scores, CAT scores, and overall understanding of groundwater.

The first Children's Water Festival took place in 1995 at the Brody Complex on Michigan State University's campus. Close to 800 fourth and fifth grade students from local elementary schools attended. Presently, the festival takes place at Wells Hall on MSU's campus and the overall record for attendance was set in 2002 with 2,200 students. More than 22,000 students have attended the festival in its eleventh-year history.

The festival focuses on educating students through interactive activities. Each student is given the opportunity to participate in two hands-on lesson plans and attend a musical concert by Billy B, an environmental performer. Billy travels around the country visiting schools and events spreading his musical message about environmental protection. His popularity in the Lansing area have students, teachers, and sponsors requesting to see him at the festival each year! Billy’s program includes songs and dances that teach students important lessons about nature while giving them a chance to interact

Contact people:

Erin Campbell, Festival Coordinator, (phone), (email) Christine Spitzley, Environmental Programs Planner, (phone), (email) Maria Habba, Executive Assistant, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (517) 393-4424

Address:

913 W. Holmes Rd. Suite 201 Lansing, MI 48910 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.h2ofest.org

Directions:

The Children's Water Festival is held on Michigan State University Campus, Wells Hall. Please visit the website: www.h2ofest.org for a detailed location map.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: N/A   Nearest Bus Stop: Holmes Rd./Washington/MLK, 5 minute walk

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