Leave Less Trace Program

The Leave Less Trace program is an initiative started in 2005 by our neighbors, Chesapeake Pagan Community, to conserve natural resources and reduce waste. It works by reusing and recycling things that were previously thrown away.

Washable Dishes and Utensils
CPC is providing washable dishes and utensils as an alternative to the paper and plastic stuff the camp provides in the dining hall. You're welcome to participate too. The washable plates are large and sturdy, making it easier to carry your food to the table, without spilling stuff on the floor. You'll also find metal and washable plastic utensils that are much easier to use than the throw-away stuff.

Dishwashing Station
Outside the dining hall, not far from the entrance, you'll notice a table holding several buckets of water and a drying rack. That's the dishwashing station, where you can wash your plates and utensils after meals. The buckets will be marked to indicate the proper washing order:

  1. Soapy wash water
  2. Clear rinse water
  3. Sanitizer
Set your plates and utensils in the drying rack after dipping them in the sanitizer. Air drying is necessary to allow the sanitizer time to work properly. After it dries, the sanitizer's residue is non-toxic, environmentally neutral, and does not adhere to the plates and utensils. Be careful not to splash sanitizer on your clothes; it may cause colors to run.

Campers who do their own cooking are also welcome to wash plates and utensils at the dishwashing station. However, you should bring your own washtub for pots and pans; our dishwashing station is not adequate for cleaning pots and pans.

Recycled Paper Supplies
Washing dishes is optional. CPC will also provide recycled paper plates, napkins, towels and, hopefully, recycled paper cups and bowls too. Look for our sign identifying paper and plastic supplies made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled fiber.

Recycling Containers
Campers who do their own cooking can also help in the Leave Less Trace initiative by placing cans (aluminum or steel/tin) and bottles (glass or plastic) in CPC's recycling containers. These materials will be taken to the county's recycling collection point after Summer Camp is over.

Before you print out anything from this website, be sure to load recycled paper into your printer. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and Leave Less Trace!

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