This month, 15 Church of England schools from across the Diocese of Guildford took part in an Eco Day at Guildford Cathedral. The day was jointly organised by Guildford Diocesan Education Team and Guildford Cathedral.
All the pupils that attended are members of their school’s Eco team and are particularly passionate and involved in the environmental agenda. The purpose of the day was to help the children and staff to think about the critical question, ‘Why does it matter for Christians to care for God’s world?’ and how they can become ‘world caretakers’.
The day was planned to enable the children aged five to seven-years, to think about why we need to care for the world and focus on small things that they can do to create less carbon and reuse or recycle more. For example, turning lights off when they leave a room, or getting ready earlier so that there might be time to walk to school.
The Bishop of Dorking, the Rt. Revd. Paul Davies came along to speak with the children and later joined in with some of the activities. Paul commented: “Psalm 24 says ‘the Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it’. As we have the immense privilege of being custodians of God’s earth, it is important that we look after it and is necessary that the younger generations are aware.
It was a privilege to spend time with the children on our Eco Day. The combination of learning and having fun is a great way to pass the message on and help protect our planet.”
Nicola Cole, Head of Schools at Guildford Cathedral commented: “It was a great opportunity to inspire, encourage and equip some of our youngest members of society to change the world for the better. We were amazed by the depth and quality of their thinking and understanding about the impact of human beings on our planet. The children really seemed to enjoy the day, with one commenting ‘This is the best school trip ever!’, what more could we ask for.”
The day finished with Collective Worship led by the Diocesan Education Team with a story, song, thoughts, and prayers. It gave the pupils the chance to reflect on the day, as they prepared to return to school with the positive news that each small thing they can do, can make a big difference in our world.
Photo credit: Marie Davey