Provost Public School sixth graders Chance Reinhart, age 12, and Cody McNalley, age 11, attended the International Children’s Conference on the Environment which took place May 21 - May 25 in Victoria, B.C.

Reinhart and McNalley went to the conference with their mothers and stayed at the University of Victoria campus.

During their sample of the west coast they took part in field trips and even challenged the governments in the world to help the environment. They challenged the governments to sign the Kyoto Protocol, manufacture more electric cars, and to plant two trees for every one cut down. Other issues that were raised included protecting the environment by using the three Rs: Reduce/Reuse/Recycle.

When asked what they would like to see done locally McNalley said “I would like more trees planted at the school, and to have recycling picked up more often.” Reinhart agreed and added “I’d like to see more gardens and parks.”

A number of delegates from around the world made PowerPoint presentations involving ideas to help the environment. Ideas that stuck in the minds of Reinhart and McNalley was to “shut off your vehicle when waiting to pick up your children, and recommended a ‘No Idle Zone’ which is a good idea” they said.

The two elementary students were informed about the conference by former PPS teacher Lois Johnson whom had found out from Ducks Unlimited. Johnson nominated Reinhart and McNalley and they each had to write a 500 word essay to be considered.