Simon Young and Sergei Tovstapyat have been leading ecological field trips for orphans and school children in the St. Petersburg area. Simon is from the UK and has been ministering in Russia for many years. Sergei is perhaps better known as the administrator of Camp Elama. Through teaching ecology, they build relationships with children and teachers and share the gospel as they study God’s creation.
From October 3rd to 13th they conducted theoretical and practical lessons with students from School #280, investigating issues related to environmental pollution and development. This program, in partnership with MIR, is presented under the auspices of the Mendeleev Chemical-Technological University in Moscow.
A very talented group of 12 students from the 6th and 7th grades participated.
The program consists of field trips to study and monitor nature in order to analyze problems of environmentally sustainable development of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.
Simon and Sergei also spoke with the leadership of Chemistry and Biology Lyceum #281 about starting a high school program. They will also conduct sessions with the orphanage in Tolmachevo, two hours south of St. Petersburg. And they are planning an Eco Camp at Camp Elama in June of next year.
It’s great to see this program expanding. Here are Sergei and Simon (in back) with the students:
