Students at the St. George's Community Centre's annual summer camp did more than just learn about the environment, they built a working solar oven.

"That was something new for everyone," said camp coordinator Carla Watson. "It only really goes to 200 degrees here, but in places where temperatures reach 100 or 110, that thing would be hot."

The oven, made with a pizza box, saran-wrap, tin foil and black construction paper, used the heat of the sun to produce the temperatures.

Explained Ms Watson: "The box houses the food, while the tin foil reflects the sunlight. We used it to melt cheese for a pizza. We found the direction while doing research for the camp, and thought it would be fun to try out."

Between field trips 96 students, aged five through 14, engaged in a number of activities designed to promote conservation,

"Some of the activities were things like making egg carton gardens, developing eco-terrariums, and learning about recycling," said Ms Watson.

While the camp chooses a different theme every year, Ms Watson believed this year's theme was especially important.

"We feel the planet is in a vulnerable state, so we're trying to raise awareness of their future," she said. "It will be a different theme next year, but we will still find ways to bring focus to this issue, even if it's just for a few days. Somehow, we will encourage it."

This year's camp closed on Friday, but Ms Watson hopes the students take their understanding of the environment home with them, to encourage change throughout society.

"If we encourage the children, it can encourage the parents, and it could start a trend in that way," she said.