Solid Waste Authority offers a “wonder of waste" summer camp for middle schoolers

Mike Diamond, Palm Beach Post

Looking for things to do this summer for your kids?

The Port of Palm Beach and the Solid Waste Authority are both offering programs you might want to consider. The Port is offering a paid, eight-week internship program; the SWA is offering a weeklong summer camp for middle-school students to dive into “the wonder of waste.”

The Port’s paid eight-week program offers opportunities in finance, administration, communications, human resources, information technology, engineering and planning, while the SWA's camp is an eye-opener for students on the recycling process.

Here's a closer look at both programs.

Solid Waste Authority Summer Camp offers behind-the-scenes access for students

Crane-mounted claws grab piles of rubbish and plant debris from the pit floor of the new incinerator power generation facility at the Solid Waste Authority campus in West Palm Beach, Fla
Crane-mounted claws grab piles of rubbish and plant debris from the pit floor of the new incinerator power generation facility at the Solid Waste Authority campus in West Palm Beach, Fla

The SWA describes its program as a one-week "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink adventure into the world of waste." The summer camp will be held from June 3-7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Activities will include behind-the-scenes access, allowing students to explore:

  • A home chemical and recycling center that collects hazardous materials.

  • A landfill and its planet-protecting construction.

  • A recycling facility, where recyclables are sorted and processed for market.

  • An energy facility where trash is turned into electricity.

Applications are due by May 17 and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit swa.org/4r, call 561-640-8949, or email education@swa.org.

SWA is offering a similar program for Palm Beach County educators to help them understand solid waste and recycling issues. The SWA's "ReTeach" summer camp for educators runs July 22-26, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

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Port of Palm Beach sees internship program as great steppingstone for a career

Tacaria Anderson Jones oversees contract compliance at the Port of Palm Beach. She sent from intern to director. She will soon be overseeing her own intern.
Tacaria Anderson Jones oversees contract compliance at the Port of Palm Beach. She sent from intern to director. She will soon be overseeing her own intern.

The program is an opportunity for students enrolled in university, college or a trade school in the fall 2024 to gain professional experience, regardless of their academic background or career aspirations. New this year, port tenant Ozinga, is looking for a student interested in learning how to operate the company’s cement terminal and ready-mixed concrete plant and work in the sales department.

“Last year, our interns not only contributed significantly to our projects but also became integral parts of our work family,” said Michael Meekins, executive director of the port. “This program isn't just about filling roles; it's about nurturing future leaders and fostering a culture of growth and development.”

Past interns include Tacaria Anderson Jones, the Port’s current director of contract compliance and tenant relations. For more details, see the Port’s link to the program, www.portofpalmbeach.com/413/Summer-Internship-Program. Applications must be submitted by April 26.

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Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Solid Waste Authority offers "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" summer camp

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