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Sound Rivers Volunteer Coordinator Emily Fritz and water-quality interns Avalon Rosenberger and Samantha Lewis led a group of summer campers on a litter-free adventure in Raleigh on Wednesday.

Held by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, Mercy Camp is a one-week, faith-based summer camp that focuses on service. Organizers reached out to Sound Rivers over the winter to see if their mission of service and Sound Rivers mission of monitoring and protecting the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico could combine for a day of service for camp participants.

It was a hit, according to the Sound Rivers team.

“It was so much fun,” Emily said. “These girls were so ready to go at it. We ended up cleaning out the trash trap, then going up and down the creek picking up trash, and got the greenway, as well.”

Altogether, the group of 15 middle- and highschoolers picked up about 100 pounds of trash, including lots of broken glass, someone’s credit card and a tap shoe.

“Otherwise, most of the garbage was the classics: plastic water bottles, Styrofoam containers, et cetera,” Emily said.

Both Avalon and Emily said it will be a cleanout and cleanup to remember.

“It was an all-female group, and the energy was so high. That’s why we need more women in trash,” Avalon laughed.

“The campers’ energy was so contagious — we had a blast. The high of getting to work with these students will carry us through the week,” Emily said.

Like Sound Rivers partnerships that are keeping your waterways litter-free? We do, too! Donate today to support Sound Rivers’ work to keep your waterways swimmable, fishable and drinkable for all!