Thanks to decades of climate alarmism, many young Americans today are more anxious than ever about the environment. From professors and news outlets to parents and peers, the message has been relentlessly reinforced: our world is burning—both figuratively and literally.
Yet amid this constant barrage of fear-based messaging, a grassroots movement of climate realism is gaining momentum on college campuses nationwide. Like a forest reborn after a cleansing fire, a new generation is emerging from beneath the blackened layer of ideological academia—ready to reject junk science and embrace free-market environmental solutions.
Reflecting this shift, CFACT’s Collegians program just hosted its largest Eco-Summit conference ever!
On Friday, May 30, dozens of students from across the country descended on the beautiful Woodloch Resort, tucked deep in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. For many—some traveling from as far as California, Florida, and Texas—it was their first time visiting the Appalachians.
After a welcoming bonfire and s’mores on Friday evening, the weekend kicked off with activism training and educational seminars the following morning. Students heard from an impressive lineup of speakers, including climatologist Dr. David Legates, Heartland Institute research fellow Linnea Lueken, and CFACT’s own Marc Morano. Covering topics ranging from temperature trends to the ecological threats of offshore wind energy, attendees received a crash course in climate realism.
Between lectures, students participated in hands-on activism workshops. Guided by CFACT staff, they learned how to table effectively, organize guest speakers, plan outdoor excursions, and even execute creative street theater and protests.
Saturday afternoon brought the weekend’s much-anticipated “eco-adventure.” The group journeyed via rental vans to a decommissioned coal mine turned museum to explore the history and future potential of this vital energy source. Led by retired miner and CFACT’s newest friend Joe (in the yellow jacket), students ventured hundreds of feet underground to learn how coal once powered the American economy—and how it could again help restore energy independence.
After resurfacing, students returned to Woodloch for dinner and a screening of CFACT’s hit documentary Climate Hustle 2. The film was met with laughs, applause, and 
rave reviews, prompting an impromptu Q&A session that continued well into the evening.
Sunday featured more seminars, breakout workshops, and a creative group challenge where students developed new event ideas for the upcoming fall semester. Each group presented their plans at dinner—and with so many strong proposals, it was impossible to choose a clear winner.
In their downtime, students enjoyed everything Woodloch had to offer: kayaking, paddle boating, paddle boarding, sailing, swimming, mini-golf, and more. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to explore nature while advocating for its protection through practical, market-based solutions.
Beyond being CFACT’s largest Eco-Summit, it was also one of the most highly praised. Collegians Coordinator Nate Myers received feedback from dozens of students 
calling it the best student conference they had ever attended.
Here’s what a few students had to say:
“We had an amazing time here; we are super thankful for this opportunity. We got to learn more about the free-market environmentalist movement and how to approach people on our college campuses.” – Zach Lochard, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
“This was my first time in Pennsylvania. It’s beautiful here, and I’ve met so many friendly people and inspiring speakers. I’ve been to at least a dozen student conferences—this is the best by far.” – Nick Walker, Sam Houston State University
“I had a great time this year at Eco-Summit. We got to tour a decommissioned coal mine, network with students from around the country, and build a real sense of camaraderie. It was a fantastic experience.” – Addy Rose Knotts, Mississippi State University
“Thank you to CFACT and its donors for giving us the chance to learn about the climate, environment, and how to promote conservative conservationism on campus! – Daniel Avidon, 
University of California, Irvine
“I want to say thank you so much to everyone responsible for providing me the opportunity to be here this weekend. I had an amazing time. The speakers were fabulous, the staff were awesome, plus I made so many connections with other students. I loved going kayaking, paddle boarding, coffee runs, the coal mine tour, and morning walks with my new friends! – Ariana Alonso, William Paterson University
Several students even expressed a desire to switch their majors to related fields so they can come work for CFACT in the near future!
All in all, both students and staff alike were extremely pleased with how the conference turned out. Thanks to our generous donors, twenty-six young Americans are now fully equipped, well-trained, and biting at the bit to get back on campus and fight for climate realism.