Deer, trout, grouse-focused summer field school opportunities for teens and teachers

Interested in wildlife or a career in wildlife management and ecology? If so, read on. I want to make you aware of an exciting opportunity for our teens offered through the Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education, The Wildlife Leadership Academies are now accepting applications for their 2014 summer field schools from youth ages 14-17 and adults. Adults serve as mentors and participate alongside the students. School teachers are encouraged to apply as mentors. 

The Wildlife Leadership Academy is year-round program that focuses on wildlife/fisheries conservation and leadership development. The Academy begins with an intensive, five day residential field school experience that focuses on a fish or wildlife species as a springboard for exploring biology, habitat, and conservation issues. Youth also develop leadership skills engaging in team-building activities, educational presentations, and mock “town hall” meetings on current topics. 

Three field schools are available for youth and adults to apply to this summer: Pennsylvania Bucktails, white-tailed deer focus (Stone Valley Recreation Area in Huntingdon County June 17-21), Pennsylvania Brookies, brook trout and coldwater conservation focus (Sieg Conference Center in Clinton County July 8-12), and Pennsylvania Drummers, Ruffed Grouse focus (Powdermill Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County July 22-26).

Student Brook Martin of York County describes his participation in the program as “life changing”. He shared, “With this field school, I was able to reach my full potential and find a career path that I feel will be very rewarding.  It was an experience that I will cherish and remember the rest of my life.”

A high quality experience

The Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation, Wildlife Leadership Academies are a cooperative initiative which brings the experts to the students. Participants are taught by and interact with conservation professionals daily. These professionals represent agencies, conservation organizations and universities from across the state.

For more information and to register click here.