Program Introduction
Residential Field Schools
Conservation Ambassadors
A Cooperative Initiative
Testimonials
Qualifications and Tuition
2010 Field School DetailS & Application Materials
Program Sponsors and Partners
Summary of Accomplishments, 2007-2008
2010 Summer Field School Flyer
Watch us on WQED!
The Program
Tell me, I forget
Show me, I remember
Involve me, and I understand
-- Anonymous
Our mission with this program is to empower high school youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to become ambassadors for conservation in order to ensure a sustained wildlife legacy for future generations. Based on a successful program called the Texas Brigades, our goal is not to recruit or train future wildlife or conservation professionals, but to equip future leaders from all walks of life with a better understanding of wildlife.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy is a year-round program that engages youth in conservation throughout their high school years and beyond.
Residential Field Schools
The program begins with an intensive week in the field engaging in hands-on learning about
wildlife biology, habitat, and ecosystem management in Pennsylvania. Students will learn through hands-on field studies combined with classroom activities and labs taught by leading wildlife biologists and professionals in the State.
Each five-day field school focuses on a single species as a springboard for exploring ecological concepts and management issues.
Critical thinking, the ability to work in teams, and public speaking are important life skills, and this wildlife-focused leadership program aims to develop such skills in Pennsylvania youth. Many of the field school activities emphasize team building skills and critical thinking. Furthermore, students will learn from media professionals how to tell their own stories through print media, educational programs, and television and radio interviews.
SUMMER 2010 RESIDENTIAL FIELD SCHOOL DETAILS
"Genius is three percent inspiration and ninety-seven percent perspiration."
--Thomas Edison
By enrolling in this program, students commit to engaging in at least three public outreach and/or conservation service projects when they return home. During the field school, students learn how to write press releases, present educational programs, develop displays, and conduct radio and TV interviews.
After the field school, we encourage and mentor them in applying what they have learned through their participation in public outreach programs. Students will keep records and submit books of accomplishments to compete for assistant counselor positions at the field school the following summer, weekend wildlife or hunting trips, and college scholarships.
To date, WLA participants have conducted 159 conservation education and service projects, engaged in 730 contact hours with the public, reaching an audience of over 6,000 people across 24 counties in the state.
Here is a more detailed Summary of Accomplishments of WLA students to date!
"I use not only all the brains that I have,
but all I can borrow"
-- Woodrow Wilson
The success of this program involves a strong partnership of conservation organizations of the Commonwealth. This cooperative program brings the biological expertise of the Ruffed Grouse Society, PA Dept. of Agriculture, PA Game Commission, Penn State, Audubon PA, PA Quality Deer Management Association, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and other partners, directly to high school students. Furthermore, an advisory team and curriculum team composed of state conservation organizations, biologists, educators, and interested groups guide development and provide assistance for the program.
Learn more about our program sponsors, partners, and advisors .
This is a young and growing program and we need further sponsorship from PA businesses, organizations and individuals. By sponsoring this program, you can make an impact on youth and the future of conservation! Learn more
We are an approved provider for the Educational Improvement Tax Credits program in Pennsylvania. Businesses can apply to receive state tax credits for donating money to support this program. Tax credits may be applied against the tax liability of a business for the tax year in which the contribution was made. Learn more
For more information on sponsorships, contact the Program Coordinator (contact information listed below).
"Wow – Wow – Wow - what a week you put together for the youth. My son couldn’t quit talking about the week and what he learned. I can’t thank you and your whole team enough for what you have done for him. " -- Parent of 2007 program participant
"The instructors were amazing!" -- 2007 youth participant
"As a hunter for many years, I thought I knew a lot about deer and wildlife. What amazed me most about this camp was how little I knew coming into the camp and how much I learned by the time the camp was over, a short four days later. " -- 2007 youth participant
“Even though I do not hunt and may never hunt, I can now express to non hunters and antihunters the deep respect the public owes to hunters who pay for conservation and help maintain deer population balance to ensure a healthy forest.” -- 2007 youth participant
“It was great to see the ability of these kids be put to the test and to watch them grow and blossom. Something special happened here.” -- 2007 adult Team Leader
"I feel regrounded as to why I am in this field" -- 2007 instructor
“I am so impressed by the instructors assembled for the camp! I think lives have been changed this week -- lights have been lit that will never go out.” – 2007 adult team leader
“Our sponsorship last year for Carlos to attend the camp was one of the best uses of our funds that we’ve ever done. This camp has helped Carlos become a more complete outdoorsman and conservationist.” --Bob Wagner, Quality Deer Management Association, Susquehanna Branch
Enrollment in this program is selective and competitive. We are seeking high achieving students with an interest in biology, wildlife, hunting, conservation, or the outdoors who meet the following requirements:
- Must be 14 - 17 years old.
- Must be able to demonstrate extra-curricular and scholastic achievements.
Tuition for each residential, 5 day summer session is $400.00. Need help with tuition costs? Apply for a scholarship! Scholarships are available and can cover up to 80% of tuition. Contact Michele Kittell for information on scholarships and other ways of defraying the tuition cost.
We strongly encourage you to contact your local conservation organizations (Audubon chapters, Quality Deer Management Assoc. chapters, PA Deer Assoc., etc.), sportsman clubs (Rod and Gun Club, PA Federation of Sportsman Club, etc.), and local businesses for tuition sponsorships. To find local conservation organizations and sportsman's clubs, check out our Youth Resources page.
If you receive a tuition sponsorship let us know so we can acknowledge their support!
The deadline for Field School applications is April 1st!
DETAILS FOR SUMMER 2010 RESIDENTIAL FIELD SCHOOLS
Michele Kittell, Program Coordinator
1 D Teaberry Rd; Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-245-8518; 570-441-3364
mkittell AT piceweb.org |
Photos courtesy of WLA instructors, participants, and the Texas Brigades
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