Program Introduction
More Than a Summer Camp
A Cooperative Initiative
Testimonials
Qualifications and Tuition
2008 Field Camp Details
Program Sponsors and Partners
The Program
Tell me, I forget
Show me, I remember
Involve me, and I understand
-- Anonymous
The mission of 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. The goal of the program 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.
Based on a successful program called the Texas Brigades, this intensive Wildlife Leadership Adventure will train high school youth (ages 14 -17) in a curriculum emphasizing 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.
Critical thinking, the ability to work in teams, and public speaking are important life skills, and this wildlife-focused leadership camp aims to develop such skills in Pennsylvania youth. Many of the camp 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 2008 RESIDENTIAL FIELD CAMP DETAILS
The latest program NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS!
"Genius is three percent inspiration and ninety-seven percent perspiration."
--Thomas Edison
Our involvement with the youth does not end with the summer camp. When the students return home, they will be encouraged to present a minimum of three educational programs about what they learned at camp. During the camp, students learn how to write press releases, present educational programs, develop displays, and conduct radio and TV interviews. After the camp, we encourage and mentor them in applying what they have learned through participation in public outreach programs. Students will keep records and submit books of accomplishments to compete for assistant counselor positions at camp the following summer, weekend wildlife or hunting trips, and college scholarships.
The Bucktails class of '07 have conducted over 60 outreach programs and service projects, had 309 contact hours with the public, and reached an audience of over 2,000 people across 8 counties in the state!
"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
Youth with an interest in biology, wildlife, hunting, conservation, or the outdoors who meet the following requirements are encouraged to apply:
- 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 $350.00. Need help with tuition costs? Apply for a scholarship! Scholarships are available and can cover up to 80% of tuition. Contact Gail Farmer 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 2008 applications is April 15th!
SUMMER 2008 RESIDENTIAL FIELD CAMP DETAILS
Gail Farmer
Program Coordinator
gfarmer AT piceweb.org
3387 Route 737
Kempton, PA 19529
610-756-3194 - office
570-245-8518 - cell |
Photos courtesy of WLA instructors, participants, and the Texas Brigades
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