Wildlife Leadership Academy: Future Conservation Ambassadors Learn Thru Virtual Education Program

Adult mentors and students enrolled with the Wildlife Leadership Academy Conservation Ambassadors Program recently received boxes of supplies in the mail to use during the first ever virtual 5-day summer field schools. 

When Covid-19 caused many schools and businesses to close in March 2020, the Wildlife Leadership Academy quickly made the decision to transition its field schools to virtual field school experiences, to ensure the health and safety of their participants, staff, and instructors.

Students selected for the program from throughout Pennsylvania become certified Conservation Ambassadors by attending a 5-day virtual summer field schools which focus on a particular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, bass, brook trout, turkey and bear. 

Students in each field school gain extensive knowledge about natural resource conservation, leadership experience, and communication skills.  

During prior years, the students attended a residential 5-day summer school at Camp Krislund in Centre County.

Executive Director, Michele Kittell, notes that the virtual experience is going well for the adult mentors and students. 

She says, “Leadership is a quality we teach and take to heart at the Academy and while we are disappointed that we can’t meet in person – we adapted quickly and are continuing to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students this year.”

Students in the program have a natural excitement for natural resources and the school takes their interests to another level by providing them with skills to become leaders and knowledgeable and compassionate communicators. 

After the program, students receive a certificate designating them as Conservation Ambassadors and participate in a variety of alumni activities.

More information is available on the Virtual Field School webpage.

The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations. 

The Academy, a non-profit organization, is a cooperative initiate involving state agencies and conservation organizations. 

For more information, contact Executive Director, Michele Kittell by sending an email to:  mkittell@wildlifeleadershipacademy.org or call 570-245-8518.  You can also connect with the Academy online or Facebook.

(Photo: Adult mentor Beth Habbyshaw - left.)

Related Article:

-- Wildlands Conservancy: Land Protection 101, Bat Counts, Other Programs Coming Up! 

-- PA Assn. For Sustainable Agriculture 30th Annual Conference Going Virtual In 2021

-- Gov. Pinchot's Grey Towers Hosts July 18 Virtual Presentation On Resilient Pennsylvania - The Keystone To A Sustainable Future

[Posted: July 9, 2020]  PA Environment Digest