[PAEE] Wildlife Leadership Academy

[Michele Richards-Williams]

Please consider recruiting or sponsoring a youth for the 
Pennsylvania WILDLIFE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY.

***********************************************************

DEADLINE IS APRIL 1, 2010 for youth applications.   

Scholarships are Available.

***********************************************************

WILDLIFE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY for Teens

The Wildlife Leadership Academy (WLA) is a wildlife-focused
leadership program that equips youth ages 14-17 with the
necessary skills to become ambassadors for conservation in
their home communities.  In addition to intensive field
experiences in wildlife biology, this program enables youth
to develop important leadership skills, such as public
speaking, critical thinking, and team work.

The Wildlife Leadership Academy brings the biological
expertise of Pennsylvania Audubon, Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania
Quality Deer Management Association, Pennsylvania State
University, Ruffed Grouse Society and the US Army Corps of
Engineers directly to high school students.  Major topics
covered during each five-day residential field school
include:

• WILDIFE BIOLOGY
• HABITAT MANAGEMENT
• RESEARCH AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES
• THE ROLE OF HUNTING IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 
• NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOURNALING 
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

After the field school, we continue to mentor the youth
throughout the year as they participate in at least three
public outreach and/or service activities in wildlife and
habitat conservation.

WHAT KIND OF YOUTH ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

WLA is seeking youth applicants ages 14-17 who are highly
motivated and are interested in wildlife, conservation, and
the outdoors.

We have seen this program change lives.  As a teacher and a
mentor to your students, we ask you to please spread the
word.  If you know of students that may be a good fit for
the Wildlife Leadership Academy, please encourage them to
apply! 

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Adults can participate in the Wildlife Leadership Academy as
Team Leaders.  Team Leaders are the primary mentors and
motivators 
of the youth during the five-day field school, guiding them
as they
push themselves academically, physically, and emotionally. 
These adult participants lead teams consisting of five youth
and one youth Assistant Team Leader (a student who has
participated in the program in a prior year).

We have openings for four Team Leaders for each field school
(eight openings total). Team leaders will receive a
scholarship covering tuition costs (includes materials,
food, and housing for the week), and those who are teachers
will receive 40 Act 48 credit hours.

If you love wildlife and the outdoors, this is a perfect
opportunity to share your passion with a younger generation!

WHAT FIELD SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE IN 2010?

PENNSYLVANIA DRUMMERS – focuses on the Ruffed Grouse
WHEN: June 22-26
WHERE: Powdermill Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County

PENNSYLVANIA BUCKTAILS – focuses on the White-tailed Deer
WHEN: July 6-10
WHERE: Stone Valley Recreation Area in Huntingdon County

HOW DOES A STUDENT OR ADULT APPLY?

Both students and adults can find applications at
www.PICEweb.org (click on the Youth Programs Link) or
contact the Program Coordinator, Michele Kittell at
mkittell at piceweb.org or 570-245-8518 for more information.


The Wildlife Leadership Academy is a cooperative initiative
of various state agencies and conservation organizations. 
It is coordinated and administered by the Pennsylvania
Institute for Conservation Education (PICE).



Michele Kittell
mkittell at piceweb.org
(570)245-8518
www.PICEweb.org








Michele Richards-Williams
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education
1 D Teaberry Road
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(570)458-5227 office 
(570)441-3364 cell
micheleATpiceweb.org
naturecorpATenter.net
www.PICEweb.org