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.
A year-round program, the Academy trainings begin with a rigorous period of residential programming that focus on a special topic in conservation that teaches about ecology, recreation, as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship.
Stepping Stones Program + Outreach
An introductory weekend experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
Field School + Outreach
A five-day immersive field school where students dive deep into the management of a wildlife or fish species and their habitat.
Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our programs? Learn more about the nomination process today!
Your support will help us fulfill our mission 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.
This week’s blog was written in 2018 by Sean, a Drummers alum. Sean works for the Pennsylvania Game Commission as a State Game Warden. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. In this flashback blog, Sean writes about his summer experience with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks as a Big Game Research Intern.
At the Wildlife Leadership Academy, our Adult Mentors are essential in guiding and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. In this special edition of our In Their Own Words series, we’re excited to share the perspective of Janine, a first-year mentor whose meaningful connection with her team made a lasting impact.
This week’s Outreach Highlight features Lana, a passionate Conservation Ambassador who took a creative and community-centered approach to sharing what she learned through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. Lana’s outreach was rooted in her desire to educate others, whether standing in front of a group or simply exploring nature with loved ones. She used every opportunity to connect with others in her community.
Our Stepping Stones Program was off the hook this past weekend! The program used fly fishing as a recreational pathway for students to learn about fisheries biology, conservation, and leadership skills development.
Our Mission
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.
Our Programs
A year-round program, the Academy trainings begin with a rigorous period of residential programming that focus on a special topic in conservation that teaches about ecology, recreation, as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship.
Conservation Advocate Training
Stepping Stones Program + Outreach
LEARN MOREAn introductory weekend experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
Conservation Ambassador Training
Field School + Outreach
learn moreA five-day immersive field school where students dive deep into the management of a wildlife or fish species and their habitat.
Advanced Conservation Ambassador Training
Exclusive opportunities such as the Apprentice Program and Advanced Educational Training weekends for our alumni!
learn moreNominate a Teen
Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our programs? Learn more about the nomination process today!
Invest in the Next Generation
Your support will help us fulfill our mission 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.
Flashback Blog: A Summer in South Dakota
This week’s blog was written in 2018 by Sean, a Drummers alum. Sean works for the Pennsylvania Game Commission as a State Game Warden. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. In this flashback blog, Sean writes about his summer experience with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks as a Big Game Research Intern.
In Their Own Words – Janine’s Story
At the Wildlife Leadership Academy, our Adult Mentors are essential in guiding and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. In this special edition of our In Their Own Words series, we’re excited to share the perspective of Janine, a first-year mentor whose meaningful connection with her team made a lasting impact.
Outreach Highlight – Lana Connects Conservation with Community
This week’s Outreach Highlight features Lana, a passionate Conservation Ambassador who took a creative and community-centered approach to sharing what she learned through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. Lana’s outreach was rooted in her desire to educate others, whether standing in front of a group or simply exploring nature with loved ones. She used every opportunity to connect with others in her community.
2025 Stepping Stones Program Recap
Our Stepping Stones Program was off the hook this past weekend! The program used fly fishing as a recreational pathway for students to learn about fisheries biology, conservation, and leadership skills development.
In Their Own Words – Cookie’s Story
Check out this week’s In Their Own Words video featuring Cookie, a 2022 Ursids alum. Cookie shares her field school and outreach experiences!