This week’s blog was written by Matthew C., Bruno D., Skylar S., and Julianna G. – apprentices at the PA Brookies field school. As a group, they share their experience in the brand new Apprentice Program.
In 2024, Wildlife Leadership Academy introduced a revised apprentice program. The Apprentice Program is a way for youth that are not yet eighteen to learn the behind the scenes of the camps at WLA. It pushes alumni to step up into a leadership role by having them in control of the events. We were the first to experience this new program and witness its profound effects.
On the first day we arrived at camp, we jumped right into learning the backbone of WLA. During this time, we met the rest of the staff we would be working with. With an extra day before the students arrive at camp, we had the opportunity to build bonds with the staff. We participated in team building exercises which strengthened our connections and ability to work as a team. We learned the staff’s expectations for us and our duties as a team. For example, at WLA they hold a nightly trivia competition that tests the team’s knowledge. As apprentices it was our responsibility to read the rules and run the game.
Team building!
When the students arrived, we got to put our leadership skills to work. Over the next few days we supervised the students, ran nightly trivia, and helped the staff where needed. We were even given the opportunity to manage the students in different stations: fly tying and practice fly rod casting, without the help of the staff members. This opportunity helped us form deeper connections with the instructors. Along with this we were given the chance to assist with our nightly cabin inspections. During those cabin inspections we presented pictures of the students’ cabins in a fun light-hearted way.
Presenting cabin inspections to the students.
Being apprentices, we were presented with several exclusive opportunities that were only available to us. One of these opportunities was a private electrofishing demonstration presented by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at Cherry Run. This was a great educational experience that allowed us to see many of the unique species that inhabit Pennsylvania’s cold-water streams. Additionally, we got to go on a surprise adventure to Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park. On this adventure we took a guided boat tour of the cavern where the instructor showed us the different formations the cave has taken over millions of years. This boat tour showed us interesting waterways and formations.
Electrofishing with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Boat tour at Penn’s Cave!
The apprentice program has really impacted our lives by making us more comfortable in leadership positions, an invaluable skill that will benefit us throughout our lives. This unique program allowed us to return to WLA and further our journey as conservation ambassadors. It was an experience that we will remember the rest of our lives. Being a part of the new revised apprentice program at the Wildlife Leadership Academy has really brought us together, not only as a team, but as a family.
The photos used in this blog belong to the Academy.
2024 Apprentice Program – PA Brookies
Posted: August 3, 2024 by Katie Mace
This week’s blog was written by Matthew C., Bruno D., Skylar S., and Julianna G. – apprentices at the PA Brookies field school. As a group, they share their experience in the brand new Apprentice Program.
In 2024, Wildlife Leadership Academy introduced a revised apprentice program. The Apprentice Program is a way for youth that are not yet eighteen to learn the behind the scenes of the camps at WLA. It pushes alumni to step up into a leadership role by having them in control of the events. We were the first to experience this new program and witness its profound effects.
On the first day we arrived at camp, we jumped right into learning the backbone of WLA. During this time, we met the rest of the staff we would be working with. With an extra day before the students arrive at camp, we had the opportunity to build bonds with the staff. We participated in team building exercises which strengthened our connections and ability to work as a team. We learned the staff’s expectations for us and our duties as a team. For example, at WLA they hold a nightly trivia competition that tests the team’s knowledge. As apprentices it was our responsibility to read the rules and run the game.
When the students arrived, we got to put our leadership skills to work. Over the next few days we supervised the students, ran nightly trivia, and helped the staff where needed. We were even given the opportunity to manage the students in different stations: fly tying and practice fly rod casting, without the help of the staff members. This opportunity helped us form deeper connections with the instructors. Along with this we were given the chance to assist with our nightly cabin inspections. During those cabin inspections we presented pictures of the students’ cabins in a fun light-hearted way.
Being apprentices, we were presented with several exclusive opportunities that were only available to us. One of these opportunities was a private electrofishing demonstration presented by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission at Cherry Run. This was a great educational experience that allowed us to see many of the unique species that inhabit Pennsylvania’s cold-water streams. Additionally, we got to go on a surprise adventure to Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park. On this adventure we took a guided boat tour of the cavern where the instructor showed us the different formations the cave has taken over millions of years. This boat tour showed us interesting waterways and formations.
The apprentice program has really impacted our lives by making us more comfortable in leadership positions, an invaluable skill that will benefit us throughout our lives. This unique program allowed us to return to WLA and further our journey as conservation ambassadors. It was an experience that we will remember the rest of our lives. Being a part of the new revised apprentice program at the Wildlife Leadership Academy has really brought us together, not only as a team, but as a family.
The photos used in this blog belong to the Academy.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: featured, PA Brookies