There is something special about bringing together people who all share a passion for the outdoors, and this year’s Family Field Day was the perfect reminder of that.
From the moment guests arrived for check-in, the day was filled with opportunities to reconnect, make new friends, and celebrate the Wildlife Leadership Academy community. We were thrilled to welcome prospective students exploring what the Academy has to offer, alumni returning to camp, former summer staff, families, partners, and funders who continue to support our mission. Seeing so many generations of the Academy together in one place made the event especially meaningful.
The morning began with a guided bird walk, where participants slowed down to observe and appreciate the wildlife around them while sharing stories and conversations along the trail. Birds weren’t the only wildlife making an appearance, though! Along the way, the group spotted a large porcupine climbing its way up a tree, a surprise sighting that quickly became one of the memorable moments of the morning.
In the afternoon, families rolled up their sleeves to build bird boxes, creating something that will provide habitat for wildlife long after the event ended. It was wonderful to see parents, children, alumni, and friends working side by side, helping one another and sharing plenty of laughs throughout the project.
The day concluded with a screening of Wings Over Water, an inspiring film that highlighted the importance of wetland conservation and the incredible journeys of migratory birds. It was a fitting way to end a day centered on learning, stewardship, and our shared commitment to the natural world.
While the activities made for a memorable day, the true highlight of Family Field Day was everything that happened between them. The conversations, laughter, networking, new friendships, and reunions reminded us what makes the Wildlife Leadership Academy community so special.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Family Field Day such a success. Whether you were attending for the first time or returning as part of the Academy family, we loved spending the day with you and can’t wait to see you again soon.
2026 Family Field Day Recap
Posted: August 9, 2026 by Katie Mace
There is something special about bringing together people who all share a passion for the outdoors, and this year’s Family Field Day was the perfect reminder of that.
From the moment guests arrived for check-in, the day was filled with opportunities to reconnect, make new friends, and celebrate the Wildlife Leadership Academy community. We were thrilled to welcome prospective students exploring what the Academy has to offer, alumni returning to camp, former summer staff, families, partners, and funders who continue to support our mission. Seeing so many generations of the Academy together in one place made the event especially meaningful.
The morning began with a guided bird walk, where participants slowed down to observe and appreciate the wildlife around them while sharing stories and conversations along the trail. Birds weren’t the only wildlife making an appearance, though! Along the way, the group spotted a large porcupine climbing its way up a tree, a surprise sighting that quickly became one of the memorable moments of the morning.
In the afternoon, families rolled up their sleeves to build bird boxes, creating something that will provide habitat for wildlife long after the event ended. It was wonderful to see parents, children, alumni, and friends working side by side, helping one another and sharing plenty of laughs throughout the project.
The day concluded with a screening of Wings Over Water, an inspiring film that highlighted the importance of wetland conservation and the incredible journeys of migratory birds. It was a fitting way to end a day centered on learning, stewardship, and our shared commitment to the natural world.
While the activities made for a memorable day, the true highlight of Family Field Day was everything that happened between them. The conversations, laughter, networking, new friendships, and reunions reminded us what makes the Wildlife Leadership Academy community so special.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Family Field Day such a success. Whether you were attending for the first time or returning as part of the Academy family, we loved spending the day with you and can’t wait to see you again soon.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: birding, featured