Our programs thrive thanks to the continued involvement of our alumni, who serve as youth mentors, apprentices, summer staff, and instructors. The opportunities we offer allow alumni to return to field school each year provide them with valuable leadership development and resume-building skills as they advance in their careers. It’s truly a full-circle moment to see a former student leading the classroom as staff member. Below, we highlight the various ways our alumni contributed to the Academy this summer, giving back to the next generation.
After completing their community outreach in the spring, students with top-scoring record books are invited to return to field school as Youth Mentors for the week. Youth Mentors work alongside a team of students, guiding their peers through the field school experience.
Youth Mentors Lily G. (Ursids 2022) and Brayden R. (Bass 2023) served as two of 20 youth mentors this summer.
This year, we introduced the Apprentice Program for alumni under 18, offering them an opportunity to gain additional leadership skills and learn about the behind-the-scenes operations at the Academy. Apprentices are mentored by our summer staff, learning the “ins and outs” of field school and preparing to become future staff members.
Ursids apprentices Mira G. (Brookies 2022), Lily J. (Bucktails 2022), Claire C. (Bucktails 2021), Cole D. (Gobblers 2022), and Josiah R-L. (Ursids 2022) stand with PA House Representative Paul Takac.
For alumni over the age of 18, we offer paid summer staff positions. These include Coordinating Team Members, who lead the classroom, manage staff, and handle on-site logistics; Academy Support Team members, who time lectures, set up activities, and mentor Apprentices; and Photographers, who document field school activities.
Emma Coulter (Bucktails 2020) was one of the 13 alumni who served as paid summer staff.
Erika Eichelberger (Brookies 2016) and Emma Wioskowski (Brookies 2020) served as members of the Coordinating Team this summer.
Bucktails summer staff team.
One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing alumni, now professionals in their career, return to field school as instructors and Adult Mentors. Their ability to share their expertise and discuss how the Academy contributed to their success is inspiring. As our alumni network grows, we hope to see even more returning to teach and mentor the next generation.
Kala Davis (Bucktails 2008) returned as a week-long instructor at Bucktails and Brookies field schools leading several activities including the town hall meeting.
Kyle Clark (Bucktails 2010) and Alex Taylor (Bass 2019) returned as instructors while working for PA Fish and Boat Commission during the electrofishing demonstration at Bass field school.
Noelle Cudney (Bucktails 2017) returned as one of 20 adult mentors, guiding a team of 5 new students and a youth mentor throughout the week.
We take great pride in offering our alumni opportunities to return to the program. The impact they have as role models to the current class is profound and lasting. We are immensely grateful for all our mentors, apprentices, staff, and instructors who contributed to making this summer exceptional. Thank you for helping us engage and empower the next generation of conservation leaders!
The photos used in this blog belong to the Academy.
Engaging our Alumni at Field School
Posted: August 31, 2024 by Katie Mace
Our programs thrive thanks to the continued involvement of our alumni, who serve as youth mentors, apprentices, summer staff, and instructors. The opportunities we offer allow alumni to return to field school each year provide them with valuable leadership development and resume-building skills as they advance in their careers. It’s truly a full-circle moment to see a former student leading the classroom as staff member. Below, we highlight the various ways our alumni contributed to the Academy this summer, giving back to the next generation.
After completing their community outreach in the spring, students with top-scoring record books are invited to return to field school as Youth Mentors for the week. Youth Mentors work alongside a team of students, guiding their peers through the field school experience.
This year, we introduced the Apprentice Program for alumni under 18, offering them an opportunity to gain additional leadership skills and learn about the behind-the-scenes operations at the Academy. Apprentices are mentored by our summer staff, learning the “ins and outs” of field school and preparing to become future staff members.
For alumni over the age of 18, we offer paid summer staff positions. These include Coordinating Team Members, who lead the classroom, manage staff, and handle on-site logistics; Academy Support Team members, who time lectures, set up activities, and mentor Apprentices; and Photographers, who document field school activities.
One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing alumni, now professionals in their career, return to field school as instructors and Adult Mentors. Their ability to share their expertise and discuss how the Academy contributed to their success is inspiring. As our alumni network grows, we hope to see even more returning to teach and mentor the next generation.
We take great pride in offering our alumni opportunities to return to the program. The impact they have as role models to the current class is profound and lasting. We are immensely grateful for all our mentors, apprentices, staff, and instructors who contributed to making this summer exceptional. Thank you for helping us engage and empower the next generation of conservation leaders!
The photos used in this blog belong to the Academy.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: alumni, featured, field school, instructors