Outreach Highlight: Celebrating Brayden’s Outreach Accomplishments

Today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding alums, Brayden R., whose journey since attending the Bass field school last June has been nothing short of remarkable. From utilizing his newfound knowledge to embracing creative endeavors and actively participating in community outreach, Brayden’s story encapsulates the excellent work the Class of 2023 Conservation Ambassadors have been doing in their home communities.

Since his time at field school, Brayden has been applying the skills and knowledge he gained to various outreach projects. One notable example was a fishing excursion at Camp Freedom, where he not only enjoyed the serenity of nature but also shared his passion for angling with others.

Brayden with a fish that he caught at Camp Freedom

Brayden tapped into his creative side, filling his outreach record book with art entries. From nature photography that captures the essence of the outdoors to vibrant paintings and sketches, he has explored a variety of creative mediums. One particularly unique project involved pressing flowers at a local library and encasing them in epoxy!

A pressed flower that Brayden displayed in epoxy
“Winter Bird’ – a painting by Brayden
A butterfly photo captured by Brayden

Brayden also attended numerous educational presentations to learn more about wildlife and conservation. He traveled to Lackawanna State Park to learn about watersheds, attended Wilkes University’s Science Day, and earned a certificate from the PA Junior Academy of Science. He also participated in a Jr. Pheasant Hunt and Jr. Game Warden camp, both presented by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Brayden is an active member of his school’s Envirothon and Watershed teams. By actively seeking learning opportunities, he has expanded on what he experienced at field school to grow as a young conservationist.

Brayden at the PA Junior Academy of Science competition

Brayden record book includes various fundraising and volunteering initiatives. As a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, he has contributed to supporting those in need within his community. His other efforts include fundraising for the Cicotti Fund, volunteering at Camp Freedom, and participating in a “Feed a Friend” food drive. Brayden was this year’s “top fundraiser” in WLA’s Pay It Forward student campaign – where he raised money to support the next class of Conservation Ambassadors.

As Brayden continues to embark on his journey of growth and impact, we have no doubt that his passion, creativity, and dedication will continue to inspire those around him. We are so proud of Brayden and all of our Conservation Ambassadors who have spent the past year dedicated to engaging with their communities. We can’t wait to share more of their stories with you in the future!

The photos used in this blog belong to Brayden R., a Bass alumni.