We are excited to share a highlight of youth written articles, local stories about the Wildlife Leadership Academy by outdoor writers as well as digital stories by our students about how they become interested in conservation! You can also hear from our students on the NextGen Blog .
Click here to check out our Annual Reports!
WATCH our story through the lens of the PA Bass Field School
VIDEO
LISTEN to Director Michele Kittell share why she thinks teens are making a difference on WITF’s Smart Talk!
MEDIA & VIDEOS Future Conservation Ambassadors Get Started at the Wildlife Leadership Academy , by Grey Berrier II, Weekly Bargain Bulletin, July 2024
Empowering a Community of Conservation at the Wildlife Leadership Academy , PPL Electric Utilities, March 2024
Bethel Park student Lily Janus trained to be a ‘conservation ambassador’ by John Hayes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 2023
Press Release 1/1/2023: Wildlife Leadership Academy Announces Executive Director Leadership Transition
Change Agent: Meet Greg Czarnecki, a man on a mission to impact climate change, one Pennsylvanian at a time by Karen Hendricks, The Burg, December 2022
Fox Chapel Area High School freshman embraces conservation by Joyce Hanz, Trib Live, August 2022
Northeast Bradford student becomes Wildlife Conservation Ambassador by Philip O’Dell, The Daily Review, July 2022
Pothering ‘paying it forward’ after attending Wildlife Leadership Academy by Doyle Dietz, Republican Harold, January 2022
Wildlife Leadership Academy Sparks Passion for Conservation in Teens by John Zaktansky, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, December 2021
Wildlife Leadership Academy Sparks Passion for Conservation in Teens via Camp Programs and Outreach in Riverkeeper Reflections, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, December 2021
PAEP Recognizes The Wildlife Leadership Academy With Walter Lyon Award by David Hess, PA Environment Digest Blog, October 2021
Future leaders in wildlife conservation explore options at Penn State DuBois in Penn State News, September 2021
Emma Olney: Next generation environmental warrior by Chris Benson, North Central PA, April 2021
This year’s scholarship winner warms my heart by George Block, Observer-Reporter, February 2021
About those flowers on the side of the road… in Pennsylvania Wildlife (Wildlife for Everyone Foundation) by Francesca Ramos, Summer | Fall 2020
Tree Huggers Among Hunters in Turkey Talk: National Wild Turkey Federation by Holly Mirales, Fall 2019
American Bullfrogs: Hungry Invaders in Pennsylvania Wildlife (Wildlife for Everyone Foundation) by Carter Wynn, Fall 2019
Learning about Gobblers in The Bedford Bulletin by Tim Wilmoth, October 2019
Wildlife Leadership Academy Excellence in Outreach Award Given in The Indiana Gazette, September 2019
Wildlife Leadership Academy Visits Penn State DuBois in Gant News, September 2019
Natalie Brown of Birdsboro Completes Wildlife Leadership Field School in Berks-Mont, September 2019
My Experience at the Wildlife Leadership Academy in Pennsylvania Wildlife (Wildlife for Everyone Foundation) by Emma Olney, Spring 2019
McCandless teen earns Wildlife recognition in TRIBLIVE by Laurie Rees, September 2018
RASD School Board welcomes presentations in The Ridgway Record by Brian Stockman, September 2018
Somerset youth takes part in Wildlife Academy Aug 2018 in American Correspondent by Matt Churella, August 2018
Fair Queen Talks Turkey at FC Library in The Kittanning Paper, August 2018
Nonprofit promotes conservation among teens in Sun-Gazette by Jessica Welshans, April 2018
Academy ensures future of conservation lives on in youth in The Sentinel by Jessica Welshans, April 2018
OUTDOORS: Pine Grove youth struts his stuff at Wildlife Leadership Academy in Republican Herald by Doyle Dietz, February 2018
Campus welcomes future leaders in wildlife conservation in Penn State News by Steve Harmic, September 2017
Elverson teen attends Wildlife Leadership Academy, learns how to education community in Berks – Mont News, August 2017
Camps train teens to become ambassadors for wildlife, fish and nature by Bob Frye in Trib Live, August 2017
My Wildlife Leadership Academy Experience by Zara Moss in Ruffed Grouse Society, Spring 2017
Student Guest Column: A Life Changing Journey by Tom Miles in ChaddsFordLive, March 2017
Student gets up close to black bears by Kate Cramer in York Daily Record, November 2016
Nature reels in senior at animal science camp by Justin Strawser in The Daily Item, August 2016
Outdoors by Doyle Dietz (PDF) in republicanherald.com , March 2016
Summer camp teaches high schoolers about the ruffed grouse by Gabrielle D. (PDF) in The Wildlife Society , February 2016 – youth written
Conservation News by Cecilia M. (PDF) in OnTarget , Sept/Oct 2015 – youth written
Week long camp helps mold next generation of conservationists by Jessica Welshans in The Express, July 2015
Field schools help turn youth into wildlife ambassadors by Bob Frye in TribLive, March 2015
My Experience at the Pennsylvania Drummers Field School by Luke Rosenberry in Ruffed Grouse Society Magazine, Spring 2015
Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Leadership Academy: Teaching Conservation by Gary Blockus in the Morning Call, February 2015
Nationwide and locally, more women are going fishing and hunting by Amy McConnell Schaarsmith in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 2015
Wildlife Leadership Academy teaches students about natural environment by Cara Morningstar in Williamsport Sun-Gazette, February 2015
Brookies Camp Reeled Me In by Helen Fielding in Pennsylvania Chapter Fisheries Newsletter, Winter 2015
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Jackie Rosenberger in Ruffed Grouse Society Magazine, Fall 2014
PA Bucktails Field School by Hannah Krause, Fall 2014
Bernville teen follows passion for wildlife, completes Wildlife Leadership Academy Field School in Berks-Mont by Shea Singley, October 2014
Press Release, August 2014 : Youth complete challenging wildlife leadership field school
Powdermill reserve summer program teaches wildlife conservation by Nicole Chynoweth in The Ligonier Echo, July 2014
Wildlife Leadership Academy teaches conservation, appreciation to a new generation by Mark Demko in Lehigh Valley Live , March 2014. (student interview)
Pa. wildlife and outdoors camp signup time by Gary Blockus in The Morning Call Jan 2014 (student interview)
Who are our Conservation Ambassadors? Click here to watch.
DIGITAL STORIES told by our Academy Students – watch and be inspired!
How A Mayfly Nymph Changed my Life by Sarah M. – 2013 Student (Brookies )
Hunting: Conserving Our Tomorrow by Jackie R. – 2X student (Bucktails and Drummers ), Assistant Team Leader (Bucktails ), Apprentice (Bucktails and Brookies )
An Unexpected Journey: Inspired by Japanese Stilt Grass by David G. 2011 Student, 2012 Assistant Team Leader (Bucktails )
Hunting For Understanding by Robert R. 2010 Student (Bucktails ), 2012 Assistant Team Leader (Drummers )
PAST PRINT MEDIA My Experience at Pennsylvania Brookies Field School by Sarah McTish (PDF)PA Boater and Angler Nov/Dec 2013 – youth written
Pennsylvania’s Leadership Academies Sustaining Wildlife for Future Generations (PDF) by Mark Nale Centre Daily Times August 2013
Wildlife Management by Alex Clapper (PDF) – youth written
Involve Your Youth by Hank Forester (PDF)Quality Whitetails published by QDMA 2013
UBP Youth Connections by Lane A. Hartley (PDF) in Pennsylvania Bowhunting Nov/Dec 2012 – youth written
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Jackie Rosenberger (PDF) in PA Game News Feb 2012 – youth written
Youth Leadership Camp to Add Session on Brook Trout by Bob Frye (PDF) Pennsylvania Outdoor News Feb 2012
Wildlife Leadership Academy Making Positive Impact on Youths by Bob Frye Pittsburgh Tribune Review Nov 2011
Student Promote Conservation at Wildlife Camp by Deana Carpenter The Almanac Nov 2011
Student Attends Wildlife Leadership Academy by Gian DeLoia Ridgeway Record Oct 2011
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Kathy Davis On Target Sept/Oct 2011
Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Pennsylvania Drummers Field School by Garrett Pensak (PDF)On Target Sept/Oct 2011 – youth written
Wildlife camps fill niche for interested teens by Bob Frye Pittsburgh Tribune Review Sept 2011
Finding a Jump Start on the Way to a Career by Gary Blockus The Morning Call Aug 2011
A Different Drummer by Debby Heishman Chambersburg Public Opinion July 2011
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Molly Diefenbach (PDF) in Game News April 2011 – youth written
Born from Passion by Jessica Welshans (PDF) Williamsport Sun-Gazette August 2011
The Next Generation by Molly Diefenbach youth written
Three California Students Attend Wildlife Leadership Academy
Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Participate in Spring Pa Chapter TWS Meeting by Breanna Licoski The Wildlife Society-Pennsylvania Chapter 2009
PAST VIDEOS (YouTube) Wildlife Leadership Academy 2014 Trailer – see what’s coming!
Wildlife Leadership Academy – What will your experience be?
Wildlife Leadership Academy – Looking for students like you!
Stories from the Wildlife Leadership Academy
IN THE NEWS
We are excited to share a highlight of youth written articles, local stories about the Wildlife Leadership Academy by outdoor writers as well as digital stories by our students about how they become interested in conservation! You can also hear from our students on the NextGen Blog.
Click here to check out our Annual Reports!
WATCH our story through the lens of the PA Bass Field School
LISTEN to Director Michele Kittell share why she thinks teens are making a difference on WITF’s Smart Talk!
MEDIA & VIDEOS
Future Conservation Ambassadors Get Started at the Wildlife Leadership Academy, by Grey Berrier II, Weekly Bargain Bulletin, July 2024
Empowering a Community of Conservation at the Wildlife Leadership Academy, PPL Electric Utilities, March 2024
Bethel Park student Lily Janus trained to be a ‘conservation ambassador’ by John Hayes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 2023
Press Release 1/1/2023: Wildlife Leadership Academy Announces Executive Director Leadership Transition
Change Agent: Meet Greg Czarnecki, a man on a mission to impact climate change, one Pennsylvanian at a time by Karen Hendricks, The Burg, December 2022
Fox Chapel Area High School freshman embraces conservation by Joyce Hanz, Trib Live, August 2022
Northeast Bradford student becomes Wildlife Conservation Ambassador by Philip O’Dell, The Daily Review, July 2022
Pothering ‘paying it forward’ after attending Wildlife Leadership Academy by Doyle Dietz, Republican Harold, January 2022
Wildlife Leadership Academy Sparks Passion for Conservation in Teens by John Zaktansky, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, December 2021
Wildlife Leadership Academy Sparks Passion for Conservation in Teens via Camp Programs and Outreach in Riverkeeper Reflections, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, December 2021
PAEP Recognizes The Wildlife Leadership Academy With Walter Lyon Award by David Hess, PA Environment Digest Blog, October 2021
Future leaders in wildlife conservation explore options at Penn State DuBois in Penn State News, September 2021
Emma Olney: Next generation environmental warrior by Chris Benson, North Central PA, April 2021
This year’s scholarship winner warms my heart by George Block, Observer-Reporter, February 2021
About those flowers on the side of the road… in Pennsylvania Wildlife (Wildlife for Everyone Foundation) by Francesca Ramos, Summer | Fall 2020
Tree Huggers Among Hunters in Turkey Talk: National Wild Turkey Federation by Holly Mirales, Fall 2019
American Bullfrogs: Hungry Invaders in Pennsylvania Wildlife (Wildlife for Everyone Foundation) by Carter Wynn, Fall 2019
Learning about Gobblers in The Bedford Bulletin by Tim Wilmoth, October 2019
Wildlife Leadership Academy Excellence in Outreach Award Given in The Indiana Gazette, September 2019
Wildlife Leadership Academy Visits Penn State DuBois in Gant News, September 2019
Natalie Brown of Birdsboro Completes Wildlife Leadership Field School in Berks-Mont, September 2019
My Experience at the Wildlife Leadership Academy in Pennsylvania Wildlife (Wildlife for Everyone Foundation) by Emma Olney, Spring 2019
McCandless teen earns Wildlife recognition in TRIBLIVE by Laurie Rees, September 2018
RASD School Board welcomes presentations in The Ridgway Record by Brian Stockman, September 2018
Somerset youth takes part in Wildlife Academy Aug 2018 in American Correspondent by Matt Churella, August 2018
Fair Queen Talks Turkey at FC Library in The Kittanning Paper, August 2018
Nonprofit promotes conservation among teens in Sun-Gazette by Jessica Welshans, April 2018
Academy ensures future of conservation lives on in youth in The Sentinel by Jessica Welshans, April 2018
OUTDOORS: Pine Grove youth struts his stuff at Wildlife Leadership Academy in Republican Herald by Doyle Dietz, February 2018
Campus welcomes future leaders in wildlife conservation in Penn State News by Steve Harmic, September 2017
Elverson teen attends Wildlife Leadership Academy, learns how to education community in Berks – Mont News, August 2017
Camps train teens to become ambassadors for wildlife, fish and nature by Bob Frye in Trib Live, August 2017
My Wildlife Leadership Academy Experience by Zara Moss in Ruffed Grouse Society, Spring 2017
Student Guest Column: A Life Changing Journey by Tom Miles in ChaddsFordLive, March 2017
Student gets up close to black bears by Kate Cramer in York Daily Record, November 2016
Nature reels in senior at animal science camp by Justin Strawser in The Daily Item, August 2016
Outdoors by Doyle Dietz (PDF) in republicanherald.com, March 2016
Summer camp teaches high schoolers about the ruffed grouse by Gabrielle D. (PDF) in The Wildlife Society, February 2016 – youth written
Conservation News by Cecilia M. (PDF) in OnTarget, Sept/Oct 2015 – youth written
Week long camp helps mold next generation of conservationists by Jessica Welshans in The Express, July 2015
Field schools help turn youth into wildlife ambassadors by Bob Frye in TribLive, March 2015
My Experience at the Pennsylvania Drummers Field School by Luke Rosenberry in Ruffed Grouse Society Magazine, Spring 2015
Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Leadership Academy: Teaching Conservation by Gary Blockus in the Morning Call, February 2015
Nationwide and locally, more women are going fishing and hunting by Amy McConnell Schaarsmith in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 2015
Wildlife Leadership Academy teaches students about natural environment by Cara Morningstar in Williamsport Sun-Gazette, February 2015
Brookies Camp Reeled Me In by Helen Fielding in Pennsylvania Chapter Fisheries Newsletter, Winter 2015
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Jackie Rosenberger in Ruffed Grouse Society Magazine, Fall 2014
PA Bucktails Field School by Hannah Krause, Fall 2014
Bernville teen follows passion for wildlife, completes Wildlife Leadership Academy Field School in Berks-Mont by Shea Singley, October 2014
Press Release, August 2014 : Youth complete challenging wildlife leadership field school
Powdermill reserve summer program teaches wildlife conservation by Nicole Chynoweth in The Ligonier Echo, July 2014
Wildlife Leadership Academy teaches conservation, appreciation to a new generation by Mark Demko in Lehigh Valley Live, March 2014. (student interview)
Pa. wildlife and outdoors camp signup time by Gary Blockus in The Morning Call Jan 2014 (student interview)
Who are our Conservation Ambassadors? Click here to watch.
DIGITAL STORIES told by our Academy Students – watch and be inspired!
How A Mayfly Nymph Changed my Life by Sarah M. – 2013 Student (Brookies)
Hunting: Conserving Our Tomorrow by Jackie R. – 2X student (Bucktails and Drummers), Assistant Team Leader (Bucktails), Apprentice (Bucktails and Brookies)
An Unexpected Journey: Inspired by Japanese Stilt Grass by David G. 2011 Student, 2012 Assistant Team Leader (Bucktails)
Hunting For Understanding by Robert R. 2010 Student (Bucktails), 2012 Assistant Team Leader (Drummers)
PAST PRINT MEDIA
My Experience at Pennsylvania Brookies Field School by Sarah McTish (PDF) in PA Boater and Angler Nov/Dec 2013 – youth written
Pennsylvania’s Leadership Academies Sustaining Wildlife for Future Generations (PDF) by Mark Nale in the Centre Daily Times August 2013
Wildlife Management by Alex Clapper (PDF) in Wildlife Management News 3rd Edition 2013 – youth written
Involve Your Youth by Hank Forester (PDF) in Quality Whitetails published by QDMA 2013
UBP Youth Connections by Lane A. Hartley (PDF) in Pennsylvania Bowhunting Nov/Dec 2012 – youth written
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Jackie Rosenberger (PDF) in PA Game News Feb 2012 – youth written
Youth Leadership Camp to Add Session on Brook Trout by Bob Frye (PDF) in Pennsylvania Outdoor News Feb 2012
Wildlife Leadership Academy Making Positive Impact on Youths by Bob Frye in Pittsburgh Tribune Review Nov 2011
Student Promote Conservation at Wildlife Camp by Deana Carpenter in The Almanac Nov 2011
Student Attends Wildlife Leadership Academy by Gian DeLoia in Ridgeway Record Oct 2011
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Kathy Davis in On Target Sept/Oct 2011
Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Pennsylvania Drummers Field School by Garrett Pensak (PDF) in On Target Sept/Oct 2011 – youth written
Wildlife camps fill niche for interested teens by Bob Frye in Pittsburgh Tribune Review Sept 2011
Finding a Jump Start on the Way to a Career by Gary Blockus in The Morning Call Aug 2011
A Different Drummer by Debby Heishman in Chambersburg Public Opinion July 2011
Wildlife Leadership Academy by Molly Diefenbach (PDF) in Game News April 2011 – youth written
Born from Passion by Jessica Welshans (PDF) in Williamsport Sun-Gazette August 2011
The Next Generation by Molly Diefenbach in The Green Line Fall 2010 – youth written
Three California Students Attend Wildlife Leadership Academy in California Focus 2010
Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Participate in Spring Pa Chapter TWS Meeting by Breanna Licoski in The Wildlife Society-Pennsylvania Chapter 2009
PAST VIDEOS (YouTube)
Wildlife Leadership Academy 2014 Trailer – see what’s coming!
Wildlife Leadership Academy – What will your experience be?
Wildlife Leadership Academy – Looking for students like you!
Stories from the Wildlife Leadership Academy