At PA URSIDS, the black bear serves as a springboard to learn about biology, ecology, habitat and bear management. After field school, armed with knowledge, leadership skills, and the support of Academy staff, students return to their communities to serve as Conservation Ambassadors.
Below are a few highlights of the PA Ursids field school curriculum.
FIELD TECHNIQUES
Students learn about bear field capture tools and techniques and how these techniques are used to understand population size.
PLANT COLLECTIONS
Students learn how to identify plants that are important to bear as well as how to preserve and create a collection.
CONTRIBUTING TO SCIENCE
If a bear is captured, led by PA Game Commission staff, students have the opportunity to observe biological data we collect from the bear and learn about the importance of this data for understanding bear biology.
RANGE TIME
Students learn the role of hunting in wildlife management and spend time at the range learning about firearms safety and engaging in target shooting.
LEARNING FROM EXPERTS
All week long, students engage with professionals in the conservation field including individuals from the PA Game Commission, PA DCNR, and more! Dr. Gary Alt, now retired, spent 22 years running the PGC’s black bear program and also serves as an instructor.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Students build and develop their leadership skills and communication styles by engaging in mock town hall meetings, group presentations, and team building exercises.
AFTER FIELD SCHOOL
Students return home and engage, educate, and inspire others through outreach projects. Combining their knowledge with what they learned at field school, students build their skills and network by choosing and completing projects that further their educational and career goals. The Academy is here to support them every step of the way!
Explore some more!
Browse through the highlight videos below to explore the ins and outs of field school!
PA URSIDS
THE DETAILS
FIELD SCHOOL DATES
July 21-25, 2026
FIELD SCHOOL LOCATION
Madisonburg, PA
Tuition
$600
*Scholarship support available
At PA URSIDS, the black bear serves as a springboard to learn about biology, ecology, habitat and bear management. After field school, armed with knowledge, leadership skills, and the support of Academy staff, students return to their communities to serve as Conservation Ambassadors.
Below are a few highlights of the PA Ursids field school curriculum.
FIELD TECHNIQUES
Students learn about bear field capture tools and techniques and how these techniques are used to understand population size.
PLANT COLLECTIONS
Students learn how to identify plants that are important to bear as well as how to preserve and create a collection.
CONTRIBUTING TO SCIENCE
If a bear is captured, led by PA Game Commission staff, students have the opportunity to observe biological data we collect from the bear and learn about the importance of this data for understanding bear biology.
RANGE TIME
Students learn the role of hunting in wildlife management and spend time at the range learning about firearms safety and engaging in target shooting.
LEARNING FROM EXPERTS
All week long, students engage with professionals in the conservation field including individuals from the PA Game Commission, PA DCNR, and more! Dr. Gary Alt, now retired, spent 22 years running the PGC’s black bear program and also serves as an instructor.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Students build and develop their leadership skills and communication styles by engaging in mock town hall meetings, group presentations, and team building exercises.
AFTER FIELD SCHOOL
Students return home and engage, educate, and inspire others through outreach projects. Combining their knowledge with what they learned at field school, students build their skills and network by choosing and completing projects that further their educational and career goals. The Academy is here to support them every step of the way!
Explore some more!
Browse through the highlight videos below to explore the ins and outs of field school!
Are you ready to take the next step?
Apply today to become a Conservation Ambassador !