Avian Teen Crew

Shaping the Future of Conservation

Applications are closed for 2024.

Program Dates: June 3rd, 2024 - August 3rd, 2024

The Avian Teen Crew (ATC) Program provides meaningful opportunities for youth ages 12-17 interested in conservation, education, and animal care.

Working with Bird TLC staff, Avian Teen Crew members receive hands-on training in animal husbandry, enrichment, and presenting information to the public. They will assist with education programs, Ambassador Bird training sessions, and special events. This program is a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in a zoological setting and develop important job and life skills.

What Teens Will Do:

  • Assist with onsite education programs, including leading games and sharing information with the public

  • Observe and assist with Ambassador Bird training sessions

  • Assist with animal husbandry, including diet preparation and habitat sanitization

  • Prepare and distribute enrichment to Ambassador Birds

  • Handle avian biofacts for education programs

  • Participate in volunteer development classes

  • Assist with various projects

What is Required:

  • Must be an incoming 7th grader or higher and between the ages of 12-17

  • Must demonstrate an eagerness to learn and to work with people of all ages and backgrounds

  • Must be able to follow instructions

  • Be available to attend all important dates listed on the application

  • 12-14 years old commit to a minimum of one 4-hour shift weekly (the same day and time each week)

  • 15-17 years old commit to a minimum of two 4-hour shifts weekly (the same day and time each week)

How it Works:

  • Teens apply for the program and complete an interview.

  • Those selected attend a training orientation and must pass a training program exam.

  • Mandatory weekly shift(s) begin after completing the orientation and passing the training exam.

  • Weekly volunteer shifts are required during the summer program. Teens can continue volunteering through the winter on weekends and/or school break

Curriculum for first year program participants:

  • Week 1: Husbandry

  • Week 2: Enrichment Workshop

  • Week 3: Interacting with the public

  • Week 4: Rehabilitation

  • Week 5: Enrichment Workshop

  • Week 6: Careers with animals

  • Week 7: Conservation

  • Week 8: Program Application

Returning Avian Teen Crew Member Requirements:

  • Develop and present a training plan

  • Assist with a minimum of two off-site programs

Important Program Dates:

  • Applications Period: March 1 - May 1, 2024

  • Informational Zooms: March 29th at 6:00 PM (Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231905073?pwd=clg1TllUM1BvQzlOUFR6Tjh3clg5Zz09) or April 27th at 10:00 AM

  • Program Interviews: May 4th and 6th

  • Program Acceptance Notifications: May 13th

  • Program Orientation: First week of program

  • Program Start: June 3rd

  • Avian Teen Crew Members are required to assist during Avian Adventures Summer Camps: June 24th - June 28th and July 15th - July 19th

Tuition:

A $100 program fee is required and will include an ATC manual, all training materials, and a volunteer T-shirt.