Education is an important part of our mission. Appalachian Audubon Society offers free, open-to-the-public community programs and field trips. We publish the Kingfisher Courier, a member newsletter, and offer a scholarship program.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We offer youth and adult scholarships as part of our mission to support the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems through an educational, scientific and passive recreational focus on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.

Our scholarship funds are supported by member donations, the annual native plant and birdseed sales, and silent auctions held at annual events.

HOG ISLAND AUDUBON CAMP

(2024 Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarships)

Appalachian Audubon Society is pleased to offer 2 scholarships for a one-week camp to be held June 23-28, 2024 for those interested in ornithology.

The AAS Board renamed the 2024 Hog Island Scholarships to ‘Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarships’ in memory of Tom Johnson. These scholarships are offered to two students (ages 14-17) each summer and include a week of instruction and activities, operated by the National Audubon Society. This year, the camp will run from June 23-June 28.

Questions may be directed to Education@appalachianaudubon.org.

All campers must adhere to Hog Island COVID-19 Policies

SUBMIT APPLICATION BY January 29, 2024.

To Apply for a scholarship click this Link to Application!

Hog Island Flyer

Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine has birding and nature programs for youth and adults. Scholarships cover the entire camp fee. Applicants must arrange and pay for their own transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen, Maine, at the start and end of the session. If the selected scholarship awardee cancels registration, he or she will need to refund the scholarship funds to Appalachian Audubon Society.

First consideration will be given to applicants living in the membership region; others in south-central Pennsylvania may qualify. You do not need to be an AAS member to apply. We are a chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Cumberland, Dauphin, northern York and Perry counties. See the listing of our region's zip codes and map here.

If you plan to go to Hog Island whether or not you receive a scholarship, you may register directly on the Hog Island website, pay your own deposit, and then apply for an AAS scholarship, with the understanding that there is no guarantee you will be selected.

HARRISBURG AREA CAMPS

Appalachian Audubon Society provides direct funding to the Wildlife Leadership Academy, Wildwood Park, and the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. Information on these camps can be found on each organization’s website. Register with the organization and let them know you are interested in an AAS scholarship.

Wildlife Leadership Academy offers the opportunity for teens ages 14 through 17 to work with professionals while learning about wildlife and fisheries biology and conservation, leadership skills, and community outreach. The goal of this camp is to empower high school age youth to become conservation ambassadors in order to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.

Wildwood Park has week-long summer day camps for ages 6 through 14. Active learning is focused on birding and other natural history topics while hiking and canoeing.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art has day camps for ages 4-16, from outdoor adventure, to fishing, theater or art, all while focusing on nature. Some camps are for children participating with their grandparents/other adults.

Do you have questions or comments or suggestions for other learning opportunities? Contact the Appalachian Audubon Society Education Chair.

Banner photo: Red-bellied woodpecker, taken by Zach Richard