Author: J.K. Ullrich

Every summer BirdTLC welcomes not only young wild birds but a new generation of fledgling conservationists. The Avian Teen Crew (ATC) program, launched in 2023, gives youth ages 12 to 17 an opportunity to develop skills in education, animal care and conservation. “It was the program I needed as a kid that just wasn't there, so we created it ourselves,” says BirdTLC’s Education and Behavior Curator Chandelle Cotter. “Oftentimes when you are pursuing a career in a zoological field, it is highly important to have some hands-on experience and this program gives a leg up to the kids who are hoping to head into such a competitive field.”

ATC members prepare enrichment for Bird TLC’s Ambassador Birds. Left to right: Cillian, Chelsea, Briony, Ellie

The adventure begins with applications and interviews, giving teens practice with real-world job skills. Selectees attend a training orientation and, if they pass the exam, begin weekly shifts working with BirdTLC staff. Participants may continue volunteering for weekend hours once school resumes. ATC member Cillian Maples says “I love being part of the ATC because I get to work and care for the birds. I also really enjoy being around and working with the education team. They are so friendly and kind.” Learning from seasoned animal care experts–as well as the birds themselves–is a core feature of the program.

First-year crew members follow a structured eight-week curriculum that covers animal husbandry and rehabilitation, conservation, enrichment workshops, interacting with the public, and an exploration of careers with animals. They assist with education programs, Ambassador Bird training sessions, and other special events. Returnees build on this knowledge by customizing their own training plan, which allows them to focus their unique skills toward a service project. Past projects include an art fundraiser that raised over $500 for BirdTLC, making crocheted replicas of the ambassador birds to use in public programs, and developing a conservation video game that features Alaskan birds.

Mentorship in animal care and public engagement affords students invaluable early experience in the zoological field. Those who choose different career paths still benefit from the job skills ATC develops. “ATC has helped me gain confidence through public speaking at programs, gave me job experience working with animals and taught me what a work environment looks like,” says ATC member Ellie. “It also gave me volunteer hours that help me get more opportunities in school and extracurriculars, and so much more I can use towards my future career.”

Opal reads to Ambassador Culuk and Cillian reads to Ambassador Shavila.

That future looks bright for the ATC. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for Animal Care and Service workers are expected to grow 11% from 2024-2034, far above the average for all occupations. Experience at BirdTLC prepares Alaskan youth for these opportunities. Adult volunteer Terri Johnson says “I enjoy watching them overcome fears and discover new things about birds and our natural world. It’s also rewarding to watch their confidence grow and realize asking questions and having to speak in front of people is not so scary. It’s like a building block for things to come.” Everyone at BirdTLC is excited to see what this year’s ATC participants accomplish this summer and beyond.