Avian Teen Crew

Shaping the Future of Conservation

Applications for the 2025 Avian Teen Crew open on March 1.

Program begins on June 2nd

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-year-olds commit to a minimum of one 4-hour shift weekly (the same day and time each week)

  • 15-17-year-olds 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) begins 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 during 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 - April 15th

  • Program Interviews: April 26th and April 27th

  • Program Acceptance Notifications: May 5th

  • Program Orientation: June 2nd (mandatory for all Crew members)

  • Program Start: June 2nd

  • Avian Teen Crew Members are required to assist during Avian Adventures Summer Camps: June 16th - June 20th and July 14th - July 18th

Tuition:

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