Lehigh Valley Chapter - SCI - Sponsored Education Programs

County Youth Field Days Our Chapter helps to sponsor five (5) County Youth Field Days throughout the year. Monies donated help fund these programs for our youth. Counties include: Berks, Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery & Northampton.

Safari Club International (SCI) founded Safari Club International
Conservation Fund (SCICF) in 1973 to preserve conservation
education programs initiated by governmental agencies but later
weakened by funding cuts.

In 1982, SCICF purchased the Granite Ranch southeast of
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, within the Gros Ventre Wilderness
area of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

"My reverence for nature has been renewed and my desire
to instill this reverence in my students has been reinforced."
Denham Springs, LA.

In 1989, SCI consolidated with SCICF, placing all of the educational programs previously operated by SCICF under control of the SCI Board. This unification was split in 2000 with the formation of the Safari Club International Foundation.
	With its 501 (c) (3) non-profit status, SCIF conducts all education, con- servation and humanitarian services previously conducted by SCI. The American Camping Association recognizes the AWLS site as an Accredited Conference Center.

Student Program

Students who attend AWLS are high school age. This age group was chosen for two reasons.
First, AWLS exposes participants to conservation and related vocational opportunities at a critical
age when young people are considering career options. Second, AWLS helps these young adults
become informed citizens at a time when they are becoming involved in school and community
affairs.

"My time spent there, in the high mountains
of Wyoming, was one of the most exciting adven-
tures I had ever experienced. They have also
been a profound element in the consideration of
my life decisions, a degree in Outdoor
Recreation."
1993 AWLS Student Graduate
Webster Groves, MO.

Students come from all over the world, sponsored
by SCI's many chapters, SCIF Sables, corporations,
sportsmens clubs, environmental education groups,
or parents and relatives.

During the eight-day summer session, these young men and women encounter challenging
experiences in the fields of wildlife, ecology, natural resource management and conservation.
Program experiences, both in the classroom and on field trips into the surrounding wilderness
area and Bridger-Teton National Forest, emphasize understanding of natural resource issues.
In a wilderness setting that includes an overnight solo backpacking activity, students are exposed
to the techniques and skills necessary to have a safe, enjoyable experience in the out-of-doors.

Teacher Program

Teachers and other interested adult educators seeking
outdoor education skills and techniques can do so during
one of six, eight-day workshops offered each summer at
SCIF's Granite Ranch near Jackson, Wyoming. Additional
sites are also used on an annual basis for an eight-day work-
shop like the Maine Conservation School, Bryant Pond,
Maine. Graduate credit is available as an option from
Colorado State University.

"The materials I received as well as the knowledge
I gained will definitely enhance my effectiveness in the
classroom."
Science Teacher, Grand Haven, MI.

The teachers experience many of the same activities and instruction as the students. These
include outdoor skills with hands-on experiences in plant identification, map and compass,
firearms safety, fly tying, survival techniques, muzzleloading, archery, whitewater rafting
and wall climbing.

Field trips are taken to local private and public land
management agencies for exposure to management policies,
current environ- mental issues and multiple use concerns.
They also receive ideas and materials for conservation
education programs in their class- rooms and schools. This
includes K-12 interdisciplinary, supplementary environ-
mental and conservation education program modules.

"I underestimated the personal and educational impact
it would make on my life. Learning about historical,
biological, political, economical and personal aspects
of the wilderness has stimulated my interest and curiosity."
Elementary Teacher, Lompoc, CA

Graduates of the AWLS Teacher/Educator
Workshops are eligible to apply for curriculum
development funds of up to $1,000 per grant.

Student graduates of AWLS are eligible for a
$4,400 scholar- ship payable over four semesters
at $1,100 per semester during their junior and
senior years of college enrollment.

Students seeking a degree in conservation or
related fields receive preference for scholarships,

but scholars in other career fields are also eligible. SCIF has been an "International Becoming
an Outdoors-Women" program sponsor since its conception and annually co-sponsor a BOW
and More Workshop with the SCIF Sables in June. SCIF also sponsors the development and
publication of the educational manuals:
Environmental Respect & Education in Environmental Involvement Outdoors.

So Work Can Continue
Safari Club International Foundation's educational and action programs depend on the interest and support of individuals, corporations and conservation organizations. SCIF invites and urges participation, in our projects, which are vital to the nation's future by making contribu- tions and by taking an active interest in their progress as members of Safari Club International.
Safari Club International Foundation is a tax-exempt organization and has a 501 (c) (3) status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible.

For More Information...

Please fill out our brief Talk To Us form
and select "Inquire about the American
Wilderness Leadership School." If you
have specific questions or requests, i.e.
you would like an application for sponsor-
ship, please enter them in the comments
section of the form. A Representative of
LVSCI will reply and/or send you the
information pertinent to your request.