Our 2024 program is now full!
ASI’s youth mentoring program is a unique volunteer opportunity serving kids ages 10-14 who are interested in birds, science, conservation, and the outdoors. Students work alongside Alaska Songbird Institute staff on the Swallow Ecology Project.
This is a unique program where kids actively contribute to a real research project. We work in small groups, collecting and recording data, and working closely with wild birds and chicks. It is most appropriate for kids who are interested in science, enjoy spending time outdoors, and are able to maintain a calm and respectful demeanor around wild birds.
2024 program dates are approximately May 13-June 28. Our schedule is flexible and variable, and it is somewhat determined by how the nesting season progresses. We maintain an online google calendar of available field times, and kids are invited to sign up for the dates and times that work for them. We understand summer is a very busy time, and it is okay to miss time for visiting with family & friends and other camps! Our busiest (and most exciting!) time is usually mid June (approximately June 12-26, 2024.) This is when adult birds and the growing nestlings are captured and banded. Kids can volunteer as much as they want, but we ask for a minimum average commitment of about 4 hours/week.
The program fee is a $275/child ($250 for ASI members) This fee helps to cover insurance, permitting, supplies, personnel, and other costs associated with running the project. This is a small program and spots fill quickly. For more detailed information, including registration forms, follow the link below.