Developing the next generation of hunter conservationists

Education makes a difference in wildlife conservation. Sportsmen and women, avid in their passion of the outdoors, pass on their knowledge to peers and young people to continue our outdoor heritage.  What better way to learn about the outdoors and nature than by attending educational programs and workshops that not only focus on conservation education but demonstrate how to use the outdoors and nature as a classroom?

Program Highlights

Education Sables have 5 fully endowed $100,000 college scholarships that have awarded $57,359 to 26 scholars since 2004.  This past year, another $26,200 was awarded to 19 college students at 19 separate colleges, and with a grant from Hunter Legacy 100 Fund the first international scholarships were established at the Southern African Wildlife College for students majoring in conservation.

A youth program partnership between Education Sables and The Salvation Army Outdoors, over the course of the past 4 years trained 383 Army staff to teach conservation education, 203 as archery instructors using the National Archery in the Schools Program, 32 as trainers to train more staff as archery instructors and 89 as Basic Rifle Instructors (BRI).

A newer youth program partnership with Boy Scouts of America is moving along a similar line of development where BSA volunteers will partner with SCI Chapters in teaching conservation education and the role of hunting and developing shooting sports.

SCI Chapters and Education Sables partner through SCI Foundation grant programs that provide financial support to SCI Chapters that provide programs for youth in their communities.  $118,000 was distributed to these programs this past year.

American Wilderness Leadership School near Jackson, Wyoming has more than 5,500 alumni who learned what and how to teach youth about conservation and the role of hunting.   The core curriculum is the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.  This college level course/professional development for educators influences what is taught in schools across the country.

Approximately 50% of alumni are middle or high school teachers who each reach about 100 – 150 youth each year.

Collectively, all alumni reach tens of thousands of youth each year with a conservation message.

At SCI Foundation’s American Wilderness Leadership School location in Jackson, Wyoming, educators and students learn about conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation through outdoor, hands-on activities.

For more information visit the SCI Foundation website.