If your teen is considering a career in animal welfare (or just loves all critters and creatures), the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s “Teen Tracks” program might be the perfect extracurricular activity for the upcoming fall semester.
Photo courtesy of the Animal Welfare League.
The Teen Tracks program provides kids ages 13 to 17 with hands-on experience in the animal welfare field and rigorous training in subjects ranging from animal behavior to husbandry — with all sorts of animals.
The course lasts 13 weeks, and participating teens are required to work shifts at the shelter on six of those weekends, assisting with animal care and observing veterinarians at work. Teens are also called upon to help with educational presentations and field trips.
Through the program, founded in the fall of 2002, teens have the opportunity to “test-drive” working with animals as a potential future career, gain leadership skills, make new friends and serve their community in a meaningful way.
Interested teens must submit an application, essay and two letters of recommendation to the Arizona Animal Welfare League by Sept. 1 to be considered for the Fall 2011 program. A small number of applicants who are selected for further consideration will come in for an interview before the “Teen Trackers” are chosen.
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit aawl.org/teen-tracks.
Photo courtesy of CraftBits.com.
For kids too young or otherwise unable to participate in the Teen Tracks program, we found a no-sew, no-glue craft for animal lovers! Consider making these with your kids to donate to a local animal shelter like the Arizona Humane Society. — Sadie Smeck
