The Louisville Zoo, in partnership with Polar Bears International (PBI), is involved in an amazing opportunity to select one Kentucky youth to represent the Louisville Zoo and become an “Arctic Ambassador” as part of PBI’s Teen Leadership Camp.
The Kentucky teen chosen will join a select group of teens from around the world to travel to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada during the fall polar bear migration. They will work with scientists in the field the first week of October 2008. The students will be exposed to field work in Winnipeg, visit Churchill to see how a town has adapted to living with polar bears and stay on a Tundra Buggy® along the shore of the Hudson Bay. They will become immersed in the sights and sounds of the sub-Arctic wilderness, while discussing and learning about such topics as life in the Arctic, global warming, presentation skills and leadership.
“This amazing trip helped me to better understand what is happening to the polar bears, the Arctic and the environment,” said Emily Goldstein, a student at Atherton High School and last year’s Teen Artic Ambassador. “This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone who is passionate about wildlife and the environment. Being the Louisville Zoo’s Arctic Ambassador gave me a chance to meet people who have as much passion about animals and the planet as I do, and it doesn’t get much better than that!”
Upon returning from the camp, the Kentucky student chosen will create a forward action plan to educate and raise awareness in their own school and community.
“I believe the Zoo’s upcoming Glacier Run exhibit is key for teaching Kentucky and its neighboring states about climate change. The Louisville Zoo’s next Teen Arctic Ambassador can play a role in that by educating their peers and the community about the plight of polar bears and ways we each can make a difference in the world,” Goldstein said.
This experience of a lifetime is entirely funded by PBI and a grant through the Louisville Zoo.
To apply, you must:
- Be a Kentucky resident
- Be at least 16 years old and in grade 10 or 11 by fall of 2008
- Be able to miss eight school days
- Have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively to the public
- Have good writing skills
- Follow all guidelines and rules of the Louisville Zoo and PBI
- Be willing and available for media interviews and Louisville Zoo Public Relations events before and after the trip
- Submit an application (that can be downloaded at http://www.louisvillezoo.org/conservation/wfpk/polarbear/PBAmbassador.pdf)
- Write a 1,000-word essay describing why you would be the best Arctic Ambassador for the Louisville Zoo
- Be available for a possible selection interview in April or May 2008
Deadline for application entries is March 30, 2008. You can drop off the application or mail to: The Louisville Zoo, Attn: Teen Artic Ambassador Program, 1100 Trevilian Way, LouisvilleKY40213. If you have questions, please contact the Louisville Zoo’s Curator of Education Marcelle Gianelloni at marcelle.gianelloni@louisvilleky.gov.
