Monterey Bay Aquarium, Green Teens Last time you visited the Aquarium...

Green Teens

Last time you visited the Aquarium did you talk with teens on our staff who know more about marine biology than the average adult? Amy Sublett is one of them. And it didn’t happen by chance. The 17-year old, along with nearly 150 high-school students, are dedicating their summer as Teen Conservation Leaders while developing important job and life skills, and building self-confidence.

“The initial two-week training session was intense but fun!” says Amy. “It forced me to come out of my shell and interact.”

After the training, where Aquarium staff teach the teens basic marine biology and ocean conservation, the Teen Conservation Leaders commit to one of three adventure tracks for the summer: camp leader, teacher or Aquarium guest experience. The decision was easy for Amy.

“I love to be outdoors and enjoy introducing children to science, so working with the Aquarium’s summer science camps was a natural fit,” she says.

While working with our Young Women in Science program Amy mentored middle-school-aged girls with kayaking, boogie boarding and sand crab monitoring activities, to name a few.

“It’s amazing to see how much the girls grow within the period of a single week,” Amy reflects.

After spending some time with Amy, I’m pretty confident that the same can be said about her and her experience in the Teen Conservation Leaders program.

The Teen Conservation Leaders program is open to young people ages 14 to 18, with activities throughout the year as well as the summer immersion program.

It’s never too early to start planning for next summer!

Learn more about teen conservation programs at the Aquarium.

August 3, 2012

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