Publication Date: 07/26/2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wheaton, Ill.— The Teen Conservation Leadership Conference (TCLC) is an event open for teens from all over the Chicagoland area, created by teens, for teens. This three day conference took place July 11 – July 13 and featured presentations on a variety of topics, ranging from animal care to subjects in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, from both industry experts and teen participants of the Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Science (KCSS) program.

Cosley Zoo sent 10 teen junior zookeepers to the conference at the Illinois Institute of Technology for the first two days of the conference and Brookfield Zoo for the third. Five of the 10 junior zookeepers presented at the conference along-side Jackie Karnstedt, Cosley Zoo Educator and Teen Specialist.

The Junior Zookeepers (JZ) program is for teens in 7th through 12th grades that have an interest in animals, biology, and conservation. Program participants learn about animal care, zoo education, and guest services through hands-on learning opportunities as well as volunteer to help with zoo special events, animal care, and educational programs. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2017/2018 program year.

“This was such a cool opportunity for our junior zookeepers,” said Karnstedt. “Not only does it give them the chance to learn about conservation careers, volunteer, and internship opportunities, they also get insight into what it’s like to be on a college campus, and develop networking skills by talking with various college and university representatives and other conference attendees. To have all of this information available in a single place is amazing! ”

In addition to the presentations at the conference, there was an Expo showcasing colleges, universities, and non-profit organizations that focus on STEM and conservation topics. KCSS is a program dedicated to conservation leadership and college readiness for high school students from all over the Chicagoland area. The keynote speakers included Susan Korn, Vice President of Nuclear Project Management and Chad Pregracke , 2013 CNN Hero of the Year and founder and president of Living Lands & Waters.

“My favorite part of the conference was listening to the many different presentations and learning about all the unique STEM careers,” said junior zookeeper Ethan Wallace. “Since going to conference, I learned how to become more environmentally conscious in my everyday life. The most impactful take-away was the littlest things we do to think of the environment can create meaningful impacts.”

For more information about the conference, visit cosleyzoo.org/teen-opportunities/ or to learn more about the Cosley Zoo Junior Zookeeper program, visit cosleyzoo.org.

Contact: Margie Wilhelmi
Wheaton Park District
630.510.4984
[email protected]