YOUTH BIRDING CAMP

n 1986 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) inaugurated its youth birding camp program with a two-week camp in southeastern Arizona, Camp Chiricahua. Nothing like this camp had ever been done, and the idea behind it was to connect young people more deeply to birds and nature and to other birders their age.

Every summer since then, VENT has conducted youth birding camps. These camps have been staffed by outstanding leaders who have been eager to share their enthusiasm and knowledge, among whom are some of the most respected people in modern birding including Victor Emanuel, Pete Dunne, Kenn Kaufman, Michael O’Brien, and Roger Tory Peterson. During the past 29 years over 400 young birders have attended these camps.

Many former campers have pursued careers in science, conservation, teaching and professional tour leading. Our camps have touched the lives of many young people; for some, attending a VENT youth birding camp has been a life-changing experience. We look forward to providing more programs for young birders.

BSBO is honored to join the VENT team and be part of this legacy.