Inspirational Youth

Whether they attend one of our educational programs, take a condor tour, or find us online from states away, we have the privilege of working with some dedicated and passionate youth. We highlight some of these committed youth who have helped raise awareness for condors in their own unique, creative ways . . .

Condor wilderness camp alumna gets scholarship to study wildlife biology!

Interview with Gabby Reese
March 2021

How or when did you decide you wanted to work for animals and the environment – what inspired you? 
In 2nd grade there was a book I got from the library called 101 Amazing Facts About Animals or something like that – it was a little encyclopedia for kids. I told my mom several times that even back then, looking at that book and all the amazing animal facts, I knew I wanted to do something with animals in the future. 

In 2018 you came out to California from Ohio to attend our Condor Wilderness Camp – do you have a particularly favorite memory? 
Yes! We were near a roosting site looking for the condors and I heard what sounded like a small plane taking off - it was actually a condor that was flying right over my head. Just looking the wingspan, its agility and getting to see it up close, I knew at that moment that I definitely wanted to be a wildlife biologist, like VWS field biologist Amy List, who I was able to job shadow as a part of the Condor Wilderness Camp.

Where do you imagine yourself in the future? 
Actually, I have a vision board where my long-term goal is to become a certified wildlife biologist. I want to get my undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology or biology, or natural resources with a concentration in wildlife studies. I’d like to go to graduate school and specialize in wildlife or conservation, with an emphasis on endangered species.
 
What thoughts would you like to share with young folks who have big dreams and an interest in science? 
There seems to be a lot of focus on certain professions within science such as engineering – which is a wonderful profession - but I feel like it’s not just building and creating that is important, it’s sustaining and taking care of what we already have. We are exploring space and other planets, but we haven’t even mastered how to take care of our own. We need more champions who are passionate about taking care of the planet we have. Follow your dreams, and if it is a dream to help animals or the environment - it is a noble one!

​Gabby received a full scholarship to work towards her undergraduate AND graduate degree at Purdue University.

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Lemonade for Condors

Michaela and Miles Carbaat held a lemonade stand in their neighborhood to raise funds for condors.

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Celestine and the condor scouts

Celestine Chee bursts into spontaneous song about her “life’s devotion — condors” after watching a video of a condor chick in its nest. Celestine’s mom Allie isn’t quite sure what happened in that little moment when their family visited Big Sur, but says it’s wonderful to be a witness in the aftermath. Her daughter has created a club called the Condor Scouts, and the small group of youth does a litter pick up every day. She also gives a presentation (3-5x per day!) about helping condors to anyone who asks about her Condor Scouts cap, which she wears everywhere. Celestine meets the most wonderful people doing this work—and her mom sees it bring out the best in people. Once when Celestine was doing her advocacy work in a restaurant the family stopped at, she ended up speaking with a gentleman who was really supportive of Celestine and the condors, and insisted on making a donation then and there (which Celestine’s family generously matched). 

Celestine keeps busy with her daily litter pick-ups and working on her digital and print materials for sharing information about the California condor with the folks she meets. In an email to us, Celestine says, “I am also making ‘Condor Scouts - No Micro-litter’ signs to hang in restaurants, but I make sure these signs are secure and do not become micro-litter itself. I have a cat named Cleo Fluffington who watches the condor cam with me!” Allie doesn’t know what exactly happened, but says their lives are now firmly on course with these lovely creatures.
 
Watch Celestine’s video introducing her Condor Scouts group and encouraging others in how to protect condors.

Read an article about Celestine and Kids Helping Condors in the Los Gatos Birdwatcher Newsletter (page  6)

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endangered species club

One spring day, a dapper young man named Kyle Groves walked into our office to hand deliver a donation he raised through his Endangered Animal Club. His concern for endangered species led Kyle to pull together his classmates to form the club, which meets regularly to learn about endangered species and how young students can make a difference. Through his efforts, Kyle not only brought awareness to the issue of endangered animals but also created a way to empower many of his classmates to help by taking action.