CRITTER SCOUTS
EDUCATIONAL TRAIL CAMERA PROGRAM FOR YOUNG WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS
SPONSORED BY
Designed for students 5th Grade and up who have an interest in wildlife and technology, the Eagle Valley Wild Critter Scout program involves the deployment and management of cellular trail cameras into local open spaces, private lands and national forest areas in order to capture remote photos of wildlife.
The Critter Scout program engages kids with nature in an educational and innovative way while contributing to Eagle Valley Wild’s mission of sharing the importance of wildlife with our community and our visitors.
During the program, photos are visible through a smartphone, tablet or computer just minutes after they were taken. Select photos are shared with our community via social media and periodic placement in the Vail Daily, and will also be shared with wildlife biologists and Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a valuable data source.
Along with a parent, participants are guided to a location and instructed on the placement, use and maintenance of a trail camera. Locations are within the Eagle Valley and no more than a 20 minute walk from the car.
“The Critter Scout program has been an amazing experience for our son, Emmett. The program has helped him to grow his knowledge of local animals, habitat, migrations, and fully grasp the surroundings where he is growing up. Along with this, it has taught him to be responsible and organized so the equipment is ready and working properly.
Todd does a tremendous job of setting the participants up for success and teaching them about the natural environment as well as showing the kids the technical aspects of photography. He is always patient and makes the whole experience fun.
The program has had a great impact on Emmett. After participating for a few months, he still jumps out of bed to check to see what "Critters" he caught on the camera overnight. It's been fun for the whole family.”
Laurie W
Critter Scouts (with a parent) are responsible for the following:
Checking the camera in person as needed to change batteries, swap the memory card, check connections, solve issues, clean the equipment and maintain the site.
Taking notes about any observations and conditions.
At home, charging batteries, downloading photos from the memory card and collecting information about any animals that have been captured.
Writing captions for select photos that will be shared with the community.
Along with outdoor time, participants will exercise the following skills:
Working with equipment and technology
Planning, organization and project management
Troubleshooting and critical thinking
Attention to detail
Patience and perseverance
Research and writing skills
Program Sessions: Sessions last approximately 12 weeks per participant. Longer sessions may be possible depending on availability of equipment.
Current Program Limit: 5 Participants
Trail camera equipment will be provided for the program and must be returned. Once a participant’s session expires, the equipment will be transferred to the next participant in line. Participants may repeat the program when a space opens and / or more equipment becomes available. Limit 1 Trail Camera system per family.
Cost: Free to Eagle County Students! Donations to EVW are greatly appreciated to support our mission to inspire the protection of our mountain environment.
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
Trail camera
Tripod / Mounting Hardware
Rechargeable Batteries and Charger
Memory Cards and USB Reader
+
All participants will receive a
in the color of their choice!
