The Arizona Animal Welfare League’s Teen Tracks
program began in 2002 with the aim of teaching teenagers pet
responsibility, animal handling and behavior, participate in service
activities and, most importantly, to be advocates for animals. Often
time, teenagers are given the “slacker image” and seen as uncaring and
flippant. The Teen Tracks program works to dispel this notion by
encouraging our Teen Trackers (as they are called) to be active and
engaging members of their communities. Teen Trackers learn the basics of
topics such as spay/neuter, pet homelessness, feral cat communities,
breed specific legislation, dog safety and more. Teens are given a
checklist of items to complete each semester of the program that will
broaden their understanding, allow them to think critically and learn
empathy toward all living things.
An
application, essay, and two letters of recommendation are required for
entry into the program. After the application components are received,
applicants will be interviewed and final selections will be made. If the
teen is accepted into the program they must attend orientation and a
minimum of 6 classes each semester (or 24 hours total). Classes are held
on Saturdays during the fall and spring, typically from 9am – 1pm. The
fee is $175 per semester. You can find the application as well as the
fall 2012 tentative schedule of events at the following link: http://aawl.org/teen-tracks
If you have any questions about the program please contact the Teen Track Coordinator, Rachael Gardner, at rgardner@aawl.org or 602-273-6852 x.122.
