Frankie Summer Conservation Class

 At age 5, Francesca  told me she wanted to be a wildlife conservationist. What's really crazy is she knew exactly what that meant. With utter conviction, she put a hand on her little hip and told me that someone had to save the polar bears and penguins, and she thought she was the girl for the job. Over ten years later, through a myriad of ups and downs she's held true to that ideal. This fall, at age 15 she began a program at a local Boces program to study Conservation. Most of the other students are years older than she is. They have experience in many of the subjects covered, experience that has never been afforded to her. But this kid does not know the meaning of the word quit. She put her heart and soul in to learn more, learning faster and getting up to speed with the rest of her peers because she's still got that same big heart and bright mind that want desperately to save our polar bears, penguins...our planet.

Through hard work and daring to dream big she's put herself in position to take advantage of an incredible opportunity to take her learning to the next level.  Francesca has applied and been accepted to an incredible study abroad program in the Galapagos Islands. The only thing that might hold her back from amazing opportunity is a lack of funding. Please help her take a step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a full fledged wildlife conservationist.

Below please find information on the program: 

Galapagos Summer Program
Ecuador’s most famous destination, and perhaps the most iconic archipelago on the planet. Forever associated with Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos has managed to retain it’s enchanting appeal through several decades of explosive growth in tourism. It’s sensitive eco-system is closely managed by the National Park System with strong support from international groups of researchers and conservationists.

In this Sustainable Summer Galapagos program…
You’ll take in some of the ultra classic Galapagos experiences, like Bartoleme and Pinnacle Rock, while also seeing some more under the radar spots
You’ll consider challenges to sustainable management of the Galapagos, like the competing interests of the tourist trade and conservation initiatives
You’ll learn about the remarkable flora and fauna from naturalists, and the efforts of conservationists to protect native species and eradicate invasive ones
The Galapagos is legendary for its exotic wildlife and critical role in the history of biology. Visit four different islands on a guided exploration of this remarkable archipelago, enjoying many of the classic Galapagos experiences along the way. Our travels will also illustrate the steps Ecuador has taken to conserve this fragile and vital ecosystem, and will allow students to consider the sustainability of ecotourism.