{"id":29938,"date":"2025-09-03T12:57:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T19:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/?p=29938"},"modified":"2025-09-03T12:57:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T19:57:25","slug":"tips2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/2025\/09\/03\/tips2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Honoring Our Teens in Public Service Volunteers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|auto||auto||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”11.8px” custom_margin=”-17px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Zak with Nature Campers | Sonya Shifrin\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

This summer, two remarkable Teens In Public Service (TIPS)<\/a> volunteers\u2014Zakaria and Nabil\u2014supported elementary-aged children as they explored nature and discovered their own curiosity for wildlife and habitats around them at Birds Connect Seattle’s Nature Camp<\/a>. Their experiences highlight not only the impact they had on young learners, but the ways in which the program fostered their own personal and leadership growth through community service.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Zakaria: Learning to Lead\u2014and Learn, Too<\/h3>\n

Zakaria stepped into the Nature Camp internship with a blend of excitement and nerves: \u201cAt the start of the summer, I honestly didn\u2019t know what to expect. I was excited but also a little nervous walking into my internship with Birds Connect Seattle.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Throughout the summer, he managed diverse personalities\u2014from first graders to sixth graders\u2014and quickly discovered new skills as he worked with children: \u201cI learned how to be patient, how to stay flexible, and how to lead in a way that made kids feel heard and respected. … <\/em>I realized that part of being a leader is learning how to stay calm and think on your feet, even when things don\u2019t go perfectly.\u201d<\/em> And he was surprised by what he gained as well: \u201cWhat surprised me most was that I wasn\u2019t just teaching the kids, I was learning just as much as they were.\u201d<\/em> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Zakaria reflected on one of his favorite moments of wonder while on a nature walk: “A group of kids spotted a bird they had never seen before, and the excitement in their voices was something I won\u2019t forget. They started asking questions, looked around for more birds, and were so excited. It reminded me of how important it is to protect and appreciate the nature around us. It also reminded me that curiosity is contagious; if I show up excited and ready to learn, the kids do too.”<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/teensinpublicservice.org\/zakaria-derie&#8221<\/a>; button_text=”READ MORE ABOUT ZAKARIA’S EXPERIENCE” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”0b5c1046-b4df-4b4e-b5ee-eeaccbbe1f29″ custom_margin=”-23px||51px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” url_new_window=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||7px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Nabil: Finding Purpose Through Connection<\/h3>\n

Nabil, too, began with uncertainty: \u201cWhen I first walked into Birds Connect Seattle, I was both excited and nervous\u2026 I remember being nervous about not knowing enough about nature, messing up, or not being taken seriously.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

By summer\u2019s end, Nabil recognized the subtle power of consistent, supportive leadership: \u201cThe most important lesson that I learned was that leadership isn\u2019t always about being the one who speaks the most. A good leader is one who shows up consistently, supports others, and knows when to step back.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Through crafting lesson plans and guiding children, he also gained a newfound appreciation for\u00a0 nonprofit work and community building: \u201cBefore this internship, I didn\u2019t fully understand how nonprofits worked or how essential they are to the community. Birds Connect Seattle doesn\u2019t just protect birds\u2014it brings people together. <\/span>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

One of Nabil\u2019s favorite memories? The joy that comes from play: \u201cMy favorite moment from the internship was playing outdoor games with kids after a bird lesson. \u2026 Everyone was laughing, running, and having a great time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/teensinpublicservice.org\/nabil-reshid&#8221<\/a>; button_text=”READ MORE ABOUT NABIL’S EXPERIENCE” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”0b5c1046-b4df-4b4e-b5ee-eeaccbbe1f29″ custom_margin=”||42px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” url_new_window=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

These reflections from Zacharia and Nabil underscore how TIPS volunteers are supporting the community through their service\u2014but even more, how they themselves gain meaningful lessons through their participation in the program.<\/p>\n