Honoring Our Teens in Public Service Volunteers

Zak with Nature Campers | Sonya Shifrin 

This summer, two remarkable Teens In Public Service (TIPS) volunteers—Zakaria and Nabil—supported 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. 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.

Zakaria: Learning to Lead—and Learn, Too

Zakaria stepped into the Nature Camp internship with a blend of excitement and nerves: “At the start of the summer, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I was excited but also a little nervous walking into my internship with Birds Connect Seattle.”

Throughout the summer, he managed diverse personalities—from first graders to sixth graders—and quickly discovered new skills as he worked with children: “I learned how to be patient, how to stay flexible, and how to lead in a way that made kids feel heard and respected. … I realized that part of being a leader is learning how to stay calm and think on your feet, even when things don’t go perfectly.” And he was surprised by what he gained as well: “What surprised me most was that I wasn’t just teaching the kids, I was learning just as much as they were.”

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’t 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.”

Nabil: Finding Purpose Through Connection

Nabil, too, began with uncertainty: “When I first walked into Birds Connect Seattle, I was both excited and nervous… I remember being nervous about not knowing enough about nature, messing up, or not being taken seriously.”

By summer’s end, Nabil recognized the subtle power of consistent, supportive leadership: “The most important lesson that I learned was that leadership isn’t 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.”

Through crafting lesson plans and guiding children, he also gained a newfound appreciation for  nonprofit work and community building: “Before this internship, I didn’t fully understand how nonprofits worked or how essential they are to the community. Birds Connect Seattle doesn’t just protect birds—it brings people together. ”

One of Nabil’s favorite memories? The joy that comes from play: “My favorite moment from the internship was playing outdoor games with kids after a bird lesson. … Everyone was laughing, running, and having a great time.”

These reflections from Zacharia and Nabil underscore how TIPS volunteers are supporting the community through their service—but even more, how they themselves gain meaningful lessons through their participation in the program.

• Appreciation for Nature: Both Zakaria and Nabil guided children in identifying birds, hiking tide pools, observing ecosystems—while deepening their own love for the outdoors.

• Leadership: They learned patience, adaptability, clear communication, and empathetic leadership—not by standing in front, but by listening, and modeling curiosity.

• Career Inspiration: Through hands-on experience with nonprofits and education, they gained clarity and confidence in considering future paths in science, conservation, and education.

We’re deeply thankful for our TIPS volunteers’ dedication, curiosity, and leadership this summer—and we can’t wait to see how they’ll continue to shape our communities and inspire others in the fuure.