Regency Elementary students © Rochelle Harvey

Rainforest Ambassador © Carol Lowenbrandt

Rainforest wildlife: Tamandua © Tambako

 November 6, 2014

After leading student and youth conservation efforts for more than four years, Rainforest Trust’s Rainforest 4 Kids program is expanding its mission. To improve outreach efforts and reach a wider range of young people, including high school students, the program has been renamed “Rainforest Ambassadors.”

The Rainforest Ambassadors program will continue to focus on building bridges between classrooms and rainforests, but will expand its reach by forming new partnerships. This includes partnerships with zoos across the country that will link educational programs to Rainforest Trust’s conservation efforts in wild places.

In addition to zoos, the program is also forming partnerships with sports teams, colleges and museums to engage youth by facilitating creative learning opportunities and contests. The goal of these partnerships is to help influence and shape the next generation of rainforest conservationists.

“We protect what we love. It’s important to educate children about rainforests so they can be aware of these ecosystems and the plants and animals that call them home,” said Jesse Lewis, Rainforest Trust’s Education Coordinator.

The Rainforest Ambassadors webpage has been updated and new downloadable materials have been added. The program also has several new Pinterest boards, which serve as idea banks for rainforest arts, crafts and activities.

“Rainforest Ambassadors has a powerful message for young people – that they have agency to make the world a better place no matter what their age,” said Lewis. “What makes Rainforest Ambassadors unique is that it not only fosters learning about the wonders of rainforests, but also gives youth the opportunity to protect them with the donations they raise.

To learn more or get involved, visit the Rainforest Ambassadors webpage and download Rainforest Ambassadors’ informational brochure. Brochures are also available via mail by request.