Youth Tours & Programs
We offer programs specifically for kids and teens ages 6 – 18. Youth tours & programs are interactive and tailored to the age and interests of the group.
For college / university courses, email us to schedule a private tour, which we can tailor to the curriculum / topics of interest.
Youth pigeon tours
Our 90-minute Pigeon Tours are great for kids and teens ages 8 – 18. These tours typically take place at our Italian Market route in Bella Vista. If you know of pigeon flocks closer to you, we’re happy to join you there for the tour.
Youth tours always include observations of pigeon behaviors and and discussions of pigeon adaptations and ecology.
Depending on the interests the the group, we can also include:
- Ecological literacy, urban ecology, and biomimicry
- Urban and natural geography
- Pigeon-human relationships throughout history, and what these teach us about stereotypes, misinformation, and empathy
- Building a brighter future
On-site youth programs
Bring Philly Pigeon Tours to your school, camp, or event!
Each program is typically 90 minutes, but can be adapted to shorter lengths (e.g. one class period). We tailor our programs to any age between 6 – 18.
Our co-founders and guides have backgrounds in natural sciences, human geography, birding, mindfulness, restorative justice, and more, and we love using pigeons as a window into learning about a broad array of topics.
We offer the following on-site programs.
Urban Adaptations
This program pulls in a lot of what we cover on a typical pigeon tour to identify how animals (especially pigeons) survive and thrive in urban environments. This program is perfect for youth who are interested in animal adaptations and behaviors.
Practicing Empathy
In this program, we use restorative circle practices to explore our feelings and thoughts about pigeons, and we use this as a doorway into understanding stereotypes and misinformation. We talk about how misinformation led to widespread fear and dislike of pigeons, how this relates to what happens between groups of humans, and what it will take to build a more collaborative and loving future.
Biomimicry: Learning from Nature
In this program, youth learn about some of the incredible innovations humans have developed by mimicking other living beings. Youth will also have a chance to brainstorm ideas for new innovations that pull ideas from other creatures.
Pricing
Standard pricing
For 90-minute programs, $25 per child, with a minimum total of $350.
Gift economy pricing
We understand that our pricing may be out of reach for homeschool groups, non-profits, and schools with a smaller budget. In these cases, we use a gift economy model.
If you know that our standard pricing is out of reach, please email us with an offer that works for your budget and also supports our program. While considering your offer, please keep in mind that this is one of our main sources of income.
Testimonials
Alexis Sellers, Bucks Learning Collaborative:
“Bucks Learning Cooperative had an incredible time on the Philly Pigeon Tour! The teenagers were engaged throughout and the area we explored was super pleasant and enjoyable to walk through.”
“We especially appreciated learning about the cultural negative perceptions of pigeons and this tour helped us see just how wonderful pigeons truly are.”
“This was a unique and memoriable experience and we highly recommend. You walk, you talk and you pigeon dance! You can’t beat it!”
Marianne Maloy, 3rd Grade Science Teacher, St. Peter’s School:
“The students learned about adaptations through the tour. We were able to reference many of the points from the tour in our science lessons, including comparing the pigeon’s adaptations to other animals.”
“Hannah Michelle explained the information at an age appropriate level and used analogies that helped the students grasp onto the concepts. Overall, a fun experience for the kids and loaded with science facts!”
“They loved seeing the pigeons up close and even got to see a nest with an egg!”
Anna D’Isidoro, Wild Seeds Facilitator, The Dandelion Project:
“I loved so much about how [HM and Aspen] approached a tour for kids! It was interactive, fun, silly, and heartwarming. The kids came back and were excited about what they had just learned and were emphatic about how much they were glad they decided to go. The content was a great blend of history, placefulness, and biology.”
“Thanks for adding ways for them to feel empowered in their participation (the stick with a pigeon on it, pigeon dances/calls, binoculars, compass, feathers, etc.). HM and Aspen were patient, sweet and really fun to be around – it’s the best to collaborate with adults who love being around kids!”