The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) is a partnership between George Mason University and the Smithsonian Institution. This add-on field experience allows a select number of National Youth Delegates to learn the most current research and fieldwork techniques in conservation from highly qualified world experts, including Smithsonian scientists, George Mason University faculty, and colleagues from other U.S. and international conservation organizations.
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation is based on the grounds of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, VA, about an hour’s drive west from Washington, DC. The site adjacent to Shenandoah National Park, with 3,200 acres of forest, grassland and pasture. It is an active research facility which houses a range of endangered mammals, birds and amphibians that offers a compelling and engaging learning environment for students.
SMSC features state of the art classroom and lab facilities, an intimate residential center, and a flexible-use dining and event venue. The SMSC buildings were designed with a focus on environmental sustainability and green construction, aiming for LEED Gold certification. Some of these design initiatives include the design of a green roof above the training labs at, the recycling of ceramic roofing tiles from renovated and demolished buildings, rainwater gardens, native species landscaping, and geothermal heating and cooling systems.
The add-on experience is part of the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment and only available to National Youth Delegates to the 2025 Summit. Applicants to this program will be accepted based on a demonstrated interest in conservation and the environment and the ability to be exceptional representatives for their states and high schools. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Space is limited.
During this comprehensive weekend, students will acquire hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in fieldwork and learn how conservation professionals contribute to the long-term survival of species in their natural habitats. Through lectures, discussions, field experiences and outdoor adventures, students will be introduced to the major concepts of ecology in the context of species and habitat conservation.
Learning Objectives:
- Receive an introduction to the complex nature of present-day conservation in practice
- Develop an understanding of the value of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of species to the natural world
- Utilize tools and techniques essential to today’s scientific field work
- Identify local flora and fauna and its significance in a diverse habitat
- Channel their passion for conservation into opportunities to make a difference
- Create lasting connections to their peers in conservation
- Take the next step in their conservation careers
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Add-On Experience is $1,150 and includes the following:
- A three-night stay (double occupancy) at our state-of-the-art green building facilities
- Transportation from Dulles International or Regan National airport to the Add-on experience and transportation to George Mason University’s campus for the start of WYSE on Sunday, June 22.
- Transportation to all off-site program venues during their stay
- Three meals a day in our on-site dining commons
- All activities, admissions and fees
- Access to free laundry services
- Access to private student library and entertainment room
- Welcome bonfire activity on historic Racetrack Hill
- Certificate of completion
- Adult field program leaders and program staff in a 1:10 ratio with students
- 24-hour phone access to program staff to address any unexpected emergencies
- An unforgettable experience in conservation!
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Add-On Experience can be added during the WYSE registration process as space allows.
If there are no spaces available for the add-on, there will be waitlist instructions you can follow during the WYSE registration process to add yourself to the waitlist. WYSE staff will contact students on the waitlist in the order they are added.
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) is a partnership between George Mason University and the Smithsonian Institution. This add-on field experience allows a select number of National Youth Delegates to learn the most current research and fieldwork techniques in conservation from highly qualified world experts, including Smithsonian scientists, George Mason University faculty, and colleagues from other U.S. and international conservation organizations.
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation is based on the grounds of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, VA, about an hour’s drive west from Washington, DC. The site adjacent to Shenandoah National Park, with 3,200 acres of forest, grassland and pasture. It is an active research facility which houses a range of endangered mammals, birds and amphibians that offers a compelling and engaging learning environment for students.
SMSC features state of the art classroom and lab facilities, an intimate residential center, and a flexible-use dining and event venue. The SMSC buildings were designed with a focus on environmental sustainability and green construction, aiming for LEED Gold certification. Some of these design initiatives include the design of a green roof above the training labs at, the recycling of ceramic roofing tiles from renovated and demolished buildings, rainwater gardens, native species landscaping, and geothermal heating and cooling systems.
The add-on experience is part of the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment and only available to National Youth Delegates to the 2025 Summit. Applicants to this program will be accepted based on a demonstrated interest in conservation and the environment and the ability to be exceptional representatives for their states and high schools. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Space is limited.
During this comprehensive weekend, students will acquire hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used in fieldwork and learn how conservation professionals contribute to the long-term survival of species in their natural habitats. Through lectures, discussions, field experiences and outdoor adventures, students will be introduced to the major concepts of ecology in the context of species and habitat conservation.
Learning Objectives:
- Receive an introduction to the complex nature of present-day conservation in practice
- Develop an understanding of the value of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of species to the natural world
- Utilize tools and techniques essential to today’s scientific field work
- Identify local flora and fauna and its significance in a diverse habitat
- Channel their passion for conservation into opportunities to make a difference
- Create lasting connections to their peers in conservation
- Take the next step in their conservation careers
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Add-On Experience is $1,150 and includes the following:
- A three-night stay (double occupancy) at our state-of-the-art green building facilities
- Transportation from Dulles International or Regan National airport to the Add-on experience and transportation to George Mason University’s campus for the start of WYSE on Sunday, June 22.
- Transportation to all off-site program venues during their stay
- Three meals a day in our on-site dining commons
- All activities, admissions and fees
- Access to free laundry services
- Access to private student library and entertainment room
- Welcome bonfire activity on historic Racetrack Hill
- Certificate of completion
- Adult field program leaders and program staff in a 1:10 ratio with students
- 24-hour phone access to program staff to address any unexpected emergencies
- An unforgettable experience in conservation!
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Add-On Experience can be added during the WYSE registration process as space allows.
If there are no spaces available for the add-on, there will be waitlist instructions you can follow during the WYSE registration process to add yourself to the waitlist. WYSE staff will contact students on the waitlist in the order they are added.