Cam Boland speaking with students at a Ducks Unlimited TRAP event.
Cam Boland
Cam Boland, Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) alumna, has been honored with an award from Ducks Unlimited (DU) for outstanding leadership in youth programming. Boland attributes the award to her education at the CFWE, springboarding her into a newfound career path.
In her second year serving as youth engagement coordinator in DU Region 4, Boland of Fort Myers, Florida, works with youth educational programming in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. In this role, she implements DU’s Ducks University (college chapters), Ducks Varsity (high school chapters), Greenwing (age 11 and below) and TRAP (shooting sports).
Boland’s dedication to environmental education and engagement earned her the honor of 2024’s Youth Engagement Coordinator of the Year award. This recognition is given to a DU coordinator with the greatest annual growth in their respective programs.
“The ability to connect passionate students to the conservation community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” Boland said. “As an employee of DU, I am proud to work for a nonprofit that places prominence on appreciating and protecting our natural resources, while focusing on the future of wetlands and waterfowl conservation.”
Boland’s journey in the CFWE
Upon enrolling at Auburn, Boland yearned for hands-on research, exploration and practical experiences. Her curiosity of the natural world led her to discover the CFWE, where she was eager to learn more. This passion for the outdoors propelled her decision to dive into the Wildlife Ecology and Management degree program.
“During my undergraduate degree, I really enjoyed the experience from faculty as well as their efforts in connecting us to professional and career opportunities,” Boland said. “The curriculum at the CFWE allowed me to explore the world of wildlife biology while gaining practical, hands-on experiences.”
After completing her bachelor’s degree in 2020, she continued her education by enrolling as a graduate student in the CFWE. While pursuing a Master of Science in Forestry, Boland served as a graduate research assistant until completing her degree in 2022 . It was during this period in her academic career that she found her love for environmental education.
“During my graduate degree, I enjoyed working on research to dive deeper into current knowledge of urban forestry,” Boland said. “I was very fortunate to have supportive professors at the CFWE, especially my graduate committee. Through my master’s curriculum and research, I developed a passion for promoting education of our natural resources and working with students.”
Cam enjoying a recreational duck hunt in Arkansas.
When it comes to the most impactful moments of Boland’s time at the CFWE, she exclaims that it is all about the faculty. A few of her mentors such as her academic advisor, Stephen Ditchkoff, pushed her to challenge herself and grow in her student roles. Other professors of note during her CFWE career were Becky Barlow, John Kush, Adam Maggard and Lana Narine. Boland says their patience and mentorship was invaluable as she navigated her curriculum.
Extracurricular involvement proves successful
Prior to her employment at DU, she volunteered for six years with the Auburn DU chapter where she was social chair as an undergraduate and later became a chairman in her graduate role. Boland was also a member of several extracurricular groups on campus including The Wildlife Society, the National Wild Turkey Federation, where she served as secretary, and the Wildland Fire Club.
For fellow Auburn students also sharing Boland’s love for environmental education, she gives her advice for having the best Auburn experiences.
“Get involved, take a risk, join a new club, try a new internship and ask professors for advice,” Boland said. “I encourage students to keep an open mind during their academic career. Some of the best opportunities may be the least expected.”
