Dr. Phillips boy competes in national conservation contest

Aaron Briskman, 8, is competing in the National Wildlife Federation’s Jr. Ranger Competition, a nationwide contest for children passionate about conservation.

Winners will appear in Ranger Rick magazine, meet wildlife expert Jeff Corwin and receive $20,000 toward education. Voting ends at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 29, with daily votes allowed online.

Briskman and his mother, Mollie Elbaz Briskman, run a mango stand outside their Dr. Phillips home each summer. The fruit comes from a mango tree Aaron Briskman helps maintain. Proceeds help fund his attendance at conservation camps.

“He seems like an average 8-year-old, but you can’t always judge a book by its cover,” Mollie Elbaz Briskman said in a Facebook post. “Although extremely bright beyond his years, Aaron has always struggled in school to make friends and find his place. He’s extremely shy, but there’s one place he seems to blossom — within nature and learning how to protect our planet.”

Aaron Briskman has attended SeaWorld’s Conservation Camp for three summers and Disney’s Conservation Camp in Orlando for two summers. 

Mollie Elbaz Briskman said on Facebook the camps have helped Aaron take environmental stewardship seriously.

“I’ve gotten a firm talking to quite a few times for throwing my trash in the wrong bin,” she posted.

According to the Jr Ranger website, Aaron Briskman's favorite animal is the cat because of its speed, stealth and playfulness. His favorite outdoor activities are planting and farming.

The Jr. Ranger Competition is part of the National Wildlife Federation’s effort to engage children in environmental education. Corwin, the host, is a biologist and television personality who promotes wildlife conservation.

To vote for Aaron, visit jr-ranger.org.