Blog by Emma Hanna, Wildlife Educator
From Campers to Champions
This summer, we had the opportunity to join Carolina Village's annual summer camp, a program generously funded by one of their residents. The camp directors wanted to participate in a service project so they invited us to bring supplies and teach the kids how they could help prepare materials for future wildlife programs.
Of course, it didn't seem fair to ask the campers to prepare art kits without getting to experience the project themselves first. So we headed over with some of our favorite teaching tools: a stuffed moth, a stuffed elk, a bear paw print model, insect specimens from our collection, and plenty of wildlife photos.
The campers had already spent the day outdoors and could have easily been ready to wind down. Instead, they jumped right in. They asked thoughtful questions and were excited to learn more about the wildlife around them.
After creating their own foil wildlife artwork, it was time for the service project.
We weren't quite sure what to expect.
Within minutes, the campers had organized into teams and created assembly lines, giving every student a role. Energy filled the room as everyone worked together toward a common goal.
By the end of the session, they had assembled an incredible 527 art kits. These kits will be used by students in schools throughout the upcoming school year.
Perhaps most importantly, the campers understood why their work mattered. They weren't simply sorting paper and foil, they were helping create opportunities for other children to learn about wildlife, create art, and connect with nature.
At the end of the day, campers were asked to share something they were grateful for...
One student said, "I'm grateful that people came in and taught us about animals."
Another shared, "I'm grateful that we got to do some art."
And one answer captured the spirit of the afternoon perfectly: "I'm grateful to have an opportunity to help other people."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
