Ever since I can remember, I've always been interested in animals. Nothing was cooler to me than learning about wildlife - the difference between eagles and hawks, how a food chain works, that wild turkeys can fly, and so much more. It was amazing to witness young kids get introduced to the world I've been in love with for my whole life. Continue reading to learn about my first class as a volunteer with Champions for Wildlife.
I attended a Wild for Hellbenders program and was expecting for the kids to be timid and reserved. This was absolutely not the case. They were lively and excited to learn. The program was all about the native hellbender salamander. I didn't know much about them before moving to North Carolina, so this was a learning opportunity for me as much as for the kids. One of the things that stood out to me was seeing the kids ask questions about the salamanders. They asked about what they eat, where they live, how they swim, and what keeps them healthy. Another good question they asked was the difference between amphibians and reptiles. It was so cool to see how the kids dove into trying to figure out the differences between the two. I could practically see myself among the kids excitedly asking questions and learning new amazing facts about animals.
Every Champions for Wildlife lesson incorporates art. I have never been super into art. However, I definitely recognize that art is a great way for kids to be able to better understand the wildlife around them. The kids at this event were so interested in making their own hellbenders. They put effort into the details along the salamander's side and legs, while also adding their own flare to it to make it fun and interesting for them. The art gave students a chance to look at the hellbender more closely and draw their own connections with the species.
Stepping into the classroom, I also got introduced to other volunteers who share an interest in wildlife. The other volunteers were great. One had experience teaching art, and did a great job with keeping the kids interested in the animals and the art. The other was more like me, being a vertebrate biologist who was a former professor. It was cool to see how people of different backgrounds could come together to support the mission and help the kids learn how to be wildlife ambassadors, specifically how to protect our rivers. Meeting both of these individuals was great since it gave me to opportunity to learn from people who are very experienced in their respective fields.
When reflecting on all that I got to experience in my first class with Champions for Wildlife, I see how rewarding it is. I am very excited for my future involvement in these events. Champions for Wildlife brings out the spark in kids that only nature and animals can cause. This spark is an amazing gift for anyone who has been able to experience it. I was lucky enough to get this spark and now I have the gift of helping others find it too. Understanding this will also help me be able to help people see the wonder of nature once I move on from Champions for Wildlife.
