I officially lead/taught my first group of kids in the program that I am now an employee of. Basically, the kids come for three or four days and rangers take them around the park and teach them stuff...i.e. "Yellowstone is super cool because of (insert unique aspect of Yellowstone's ecosystem) so you should work to protect it and other places like it. I was skeptical at first that the kids would assimilate this attitude, but I've been very surprised at how large an impact both the program and Yellowstone have on them. Usually, the most wild/misbehaved kid ends up loving the park. Last week, one of them declared that he would rather be in Yellowstone than at home playing video games! Chalk one up for the home team. The kids aren't the only ones having fun. I've come to realize that I am having a really good time with the kids. Some of the reasons...
1. Kids always want to give hugs.
2. You never know what they are going to say or do.
3. The younger kids are really eager to participate - none of that "I'm too cool for school" b.s.
4. I get to wear my ranger hat.
5. Two nights a week I get to stay in the Lamar Valley. The Lamar Valley has been the wallpaper on my computer for 4 years because there's nothing else I'd rather put there.
6. The kids have to cook for the rangers (fortunately I like hot dogs and nachos).
7. Kids laugh at all my stupid jokes.
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deep thoughts
often obscured, sometimes foggy, occasionally clear
deep thoughts
About Me
- Matto
- Taking Suggestions, Earth
- Reality is best viewed from the rear view mirror at eighty miles an hour. I've happily spent my early and mid-twenties trying to achieve this view of my definition of reality. What is my definition of reality you ask? I think it is a feeling as much as an actual state of being. The feeling of being stagnant has a lot to do with the idea of reality I have. That is, a reality as prescribed by white, conservative suburbia...it just sounds so boring. I like to think that I have done a good job of avoiding reailty thus far in my life. I've at least had some great times trying. So as my late-twenties loom and I embark on my next attempt, these are my thoughts and observations.
7 comments:
Sounds like a good time! Glad you're enjoying working with the kids.
That sounds so great; I wish more kids could visit - you must get them just from Montana and Wyoming? And I'm so relieved to hear that all kids love to give hugs because the one I know best has made herself into a tripping hazard by giving out so many hugs (I thought it was just her...).
That does bring to mind my favorite comment of the summer, "is Indiana Jones' hat made out of a beaver pelt?"
Only 3 weeks til you know what! Just pour me something tall and strong!
'Seems the best kids are 3rd-4th grade, then they start getting "too cool." Sounds like fun.
Aww, look at you going out there and influencing minds of our youths sir! Good on ya!
Do you get to wear THE ranger hat?
Good to hear it is going well!
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