Baby Alligators and Diamondback Terrapins
One of the programs offered by the Coastal Discovery Museum is an opportunity to “meet and greet” some of the critters that inhabit the lowcountry. Guests learn about the critters that inhabit the island and have the opportunity to touch and hold many of the animals, including alligators and snakes, but also some more traditionally “touchable” critters like rabbits.
Just chillin’ with the children.
When I was offered the opportunity to assist summer campers from Camp Leo I jumped at it. Camp Leo is a camp for visually impaired children in South Carolina, offering them the chance to enjoy the same type of summer camp activities enjoyed by fully sighted children. I have had so much fun this summer doing children’s programs, and although my own visual impairment occurred in adulthood (I am legally blind in the left eye, with a large blind spot in the right), the thought of working with these particular children resonated strongly with me.
Juvenile Diamondback Terrapin
I spent an amazing hour bringing children critters to hold and touch, and lost count of how many photos I snapped of them holding, cuddling, and sometimes being cuddled (snakes, oh my) by their new friends. I was really pleased to learn that one young lady wouldn’t even look at the snakes last year, but was able to bring herself to pet them this year. I told her I’d be back next year just to help her hold one. The hour passed too quickly, but I have already told the education curator to sign me up for the program next summer.
Once the children departed, the other docent and I took turns taking pictures of each other cuddling some of the critters ourselves. Gotta stay young at heart!!
