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The “CHARACTER COUNTS!SM” program is a nationwide
effort to strengthen and
reinforce ethical values and character in our youth. Spring
Brook Nature Center joined this effort by relating the Six
Pillars of Character to environmental protection.
The environment is something we all share. Protecting it should
be a common goal
that all people can work together to accomplish. |
When
thinking of the six pillars of Character Counts (Trustworthiness,
Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship) three of our
volunteers jump to my mind, Barb, Jeanne and Andrea. Like
so many of our other volunteers, these three volunteer one day each week
to help care for our raptors (birds of prey). They are out there
scrubbing dirty mews (cages), preparing food, feeding and training the
birds. They assist with the educational programs, talking about the
importance of these beautiful birds of prey. What makes these three so
special is that they went above and beyond of what’s expected from our
volunteers. A nestling Screech Owl needing rehabilitation was brought to
the Nature Center. This was during one of the busier times of year for
the Raptor Staff.
Barb, Jeanne and Andrea took on the
RESPONSIBILITY of providing the Screech Owl with the
attention it needed. They took turns taking the owl home, for one week
at a time. There they took her out for glove training and physical
therapy several times a day. Each week they brought the owl back to the
Nature Center to get weighed and transferred to the next person. If it
wasn’t for the additional RESPONSIBILITY
they chose to take on themselves, the screech owl would not have
received the care and training which it desperately needed. “We
considered it a challenge and a tremendous opportunity to work with the
Screech Owl at home. We put to use all the things we learned from Debby
and Ryan.” said Jeanne, as Barb and Andrea nodded in agreement. Thanks
to all our wonderful volunteers!
Written
by Chris Carling, Program Supervisor
