We’re so lucky to have a fantastic group of volunteers at CuriOdyssey. From the Keepers in Training who care for the animals, to the Docents, Aviary Aides, and Interpretive Guides who share their knowledge and connect children with animals up close, we’re so appreciative of all they do.

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21, 2012), we’re shining a spotlight on just a few of our volunteers so they can share some of their experiences. We love ALL of our volunteers, and we couldn’t do it with out them. We hope they feel the love, too – not just this week but all year long!

Dr. Betty, Wildlife Docent & Interpretive Guide
Volunteer since 2002 with more than 900 hours of service

(photo taken by Graham Paterson)

How did you get involved volunteering at CuriOdyssey?
Two years before I retired from a very active family practice, I decided I definitely would go insane if I didn’t occupy my mind. I picked the most joyous thing in my practice that I did and that was anything to do with children. So I looked to volunteer in an activity that involved children.

How has volunteering impacted you?
It has given my life a major purpose – talking to children about the natural sciences and satisfying their wonderful and endless curiosity.

What is the most surprising thing that happened to you?
I had one unbelievable experience with the ravens. One very quiet day in the raven’s habitat I spotted a little boy about five years old watching the birds that were perched across from him in the enclosure. One was eyeing him closely. All of a sudden the boy started running from one end of the enclosure to the waving and flapping his arms like great wings. To my total disbelief one of the ravens opened his wings, started flapping and began strutting from one side of the cage to the other imitating him perfectly.

Jonathan, Wildlife Docent
Volunteer since December 2010

How did you get involved in volunteering at CuriOdyssey?
I’m a certified Earth Science teacher who has been “working” as a stay at home father for the last seven years. After a visit to CuriOdyssey with my kids I realized that volunteering here would be a great opportunity for me to continue building upon my teaching skills.

What do you enjoy about volunteering at CuriOdyssey?
I like seeing the kids use their imaginations. Watching their surprised expressions when they realize that they have the skills to figure things out independently is rewarding. Their own backyard or hiking trip animal stories are always fun to hear too. I also like seeing parents who are proud of their kids for confidently sharing what they know.

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
Kids need to physically feel, bend, and sometimes, with a few safety boundaries, even break things. There is no substitute for seeing an animal up close or handling a porcupine quill, hummingbird nest, eagle feather, or snake skin for the very first time. iPhone applications and computer games still can’t compete with this. A hands-on curiosity of the natural world around us is an important trait for everyone, not just children, to nurture.

Sapna & Manya, Interpretive Guides & Leader In Training (Manya)
Volunteers since April 2010

What do you enjoy about volunteering at CuriOdyssey?
The ability to share an educational as well as fun experience with kids. I know that I would have been the type of kid who would be CRAZY for our camps.

How has volunteering impacted you?
I made new friends as well as reconnected with old friends. I have been able to practice science, which rebuffs my statements of, “We’re NEVER gonna use this stuff!” from when I was little.

Do you have a favorite animal or exhibit?
The otters. They’re such show-offs, that if you go to the upper window, they’ll follow you and put their noses against the glass.

Jessica, Leader In Training & Keeper In Training
Volunteer since 2012

What do you enjoy about volunteering at CuriOdyssey?
I really enjoy working with both kids and animals. The most satisfying part of volunteering is being able to see the kids’ expressions when they are excited about the animal you are showing them or you have taught them something that they didn’t know before. The kids never cease to surprise me in their responses and I love being able to engage them in the things that I love.

How has volunteering impacted you?
I have gained experience as a leader with the Leader in Training program, which has helped me with other aspects of my life in becoming a stronger person. I have also had a lot of practice with public speaking and dealing with all kinds of people, which I know will benefit me not only during my high school years, but for the rest of my life and my future career. Volunteering at CuriOdyssey has also inspired my passion for the environment and has motivated me to pursue a career in the environment.

Do you have a favorite animal or exhibit?
It’s too hard to choose my favorite animal! As a Keeper in Training, I have been able to work with a majority of the animals, and I feel that each of them have their own distinct personality that makes them exciting! Currently, my favorite education animals are both desert tortoises, Darwin the African hedgehog, the ferrets, and Tesla the American kestrel because they never cease to amuse me with their different personalities.

Thanks again to all of our wonderful volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at CuriOdyssey, and have a happy Volunteer Week!