OMK Kids Monkey Around
Louisiana Operation: Military Kids held two zoo camps in September 2009 for military kids and their families to play at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans and the Alexandria Zoological Park.
Safari Nights at the Audubon Zoo gave our military families a chance to see what happens in the zoo after the gates are closed. It was held September 18-19 at the Audubon Nature Institute and put on by the wonderful people at the educational center. The families pitched their tents around the educational center and learned about some of the animals that make their homes in the zoo. They made crafts and s’mores. But then they got to see the things no one but the zookeepers see. They took a late-night hike through the zoo where they got to see some of the nocturnal animals playing and were lulled to sleep by Bubba the lion. In the morning, there was another tour of the zoo and the animals were all awake to say hello. Afterwards, the families were welcomed to tour the zoo on their own.
The Sunset Expedition at the Alexandria Zoo gave our military kids and families the VIP treatment. The September 25th camp started with a train ride around the zoo. Our families then got to race through the zoo to complete a scavenger hunt, guided by zoo volunteers who pointed out interesting animals and features that can only be found in the Alexandria Zoo. Finally, our military kids were treated to a demonstration of some of the more interesting animals residing in the zoo -- Flame the parrot, a snake and a baby alligator. They even had the opportunity to take a picture holding the baby gator and design a frame for it. Best of all, they got to sleep in their own beds.
Both camps were vital in connecting military children, youth and families to the resources in the community and helped make the community aware of the needs of these military kids. Best of all, the military families got to spend time together before deployment.
If you want to help military families in your community, contact your parish 4-H agent or Kathleen Schexnayder at the 4-H State Office.
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