As you may remember, I volunteer as a docent at our local zoo. One of the creative fun things I do to assist is helping make enrichment activities for the animals.
A week or so ago, the volunteer coordinator asked for us volunteers to come in an extra couple hours to carve jack-o-lanterns.
Then the zookeepers could put the carved pumpkins (with treats hidden inside) out in the enclosures as enrichment activities for the animals.
"How fun!" I thought.
When carving day arrived, Pete said I was bubbly, and I exclaimed, "I get to create today! Though, I have the feeling not many signed up, which I don't understand."
"Well," he replied. "I don't know many over six-year-olds who get excited at the prospect of making jack-o-lanterns."
"But... it's making something different!" I said, "Something fun for the critters!"
He just chuckled as he sent me on my way.
When I arrived, some tools and pattern ideas and pumpkins were ready on the table.
The volunteer coordinator had wrangled a few more folks, who, though less enthusiastic than I, remained willing to make jack-o-lanterns.
So the carving started with many willing, though skeptical, hands.
Everyone chipped in. I was surprised at the remarks about how un-creative some people thought themselves, and how others seemed to expect criticism.
Imagine my delight at encouraging them, one and all, about how glorious their jack-o-lanterns looked.
By the end of the hour, we had twenty-five jack-o-lanterns ready for the zookeepers to stuff with animal goodies.
As we went to wash our hands, I asked another volunteer if she had a good time carving...
I thought about her answer all the way home.
"Well, it was something different to do with my time today," she had said.
And I chuckled, wondering who benefitted the most from this "enrichment" activity?
I know I sure did!
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