Craker’s successful rehabilitation and convalescence showed us that the young people of the neighborhood were interested in learning more about their world. They listened attentively to the adults who stopped by the lake to assess our turtles (Carl and Viviana) and Craker’s Care Team (Brad and Katie), and they actively worked to make plans to see them again. A mentorship was forming and it was driven by the inquisitive nature of three young brains.

When faced with kiddos who ask to learn more, you do the logical thing – form a club! We had our first meeting on September 16, 2017—exactly two weeks after Craker came home. One of the kids volunteered to take notes, the meeting was called to order, and we were on our way.

The first order of business was to think of a name and logo. The group was presented with a few made-up names and drafts of what logos might look like. They ultimately decided—after a lengthy discussion, followed by a vote—to go with Spring Lake Adventure Club. Some names tossed on the table were “Curious Girls Club of Spring Lake” and “Spring Lake Kayak Club,” but they decided they wanted to be inclusive. What if a boy wanted to join? What if a girl who didn’t have a kayak moved here? They didn’t want them to feel left out.

Then we discussed earning badges. It was easy to assume they would earn one badge for each new thing they learned, but the girls took it even further. They want the opportunity to earn basic, intermediate, advanced and expert levels. They expect at least four years of learning from their mentors.  That was unexpected.

The girls already knew they wanted the original “Craker Care Team” to continue to teach them, but they became excited as they realized their own family members might be willing to contribute. We have moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and cousins lined up to teach them the finer details of ham radio, golf swings, growing a garden, and cooking.

It was a fun, but very official meeting, which was surprising. No loosey-goosey stuff. Future meetings will likely include the writing of by-laws and discussing the merits of a club oath.

It’s going to take a lot of work to stay a step ahead of them.

For all their maturity and seriousness about this little club, they are still kids. They used their stuffed animals to do some of the talking and…

…the meeting adjourned with a flying fox instead of a gavel.