Date:         Tue, 12 Nov 2002 09:43:45 -0500
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Jim Wilson <wlsngang@SHORE.INTERCOM.NET>
Subject:      Re: Youth Birding Club
Comments: To: dfarner@AUDUBONNATURALIST.ORG
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David,

My name is Jim Wilson and I was a parent volunteer and designated driver
for 2 Centreville Middle School (Queen Anne's County) WSB teams.
As you may or may not know, they have sent at least 2 youth teams for
the past 4 years to the WSB.

Speaking from experience, I would say that the skills do not have to be
that great.  All you need is some interest and dedication on the
kids part to practice and to make it to Cape May.  I say kids' interest,
but what you will need more than anything is the parents interest to
move the kids
to practices and to Cape May.  The excitement of just being at the WSB
will hook many of the first timers to develop a real interest in birding
and that desire to go back again, year after year.  I have seen it
happen.  I have four high school birders who are planning to return in
2003.  In 2002, 3 of them went to Cape May during the WSB, not to
participate, but just to be there and bird that day.

One other note ... do it right.  Go over a day or two early and do the
scouting.  Stay in a hotel for comfort.  The first year the CMS team
camped in a camping ground to save money ... nice idea but not that
great for rest and food.  I will never forget the first night's pot of
burnt Oodles of Noodles done over the campfire.
I believe that the morning after brunch is a real necessity, even though
it is expensive.  The recognition that the kids get is priceless.

BTW, if you need kids, I can get'em.  Unfortunately, we live on the
Eastern Shore.

Please let me know if we can be of any help from over here on the
Eastern Shore for ideas, kids, etc.  Sometimes, you just don't need to
reinvent the wheel twice.  (Is that redundant???)

Jim Wilson, the Elder.

DAVID FARNER wrote:

>Don,
>
>Thanks for your email on MDOsprey. So far I have received many emails and
>calls from people who want to help or are just glad to hear about the club.
>The talk we had on the ferry as well as meeting some interested (and often
>very good) kids is what really got this going.
>
>And also thanks for your offer of help for the World Series. At this point I
>am hoping to field a youth team for the 2004 WSB, but it is really going to
>depend on the interest and skill of the kids as to whether we do it sooner
>or not at all.
>
>David
>Audubon Naturalist Society
>Chevy Chase, MD
>
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