More than 20 children of all ages gathered around Madeline Flagler, the director of the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, on the museum’s wooden wraparound porch as she read Sarah Weeks’ “Follow the Moon.”
The reading was part of an educational children’s program Thursday, July 9. The children learned about various species of sea turtles.
“Our children’s programs vary greatly as far as attendance goes throughout the year. Typically, during July and August are our fullest classes,” she said. “We don’t have plans for doing it again this calendar year, but because it is such a popular program, this is the third year we’ve had someone come and speak about sea turtles with the children.”
Benefactors make the free monthly programs possible.
“The last three years, we’ve had a generous donation from Sandy and Cathy Griffin specifically for children’s programs, and that’s how we are able to hold free classes for children monthly at the museum,” she said.
Flagler was also grateful to have Marissa Wiater of the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project speak to the children and allow them to pet her red-eared slider turtle, Miles.
“It was great for her to bring in her own turtle she’s had for 14 years. The children always love to see something that’s alive. It was a wonderful group of young children that seem to really appreciate being able to come to the museum and learn about sea turtles,” Flagler said.
Wiater told the children about different species of sea turtles, how big they are and what they eat. Wiater also asked the children what animal in the ocean looks like a plastic bag.
“Jellyfish!” they shouted.
Then, Wiater stressed the importance of not leaving trash, especially plastic bags, on the beach, and encouraged the children to pick up bags they see and throw them away.
“It was fun. They were so cute,” she said.
After the brief lecture and story, the children were offered goldfish as a snack as they colored pictures of sea turtles.
Jan Hoagland and her husband brought their three granddaughters to the program.
“It’s a wonderful children’s summer program . . . It’s something they enjoy and we enjoy taking them to see that. The children look forward to it,” Jan Hoagland said.
Hoagland’s 5-year-old granddaughter, Maddie, said touching Miles the box turtle was her favorite part of the program.
“We hope to take them to the next activity in August. That one is about seashells,” Hoagland said.
The museum also offers larger, week-long day camps for children.
“Camp Chris Stone is dedicated to Chris Stone, who just died of pancreatic cancer,” said Sandy May, one of the -museum’s volunteers. Stone loved Wrightsville Beach’s marshes, she said.
The first session, designed for children ages 6-9, is planned for July 27-31, 9 a.m. until noon, and the second session, suitable for children ages 10-12, for Aug. 10-14, 9 a.m. until noon. Participants will learn about oysters, mussels, mud snails, fiddler crabs and snowy egrets.
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