By JOSEPH KELLARD
"The theme of my project is to teach [younger scouts and other kids] how to choose a pet, what would be a good pet for them, and the responsibility they need to take care of one," said Nicole, a sophomore at OHS.
Some 120 girls attended the seminar in the OHS cafeteria, where Nicole set up seven tables that featured her own bird, Ziggy, while her friends, fellow scouts and some special guests brought in their hamsters, gerbils, turtles, lizards and fish. In the 50 hours she was required to spend working on her project, Nicole made up fact sheets and posters about various species and breeds of animals, and each table demonstrated the different cages, care products and other supplies they need.
One table and poster was devoted to the Long Beach Animal Shelter, where warden James Hodge demonstrated animal care and the many ways to deal with animals, including what to do if you come across a stray dog on the street.
Steve Finn, special agent of the Nassau County Fish and Wildlife headquarters in Valley Stream, also had a table to teach about marine life, and brought along such showpieces as an alligator's skull and an elephant's foot, while his assistant showed the kids how to train a dog.
Part of the requirement of a Gold Award project is that the scout get younger scouts involved. In planning her pet seminar, Nicole chose a subject that she both enjoyed and that she knew would attract kids, who also love animals.
Nicole made up passports for the scouts, who had them stamped each time they visited a different table and learned about pet choices and care. With their passports filled, each scout received an animal-decorated fun patch and earned a badge for learning about pets.
"She worked very hard on this project," said Nicole's mother, Dawn Verity. "She's cut out paw prints and put them on the floor of the front door of the high school to lead people to the cafeteria. And she made up 200 goody bags with animal crackers in them."
Originally, Nicole expected about 75 girls to get involved with her project, either to assist her or to attend her seminar. Instead, 159 Girl Scouts signed up. "We were kind of shocked that it kind of got this big," Dawn said. "I think that¹s because she picked something that's so popular. Kids love animals, so she picked something that would get the little kids involved."
In planning her seminar, Nicole thought to call the Long Beach Animal Shelter simply to seek some advice and information, and Hodge invited Nicole to the shelter for a tour. "When Nicole came to the shelter, you could see she had a look in her eye that she really loved animals," said Hodge, who agreed to be part of Nicole's seminar to lend her support.
In addition to her bird, Nicole has two dogs and a lizard. While she initially consider a career as a veterinarian, she now has her sights set on another animal-related field. "I don't want to be a vet because I really don't like dealing with blood," Nicole said. "So I'm interested in marine biology, because it also deals with animals."
Comments about this story? JKellard@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
