This
letter from Samantha is one example of the many we
receive thanking us for a fun, educational experience.
They mention everything from the Corliss' giant flywheel
to gold panning and powder monkeys. My favorite, of
course, reference the burros.
I
can tell Samantha participated in the WMMI's Pikes Peak
History Program. During this educational in-reach
program, children interact with the donkeys as they
pretend to "pack their burro" and prospect for gold.
Along the way they discover historic Colorado places and
people as they complete interesting mapping and art
activities. The students work on their math skills while
purchasing their prospecting supplies in a "general
store" that includes hands-on objects, models, and
pictures of the various items they pretend to purchase.
This cross-curriculum program meets Colorado Department
of Education standards, and is a favorite with students
and teachers alike.
The
last part of the experience is a visit with the donkeys.
I can tell Samantha was completely taken by the
"wonderful donkeys" during her visit (I can also tell
that I need to annunciate better - it's Oro not Oral!).
We explain the burros' use as pack animals, talk about
care and feeding, review basic burro physiology and show
the children the rigorous training the donkeys receive.
Their training includes manners - Nugget will shake your
hand and Oro can bow. We pick Oro's hoofs. Nugget is
still working on it - watch those back legs! Both burros
lead well and Nugget has begun rudimentary math. He can
count!
This
spring and summer, I hope to begin packing the boys using
a burro pack-saddle. We have even talked about an
obstacle course! Time will tell, because Oro and Nugget
are smart -- all it takes is time. Next fall Nugget
starts learning Algebra!
Brad
Poulson (a.k.a. Alpha Burro)
Special Programs and Site Coordinator
|
Nugget
gets a counting lesson from Alpha Burro, Brad
Poulson, while Oro grazes.
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