A Night In Life Of A Girl Scout Leader

Twelve 2^nd grade girls, working on a “Eco-Explorer” badge. They are working diligently making their own habitat. First they cut the top off their 2 liter recycled soda bottles, each girl being very careful with their scissors. No one was hurt.

They put gravel in the bottom and each girl carried their habitat to the sink and fills it with water. No water was spilt.

We explained that for a healthy habitat we have to make sure there is no pollutants, and that our hands may have lotions, soap, or cleaning chemicals residue on them and that they wouldn’t want to pollute their new habitats. They all go back to the sink and wash their hands with water only.

When all is settled again each girl plants a small bamboo plant in their gravel. Each plant was handled with care.

It is then explained, what a healthy habitat is and was it needs to survive and what can harm it. It is explained that each part needs the other, the fish wouldn’t live without the O2 and the food the plant gives, the plant needs the “Waste” (politically correct organization) the fish gives off.

We then bring out the fish. A big yellow Tupper ware bowl just like mom’s old popcorn bowl, it was bubbling over as 30 minnows went jumping about. As the fish are put into their new habitat they go belly-up instantly. We continue on figuring the fish are just in shock. After 6 fish are officially pronounced dead and 12 little girls are traumatized… we figured it out…we forgot to tell them about ideal climates. Minnows are not HOT water fish.

I can’t wait until the story gets home to their parents; at least this will be easier to explain than the naked statue pictures when we talked about “3-D Art” and famous artists.

Note: All of these girls figured out that fruits/vegetable are grown in “Waste”. They all vow never to eat any of it again. What am are teaching them????