One goal/priority that gets discussed with regularity is how to attract “the next generation” of butterflyers to the joys and wonders of leps and by extension, the natural world. Last June, an opportunity for us to share our message of joy and wonder came knocking from Sydney Geyer, the program coordinator for an organization called “Read-a-Rama”. Read-a-Rama is a “fully- immersive, accessible and inclusive literary program for elementary aged readers;” champions of literacy for kids in under-funded communities. Founded in 2009, Read-a-Rama’s co-creator, Dr. Michelle H. Martin (“Doc Martin”), has offered the program in Washington State. Last summer’s weeklong camp entitled “Kaleidoscope of Color” was hosted by a community center north of Seattle, and one topic for investigation was iridescence in butterflies. The question asked of WBA was: would we be interested in joining them for about an hour to share our expertise? Of course, we accepted the invitation.
WBA president, Liz Kuehn, and I arrived equipped with magnifying glasses, butterfly stickers, field guides, a small collection of pinned Washington butterflies, a few science reference sheets on the topic – and a gorgeous (and iridescent!) Blue Morpho butterfly in a display case – procured by Liz via the internet. Last minute additions for the presentation: butterfly net and bug jar. We led off with introductions and Liz explained what WBA is and our “mission.” A brief explanation of iridescence science, and how it related to butterfly (and other animals’) coloration, was capped off by passing around the Blue Morpho. Next, was a quick demonstration of what us butterflyers might do in the field; and it seemed like it was a crowd pleaser.
I had received “inside information” that it was the birthday of one of the campers. I asked the birthday girl (wearing a butterfly-sequined dress and turning 6 years old) if she would assist me. With a little encouragement from a parent, she nodded her agreement. I asked her to hold one of our plastic butterfly props with her arm outstretched and walk around the room to make it appear that the butterfly was flying. I followed close behind with the net while giving a play by play narration to the group how I was both observing its flight and hoping that it would possibly find a nice flower to land on for nectar – and how that would make it easier to catch. I did also mention that we could also sometimes net them in the air. Once the faux insect was in the net, the method for transferring the butterfly into the bug jar was done; further explaining that this was done so that we could observe the butterfly up close and take its photo. This activity really grabbed their attention and generated questions and discussion: “do they get hurt?” “do you kill them?” were the most common.
We wrapped up the day by allowing the kids to use the magnifying equipment, try out the net, inspect the butterfly collection, look through the field guides and again check out the amazing Blue Morpho specimen. It was a pleasure and a treat to visit the campers at Camp Read-a-Rama and their appreciative camp stewards. We would like to thank Doc Martin and Sydney Geyer for bringing together the ideas of youth literacy with science, nature and fun (there was also singing!) We are grateful for the opportunity to share what we do at WBA with the kids. For them to have independently sought us out for “expertise” illustrates their thoughtfulness and creativity (thinking “outside the box” perhaps?) of the Read-a-Rama staff.
WBA hopes to do more outreach events like this in the future, for youth and the general public. Please contact WBA at our website, www.wabutterflyassoc.org with any ideas or suggestions for places, outdoor shows, events, &c where you think WBA might be able to have a presence and “share our expertise.” Also, we are always looking for volunteers to help with tabling events and other outreach opportunities. Please contact us through our website!

Captivating the Campers

Dan Dunphy

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