In carrying on the tradition of “having the final word” the teachers of the second week of the teacher workshop have a few choice words for the folks at GSTC. Fear not, for they are words of gratitude and elation over the insanely busy roller-coaster ride of a week we have had here at GSTC.

When we met on Sunday morning we knew had tough shoes to fill after the leatherback adventure of our counterparts in June. So we quickly dawned our turtle caps and thought “turtley thoughts” in hopes that it would bring us good fortune throughout our time here on Jekyll. We must have been taught well by the GSTC on how to think those positive thoughts because it seemed we could do no wrong all week. Every one of the teachers was able to see nesting turtles during beach patrol. Each group delivered a successful turtle walk and presentation, except for the minor mishap with the mosquitoes (but it’s mother nature we’re dealing with, so it happens). Education presentations charmed our audiences and even pushed the boundaries by doing things no teacher volunteer had done before (pat on the back to our brave patient update presenters and the crew of so many voices that delivered the puppet show!). We were even incredibly lucky to have been deemed worthy enough by Dr. Norton and his slew of staff in teal to be part of releasing a sea turtle back to their natural environment and then invited to watch how the magic of it all happens when a new patient is brought in to the center.

So now on to the those words of gratitude we promised…

Dr. Terry Norton you are the “keystone species” of the GSTC. Without you the vision would never have become a reality and countless numbers of turtles may never have lived to tell a tale like that of Scute’s Ocean Adventure to their ocean dwelling companions after release. We are amazed at your compassion for all animals and at your ability to understand the needs of these turtles without truly being able to communicate with them. The world owes a debt of gratitude to you and the services you provide. Our hats off to you and your amazing staff you took us right in and put us body soaking deep into turtle husbandry (Thank to you too Griffin – teal always looks better wet!)!

Alicia, Kelly, & Teddy we were shocked by the wealth of knowledge, skill, creativity and patience that you possess to share with the children and public about our endangered Georgia sea turtles. We were thrilled and honored to work side-by-side with you all. We greatly appreciated you guidance and encouragement as we challenged ourselves with the deliverance of our education programs and we are thrilled that we have set new goals for next year’s teachers. A huge thank you to the education interns; you have no idea how much the programs that you develop while at the center will impact those who visit the center. Keep working hard to develop new and intriguing programs (we truly understand the frustration and excitement that comes along with planning a lesson). You have encouraged us to continue our relationship with the GSTC through additional volunteering adventures and developing grant programs and such. Our poor little brains are just going and going and going (Thank goodness they are larger than a turtle’s!).

A final thank you to our brave and hard working professors. This “vacation” would not have been possible without all the hard work and behind the scenes things that you did to get this grant for the program. We owe you tanks of gas for chofering us all over the island to and from our many activities! Dr. Schriver, you are a trooper! We were astounded that you tracked out to the beach three nights in a row for what seemed like a never ending walk with beach patrol (God Bless STARBUCKS!!!). Dr. Clark, it was a relief to not have to carry a camera around to capture all the memorable moments of our week here. We can’t wait to get a glimpse at all the photos that our brains have been trying to store in that big memory tank. It will be great to relive the week through your eyes!

To the general public, yes we have a thank you for you as well. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who educate yourself about these animals and to all of you who continue to support the turtles after visiting the center. Keep spreading the word about these endangered animals and maybe, just maybe, we can live to see the day when all sea turtles will be treated with the respect they deserve and they will finally come off the endangered species list!

Happy turtling to all…

Mary, Ella, Charlotte, Ginny, Maria, and Michael

We at the GSTC would also like to thank the teacher workshop participants for their hard work and excitement throughout the week.  We hope you all have enjoyed the experience and can take what you have learned and experienced here throughout the southeast.  We look forward to seeing you back at the GSTC soon!