Volunteering this time was taking a bunch of kids from the REM to tour of the Intrepid museum. The kids are part of an afterschool reading program that encourages school work and reading. The agenda started with a guided tour through some of the Endeavor exhibit, the top deck of the ship, some of the inner level, and concluding by checking out the Concord. Then we broke off into separate groups and had free time to explore more of the museum.
To be honest, I was way more excited by the tour than the kids were, and while I totally used the guide to my full extent, asking plenty of questions, good and bad; the kids were more excited to just run around and touch all the “no touching” models and exhibits. I had a great time reading about all the military and nonmilitary craft.
It’s so cool that like a military aircraft carrier is repurposed into a museum. And so much of it was dedicated to real science and history. There were so many different vehicles, from in-service military boats to a submarine, to the Concord, to spacecraft to helicopters to airplanes. There was also a kids (?) orchestra that was playing on the deck, which was great to see.
Two things. I noticed huge patriotism from the museum. For example, a 15 minute movie showcased where we were standing in 1944 was the scene of a two kamikaze attacks that killed a dozen men in WWII in the Pacific theatre. The movie play actors referred to the Japanese as “Japs” which while not the worst derogatory term, does highlight the glorification of our soldiers and goals and the vilification and dehumanizing of the enemies. This was particularly bad in the Vietnam war exhibit (where the Intrepid did serve!!), ignoring much of the controversy of the sinking of the Maine.
Also awesome was this one little girl who asked about female astronauts. Most of the early space program was exclusively male (though Hidden Figures, great black female NASA story). But now plenty of women were and are part of the space programs of the world. The ISS currently has Peggy Whitson stationed aboard and Sally Ride as the first female astronaut. And it was nice that the little girl was empowered enough ask about her history.
Um I’ve noticed I have a generally great easy relationship with children of all ages. At every volunteering event I’ve been too that involves kids, I’ve made easy and quick friendships in all ages groups, (though not many middle schoolers.). And that continued today, where multiple kids wanted me in their free time groups, and afterwards, at least three kids asked if I would continue being at volunteer events in the future, like their homework or snack time activities. I honestly feel terrible because I’ve never really followed up. Partially because I don’t have the time to regularly commit to a volunteer service, but also because I also want to explore different volunteer activities.
Ugh. I ought to be a teacher. I wish I was a teacher. But like. Without any of the bad stuff. Idk maybe I’ll switch after the traveling. Who knows. At least I’ll probably be a good dad.
Anyway. Kids are great. Trying to teach them stuff, not so much. Short attention spans.