Phil Sletten of Bow is working as an instructor at the Friends of the Eagle New Hampshire Audubon day camp for 8- to 10-year-olds at the McLane Audubon Center in Concord.

In a recent interview by Zach Blatt of Bedford, a volunteer for the New Hampshire Audubon, Sletten talks about his experience working with youngsters. Sletten is a 2007 graduate of Bow High School and is a sophomore at Grinnell College.

Q. What is your typical day like?

A. “We begin with morning circle, which is where we might sing a song or play show and tell. Then we usually go for a short hike. After lunch, we do an activity such as a ropes course or the zip line. Then we sing more songs or tell jokes or do an artsand- crafts project.”

Q. What animals have you shown the kids?

A. “Painted turtles, Eastern box turtles, a corn snake, a ball python, frogs and other land creatures. We’ve also shown the kids the bald eagle and peregrine falcon we have at our Concord site. The kids really love to feed the turtles.”

Q. Do the kids handle the animals well?

A. “Yes, for the most part. Usually, the kids follow directions. The kids have a bit more of a fear of the snakes, though. They are really in awe of the animals and quiet down when we need them to cooperate.”

Q. What other activities have the kids attempted?

A. “One activity I particularly enjoy is ponding, which is when the kids go fishing in the pond right behind the McLane Center with a big net and water proof pants. We’ve caught water skimmers and small fish on occasion. The kids also hike to Blueberry Point, a nearby hill, or play games in the field.”

Q. You are a former camper, what do you remember about that experience?

A. “I attended my first New Hampshire Audubon camp here in Concord when I was 5. I enjoyed the Explorer Camp the most. We would hike mountains, go canoeing, camp at Newfound Lake. It was great fun making friends with a bunch of guys my age and going camping. I still remember a lot of the silly camp games that we used to play.”

Q. What have you gained from being a camp counselor?

A. “Being a New Hampshire Audubon camp counselor has given me a great opportunity to give back to the community as well as relive memories from my youth. It has helped me hone my people skills and relate better with children. It has definitely offered a different perspective. The kids I work with are starting to develop a rebellious attitude and don’t want to be told what to do by someone my age. It has taught me how to be a teacher, but also a leader as well.”

– Submitted by Zach Blatt