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Shell Ambassador program kicks off at Shell Museum

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Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Shell Ambassadors Clair Beckmann, Kelle Covington and Joyce Matthys. MEGHAN MCCOY

An excited buzz bubbled from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum as three women shared their enthusiasm about a program they recently completed that enhanced their knowledge of mollusks and shells.

Forty people participated in, and passed, the very first Shell Ambassador program the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum offered last month, affording them the opportunity to wear a blue shirt while walking the beaches educating those who wish to learn more about the shells that grace the area.

“If you shell, you see every nationality, every age. The common thread is they don’t know there is a museum and an animal that lives in it (the shell),” Clair Beckmann, who attended the Oct. 22 Shell Ambassador program said. “It’s a delight to be able to answer questions and share enthusiasm. Going through the training I learned things I didn’t know.”

She said she wanted to become a Shell Ambassador because it’s fun sharing her newfound wealth of knowledge with others. Now strolling the beaches wearing the official Shell Ambassador T-shirt she no longer feels apprehensive in sharing that knowledge.

The program provides a new volunteer opportunity for individuals outside of the Shell Museum. Although there are no specific hours associated with the opportunity, when out on the beaches they are asked to wear special Shell Ambassador apparel that reads “I Know About Shells. Ask Me.”

The participants had a one-day intense training from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. complete with formal assessments.

The training, Beckmann said covered such areas as scientific names of shells, laws of picking up live shells, how tides work, different birds, vegetation, and names to contact.

Joyce Matthys, a founding volunteer of the Shell Museum, also attended the session.

“There were many people who had not been to the museum in class,” she said, adding that since she had already been educating the public about mollusks and shells, she decided to take the class.

Since graduating the program, Matthys has been to the beach a handful of times while wearing her Shell Ambassador shirt. She said many people approached her with questions, as well as her approaching others that looked like they had questions.

“People are enthusiastic and thankful,” Matthys said about the information she shared.

One of the highlights of the session, she said was finding out who to call in case she finds an injured animal.

Kelle Covington, who volunteers at the museum, agreed that the laminated contact list was helpful especially if a pelican wrapped with fishing line was found.

Covington said since she was already sharing the knowledge she knew about mollusks and shells when on the beaches, she was excited to attend the first training session. She said the T-shirts are a great tool when because it helps people recognize them to ask questions.

“It was really amazing, a wonderful class. I’m proud to be it (Shell Ambassador),” she said. “I love shells and mollusks and love to share my enthusiasm about the live animal. (When individuals learn about the live animal they will) take care of the whole planet and beach.”

Covington and Matthys said in addition to educating the public, being a Shell Ambassador also helps beachgoers have a good experience while visiting the island’s beaches. Covington said having a good experience is what will continuously bring people back to the island.

The registration fee is $90, which includes advanced study material, full day of training by experts of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, lunch, continental breakfast and the initial Shell Ambassador moisture-wicking T-shirt. Space is limited to 40 participants per session.

The next sessions will be held Sunday, Dec. 4, and again on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Once a Shell Ambassador clocks 20 hours, they will receive a complimentary Golden Olive Membership, valued at $100.