Share Your Story

We want to hear from you! The Josh the Otter Water Safety & Awareness Project would not be possible with out the grassroots support from our volunteers across the country. If you have a positive story about a Josh the Otter volunteer experience or how our foundation has helped spread water safety messages to your friends or family—PLEASE SHARE! Send your stories to info@joshuamemorial.org and check our website for your letter!

Here is a an example:

Dear Mr. Collingsworth:
My water safety program was a big success! Myself along with another fellow Girl Scout (Megan) performed a puppet show based on your book “Josh the Otter.” We built and decorated a puppet theater and made the otter puppets out of brown socks, buttons, yarn and lace. They turned out really cute!

Because the school has 32 campers we decided to have 4 groups of 8 rotate through so each program would be smaller and more manageable. The age ranges were 4 to 11 years old. I think this was the best way to do it because the kids did not have a problem staying focused and being distracted.

After the puppet show, one of my swim coaches who is an Aquatics specialist and firefighter sat down with the small groups of children to discuss water safety, what to do if they find themselves in trouble, how to help a friend in trouble, pool safety, and the importance of never swimming alone. During our question and answer period I was surprised to find that many of them had never discussed water safety with an adult or had ever been given swim instruction to include learning to float on their backs. At the end of the program we passed out treat bags with the stickers and coloring book pages you donated. The raffle for the books and otters you generously donated were a huge hit! The camp director was so pleased she offered her summer camp for any further Girl Scout award/learning opportunities so I think we made a positive impression. I have attached some pictures of the event for you to see. Once again, thanks for all of your support.

Sincerely,
Hayden from Virginia