These days, whenever I travel I’ve always got company: Buddy, the SATW traveling teddy. Much like that paper dude, Flat Stanley, Buddy goes with me whenever I leave home.

My lucky furry friend gets to explore interesting places all over the globe. But he helps out by taking lots of photos and writing about his experiences to kids in two classrooms: the first graders in Mrs. Marsha Herman’s class at West Side Elementary in Sun Prairie, and the second graders in Mr. Tim McManus’ class at Sherman Elementary in Eau Claire.

After our travels, Buddy and I usually visit the classrooms in person, and answer questions the kids have. Sometimes my teddy brings them little gifts from his travels: pencils, candy, a CD of local music, etc.

The Excellent Adventures of Buddy

To date, Buddy has been with me to Spain, Wales, Wisconsin’s new “Schooner Coast” along Lake Michigan and Sacramento/Sonoma, California. And once the 2013-14 school year starts, he’ll be telling his new student-friends about his summer travels to Arkansas. After that, they’ll start following him along the Ice Age Trail with me. Buddy and I are both excited about our upcoming adventure.

NOTE: Sadly, the Society of American Travel Writers, now known as SATW, had to suspend its traveling teddy program. Unfortunately, today’s educators have such compressed school days that the majority are not able to work in messages or visits from Buddy and his counterparts. Very sad, as Buddy was popular with the students during the years he was with me.

Disclosure: This entry contains affiliate links (among regular links) to products I own and like, or which I think you might like. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

 

©2018 Melanie McManus – All Rights Reserved

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