As you should be! It may be more common than I think, I don't know. But in my life time I have come across few females, let along young one's that are into snakes. I know y'all are out there, especially since joining this forum. I guess out in the flatlands (Massachusetts, not VT) snakes aren't as cool :p.
Also, I definitely agree- would never feed a boa by hand myself! Certainly wouldn't let my child do so. I just don't understand the reasoning behind that..