Camper Taylor Wall, with Edgar the Guinea Pig

Unlike John Mayer, in his popular song 83, I'm not someone who often wishes "I was six again" – but after watching the first session of the Seattle Humane Society's Animal Adventures Day Camp earlier this week, I might have to reconsider.

The first session of the first camp of the summer was already off to a roaring start by the time I arrived last Monday. The campers – 22 kids ranging in ages from five to seven – were divided into eight groups, all working on animal-related craft projects. The groups all had great names, including: Awesome Alpacas, Giddy Guinea Pigs, and Sassy Squirrels. The eight camp counselors are teenagers, and are all graduates of the Seattle Humane Society's Humane Teen Club program.

A small group of Campers meeting Pickles the rat

The camp program, designed by Seattle Humane Society Education Director Kate Reedy, is in its second year, but this is the first year for the kindergarten age group. Reedy, who leads all the camp sessions and constantly circulates among the kids, is clearly thrilled by the level of engagement of the young campers and the enthusiasm of her teen counselor crew. "The motto of the Seattle Humane Society's Education program is 'Planting the seeds of compassion in the Pet Owners of Tomorrow,'" says Reedy, "and the younger we can do that, the better."

All the Campers singing for Scrappie

On the first day of camp, everyone got to meet Edgar the guinea pig, and Pickles, the grey rat, but Scrappie, Reedy's AKC certified Canine Good Citizen was clearly the star of the session. Early in the day, the campers learned about dog safety, practiced dog greetings, and imagined what life would be like as a shelter dog. Monday's guest speaker, Seattle Humane Society Medical Director Sandy Willis, DVM, was also a huge hit. Dr. Willis gave each child a stethoscope and every camper got the chance to listen Scrappie's heartbeat.

The three hour session was well-balanced: alternating between structured large and small group activities including discussions; playing "duck, duck, puppy"; singing songs and individual time for the kids to interact with the animals, their counselors and each other. The program is designed to immerse kids in the world of companion animals, through hands-on games, experimental lessons and activities with a series of guest speakers. Campers will meet different types of animals every day and have the chance to work with some of the shelter animals (only those who have passed a stringent behavior screening)- a great way to learn the importance of compassion for all living creatures. And based on my visit, I'm positive the campers are all having a great time.

Animal Adventures Day Camp has multiple week-long sessions every summer, for kids aged five to twelve. The camp is sold out for this year – but keep it in mind for next year. Registration starts in the spring. The Humane Teen Club, a nine month program, geared to the school year, gives teenagers animal handling experience, a background in animal welfare and leadership training. Applications for next year's participants are due on August 31. It's another great way to encourage your kids to make a difference in the lives of animals.

Lynn
lynnseattlehumane@gmail.com