RV Campers Earn Humane Hearts
Every summer, Rescue Village invites kids to the shelter for summer camp to learn everything there is to know about the humane society. The children learn about the animals at the shelter and often pick a favorite animal or two to bond with.
Kids make special treats and toys for the animals. They spend time reading to the animals. They learn to watch the adoptable animal pages at rescuevillage.org/adopt and celebrate when their favorite dogs, cats, small critters, or barn animals get adopted.
Campers learn about the many medical services Rescue Village provides to homeless animals, its low-cost spay/neuter programs that help reduce pet overpopulation, and its work to prevent animal cruelty. Indeed, by the end of their camp session, campers know almost as much about the humane society as staff members, earning their Humane Heart Certificates.
One of the most gratifying outcomes of camp comes during pickup, when kids lead their families through the shelter before leaving for the day. They introduce family members to their favorite animals while proudly sharing what they have learned. As a result, family members are often inspired to make a donation, sponsor an animal adoption, or sponsor one of the kennels, cages, or stalls.
Having a place in our hearts for homeless animals is essential for all of us. When campers hear an animal’s story and get to interact and meet with them, the kids learn about compassion, empathy, and kindness and experience it. We often hear from parents about how their children provided animal adoption updates at the dinner table for weeks after their camp session ended. Sometimes, a camper’s family decides to adopt a shelter animal into their home.
The children learn how Rescue Village cares for 140 animals every day, 365 days a year, and they also learn about why the animals are at Rescue Village in the first place. From providing relief to overcrowded shelters to helping people who need to surrender their pets for all sorts of serious reasons, Rescue Village is here to help by providing a fear-free shelter.
Like a hospital, the need for Rescue Village’s work will remain as long as there are people and pets. Rescue Village has made humane education a core part of its mission since 1974.
