The AWLA’s summer camp is coming to a close after nine weeks of fun and interactive humane education that included: touring the shelter, meeting a variety of animals, learning more about the world of animal welfare and crafting creative (and occasionally tasty) treats for animals. Check out just some of the activities this year’s summer campers experienced.
Animals of All Kinds!
Summer campers had an opportunity to meet and interact with a wide variety of animals, from dogs to cats to guinea pigs and even a ball python! They learned what snakes need to live a happy and healthy life, along with some fascinating facts about our slithering friends. Did you know that a ball python’s tail is actually only a small portion of its body? Now you do!
Learning about Animal Services
Our Animal Services officers were excited to teach the summer campers more about our wild neighbors and answer all of their questions, including what it takes to become an officer in Alexandria.
Hands-on Animal Care
Summer campers had fun with some hands-on experiences caring for guinea pigs. They worked together to clean their enclosures, lay down fresh bedding, refill their water, provide them with plenty of tasty Timothy hay and create an adoption event promotional video. As a finishing touch, the campers made and decorated busy bags for each little guinea pig!
Helping Adoptable Animals
One of the biggest highlights of summer camp is meeting adoptable animals and helping them find their new families. Campers were excited to meet and learn everything they could about Gabe, a senior terrier mix, and put together a video highlighting what makes her such a great pup! And, in case you were wondering, Gabe found her new family!
Learning about Surgery
After taking a tour inside the AWLA’s Waggin Wheels surgical vehicle and learning about animal anatomy, summer campers learned how surgeries are performed. Campers aged 11 through 13 also had the opportunity to practice a mock surgery with the help of a plush dog toy.
While summer camp comes to a close this week, we’ll be back next year with even more exciting animal learning experiences for students of all ages, so be on the lookout for more information.