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CRITTER CAMP
Calling all young pet lovers! Whether you child is curious about cats, or dedicated to dogs, Critter Camp campers have the opportunity to learn while connecting with the animals and discovering how an animal shelter works and helps the animals of our community.
The amazing and wonderful Doctor Doolittle is our inspiration this year. Each week we will be focusing on the fascinating ways we can communicate with the animals and how they communicate with us!
Each week our campers will be treated to stories, crafts and games as well as outdoor activities and a guest speaker or two. In addition to the special Critter Camp 2020 T-shirt and Doctor Doolittle book, each camper will be bringing home their wonderful crafts and stories.
2021 Schedule: TBD
Camp Location:
Better Together Animal Alliance 870 Kootenai Cutoff Road
Ponderay Idaho 83852
Camp days/time:
Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Enrollment begins April 1, 2021
Pre-registration is mandatory and early registration is encouraged
12 camper maximum per each session
Campers ages:
6 years old – 10 years old
One week long session of Critter Camp is $150.00 per camper
All enrollment forms and payment must be completed prior to camp start date
For more information, please contact Christi at volunteer@BTAAidaho.org or 208-265-7297 ext. 103
BOOK BUDDY
The objective of the Book Buddy reading program is to provide a relaxed and judgment-free “cat-friendly” environment, which allows children to practice their reading skills. Many children have difficulties reading and as a result, become self-conscious and lose confidence.By reading to a cat, all worries about being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, pets the attentive cat, and focuses on their reading. Reading improves because the child is working on their reading skills, self-esteem grows with earning stars and finishing books, and reading becomes associated with a pleasant, fun adjunct activity.
Reading to animals was tested at UC Davis’s School of Veterinary Medicine with wonderful results. Reading fluency improved as much as 30% and 75% of parents reported that their children read more frequently and with greater confidence.
HOW IT WORKS
Each participant in the Book Buddy program has their name put on our participation board located at our cat lobby entrance. For each book the participant reads and completes, a sticker is placed on the participation board next to their name. When a child completes 16 books they are rewarded with $5.00 in Shelter Bucks, a credit that they can spend at our Thrift Store. Children may bring their own book from home or borrow one of the shelter’s books which are located at the entrance to the cat lobby. We require that a parent accompany their child if the child is under 10 years of age.
Shelters can be a stressful place for animals, and reading out loud to them can help reduce some of the stress they experience while with us. Not only that, but animals provide a space of judgment-free unconditional love that we all need. Not only is this program great for a child to practice their reading, but what a great way to practice a new language or for anyone who loves to read and wants to snuggle a shelter cat.
For more information, please contact Christi at volunteer@BTAnimalAlliance.org or 208-265-7297 ext. 103
Need help with your pet?
Call our helpline 208-217-4453
or email our helpline@BTAnimalAlliance.org
