Summertime at Larimer Humane Society typically means a shelter bustling with kiddos attending Critter Camp. While we had to cancel our June camp session, that doesn’t mean we don’t have tons of fun resources for our junior animal advocates! Here are three fun ways that kids can learn about and help animals today!

  1. STORYTIME!

Humane Education volunteer, Katherine, stopped by the shelter recently to read a story for Stitch – the kitten – and to our young animal heroes tuning in. Check out our video below of Katherine reading Kamie Cat’s Terrible Night by Sheila Hamanaka, and Can I be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings.

2. CRAFT TIME!

Looking for a fun family activity that helps shelter animals in need? Enrichment toys are important to keeping animals busy and engaged during their stay with us, and young people can help out at home by creating this fun DIY project! Click here for supplies and instructions to make Sticky Seeds toys for our barnyard fowl!

Once your crafts are complete, contact us at education@nocohumane.org for instructions on where to drop your items off!

3. CAMP TIME! 

Looking for another way to get involved? We’re pressing forward with in-person Critter Camps, sponsored by the Wags & Menace Make a Difference Program Foundation, for July and August, but there are only a few spots left! Critter Camp is five days long, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and teaches campers about the responsible care and treatment of animals. Hands-on activities include visits with shelter animals and staff, informative lessons about responsible pet ownership and dog safety, fun animal crafts and service projects, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter! Critter Camps will follow state and local guidelines regarding COVID-19 to help keep campers, volunteers, and staff safe. 

Registration is still available for 7-9 year-olds at our July 6-10 camp and August 3-7 camp. Click here to learn more or sign up today! 

Humane education for youth in our community helps both animals ane people. A study by Northeastern University and the Massachusetts SPCA found that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. If you are an educator or someone who would like a humane education presentation at your school, local group, church, or community meeting to share one of our humane education presentations, click here