This is a guest post by Charlie Fletcher.
Most kids love animals, and it only makes sense that a summer camp immersed in nature would incorporate them somehow. While you might not be able to bring in a ton of wildlife to your camp, there are things you can do to incorporate animals safely.
Summer camp serves as a great opportunity to teach kids about new animals or ones they’re already familiar with, but might not know much about. Animals will keep their attention, and you can educate the next generation on things like wildlife preservation and conservation issues. Most kids think animals are cute or cool (even if they’re creepy crawly!) but don’t know much about keeping them safe or protecting their natural habitats.
You can create fun and exciting activities for your campers while giving them the information they need to be lifelong advocates for all creatures great and small, just by getting creative with animal incorporation.
Host a Special Event
One of the easiest ways to incorporate more animals into your camp activities is to host a special event or two throughout the summer. Consider teaming up with a local wildlife association or rescue center that might have a variety of animals safe to transport for “show and tell” events.
Special events are a great way to break up the summer and get kids excited to do something different.
You can also host longer “special events” for kids that are especially interested in animals. Try some of the following week-long ideas:
- Junior Vet Week
- Adopt an Animal
- Animal Careers
- Animal “Safari”
- Animal Classes
Not every kid is into animals, but those who are deserve a chance to explore those interests and build their passions. By hosting longer events, including classes and “mini-camps” within the greater scope of the summer, those campers with a love for furry and scaly creatures alike will go home with a new appreciation for summer camp, and more knowledge than ever about the animals they love.
Use Your Surroundings
Most summer camps are completely surrounded by nature. If your camp is in a wooded area or on a farm, you have the perfect opportunity to incorporate animals into your summer itinerary in the most natural of ways — just look around!
Safety needs to be the top priority of your campers and staff, of course. No one should go hiking through thickly wooded areas where there are potentially harmful predators. However, staying on safe hiking trails, going down to a pond that’s bustling with fish and amphibians, or even digging in the dirt and looking under rocks to take note of insect ecosystems are all great ways to use your surroundings to your advantage.
Make learning about different types of animals in your environment fun by creating a “hunt” for your campers. Give them each a list of different animals or critters you want them to find and some hints as to where they might be. While they should stay with their counselors or a guide, this type of activity will get them excited about the details of everything from fluffy rabbits and squirrels to slithering worms.
Take a Field Trip
Summer camp can feel like a long time away from home for some kids. If part of your job is organizing how to keep everyone busy over the summer, consider letting your kids get away from the everyday routine once in a while.
Yes, summer camps can have field trips, too!
When it comes to incorporating animals in your summer camp, field trips are fantastic. They allow you to get your campers involved with wildlife safely, and talk to experts who can answer their questions. Youth environmental activism is important, and letting kids come face-to-face with animals (especially endangered ones) can spark their interest in being animal advocates. Some of the best ideas for animal-based field trips include:
- Wildlife Preserves
- Zoos/Petting Zoos
- Farms
- Local Ponds, Parks, or Wooded Areas
Why go to a pond or park? They can serve as perfect opportunities to teach kids about different animal environments and how they might be harmed by people and other predators. Consider having a “clean-up” day somewhere. Knowing they’re doing something good for the planet and all of its creatures will give your campers a sense of responsibility and pride.
Another great field trip idea that will allow your campers to help out is to visit a local humane society or animal shelter. Not only can they help to take care of the animals for a day, but the people who work there can educate them on things like the dangers of improper breeding practices/puppy mills, animal abuse, and more.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how you can incorporate animals into your summer camp. Get creative, think of activities and events your campers would enjoy, and don’t hesitate to connect with local businesses, organizations, and nonprofit groups that are associated with animal advocacy and education.
_____________
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer passionate about workplace equity, and whose published works cover sociology, politics, business, education, health, and more.
Featured Image Source: Verdian Chua (Unsplash)
Leave a Comment