The B.C. SPCA is hoping week-long summer camps will empower children to create a better world.
The camps, running July and August in Victoria at the Burnside Campus, help children develop empathy by teaching them to regard the world as a shared space with other living beings, not only pets and farm animals, but wildlife too.
These skills are developed through a range of educational and fun activities, including animal-themed games, skits, crafts, guest speakers and more.
“The highlight for many of the kids is the time they spend every day interacting with, and learning about animals such as cats, dogs, rats, and other small furry creatures,” said Paula Neuman, B.C. SPCA humane education manager.
“By gaining this compassion and knowledge, children become attuned to the needs of other people, animals, and the environment. It helps them build confidence to follow their passion and take their love of animals to the next level.”
It may be challenging for some children, especially boys, to express nurturing behaviour in a competitive society where such a virtue is often not encouraged, said Neuman.
“Compassion and empathy towards other living beings are characteristics of nurturing behavior,” she said. “By providing an opportunity for children to express these behaviours in a positive environment, we hope to build children’s confidence so they incorporate this into their daily lives.”
The camps run Monday to Friday at a cost of $155-$170.
For information, please go to http://spca.bc.ca/camp.