Sign up for summer camp at the Richmond branch of the BCSPCA and you'll get to spend your days immersed in the world of animals.
Play animal-themed games, meet animal experts, get crafty, connect with new friends (both furry and human) and become the expert on animals in your family.
For one hour each day, kids have the chance to interact with some of the friendliest cats and small animals at the shelter, as well as some lovable dogs belonging to BC SPCA staff members in Richmond.
The BC SPCA offers week-long summer camps, which feature fun animal-themed activities for kids while empowering them to create a better world.
Camps are being offered this year in Richmond at the branch at 7791 Steveston Hwy.
One of the main goals of the camps is to help children develop empathy by teaching them to regard the world as a shared space with other living beings, not only pets, but farm animals and 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, BC SPCA humane education manager, adding that all dogs participating in the camps have been temperament tested by BC SPCA animal welfare professionals.
"By gaining this compassion and knowledge, children become attuned to the needs of other people, animals and the environment," said Neuman.
"It helps them build confidence to follow their passion and take their love of animals to the next level. They leave feeling inspired to be young ambassadors for safer, more humane communities."
The BC SPCA summer camps offer a unique experience for children.
As Neuman explains, 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.
"Compassion and empathy towards other living beings are characteristics of nurturing behaviour," 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 week-long camp costs $175 ($160 for Kids Club members).
Age ranges are: six-to seven-year-old camps are for children born anytime during 2006-2007; eight-to 11-year-old camps are for children born anytime during 2002-2005; seven-to 12-year-old camps are for children born any-time during 2001-2006.
In order to provide a full learning experience and to ensure the well-being of animals in their care, time spent with animals each day is usually limited to approximately one hour.
For more information, call 604 277 3100, email richmond@spca. bc.ca or log onto www.spca.bc.ca.
