KIPU — Critter Camp got help from Mauka, a Kaua‘i Humane Society kennel dog, Friday. The gentle canine silently wove between the pairs of young legs, stopping to explore before settling down on the cool concrete floor, waiting for its
KIPU — Critter Camp got help from Mauka, a Kaua‘i Humane Society kennel dog, Friday.
The gentle canine silently wove between the pairs of young legs, stopping to explore before settling down on the cool concrete floor, waiting for its next opportunity to explore.
“He’s a kennel dog, ready for adoption,” said Mele Brewer, the KHS education coordinator. “How could anyone let something like him go?”
Her statement carried over to the lesson plan of having a long-term relationship with pets and pets developing a life-long friendship.
Before her, a handful of youngsters eagerly enveloped the lessons, distracted by Mauka and an orange kitten with similar markings to the kennel dog while being immersed in lessons of homeless animals needing attention and caring, and making responsible decisions.
“This is Critter Camp,” Brewer said. “We’ve done some changes and today is the first of those changes.”
Critter Camp, formerly a week-long experience with animals, pets and instruction on animal care, is now being offered on a one-day basis during school holidays, Brewer said.
“Additionally, we’ve adjusted the hours to be more in tune with parents’ working schedules,” she said. “We now do the single-day camps from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. instead of the former 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
Hawai‘i Statehood Day is the first school holiday since school doors opened in late July and the Kaua‘i Humane Society was ready.
“We started out with word-of-mouth,” Brewer said. “This is really good. We even have five children who are here vacationing from the Mainland.”
Critter Camps are scheduled for Sept. 3, Labor Day, Nov. 6, Election Day, Nov. 12, Veteran’s Day, and Nov. 23, Black Friday where a flier touts “a day of black surprises.”
The normal week-long Critter Camp will be offered during Fall Break, Oct. 1 through 5.
Critter camps have a limited enrollment of 30 students and registration for any of the camps can be done in person, or by visiting www.kauaihumane.org, clicking on the “Education” and “Kids programs,” locating the Critter Camp desired and clicking on “click to register.”
Camp registration fees are $130 for the week-long camp and $35 for the day camps.
Students must bring their own lunches and snacks. The Kaua‘i Humane Society will provide a water bottle and fresh cold water. Students attending camp must wear closed toe shoes for safety.
During the Critter Camp, students spend time with shelter animals and by getting to know them, make their lives happier.
Instruction in dog training basics, washing and walking dogs, brushing and playing with cats and kittens, pet first aid and learning new facts about animals.
Hands-on projects include creating a variety of pet toys, crafts, and art, including creating a scrapbook about the animals met through Critter Camp.
Visit www.kauaihumane.org, or call Brewer at 632-0610, ext. 103, or 634-8837.
∫ Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
