CompassionateCareCamp

Hands On Experience At Fred Spca

by Victoria Alicandro

" Becca has always loved animals, but this camp has increased her knowledge about how to properly care for animals and understand how we each can help our local shelters," said the mom of a past camper. "Each day she was so excited to share what she learned and has been reading to our own dog at home when she thinks he needs some extra attention or comfort."

"We had a middle-school-aged camper, who was of very few words and was noticeably uneasy around cats. Halfway through camp, he was with an elderly cat who just loved to snuggle and purr. He stood and read to the cat for the first 10 minutes in the room. After the 3rd time I walked by, he was sitting on the couch, with the cat in his lap and the book high up in the air, avoiding touching the cat in any way. The cat continued to nuzzle him. Before leaving that day, he was lit up like a Christmas tree," said Rachel. "The boy and his family walked out of the shelter with the newly adopted elderly cat to bring home!"

These programs help kids just as much as the animals awaiting their new homes. All the money raised through the program will go back to supporting the mission of the Fredericksburg SPCA. The staff, volunteers, and animals hope to see the animal advocates of tomorrow during Compassionate Care Camp!

Compassionate Care Camp sessions are available for kids aged 6-9 9 and 10-113, running from June 12 - August 4, Monday through Friday, for three hours each day at the Fred SPCA facility Register for a spot this season at fredspca org/humaneed

It's no secret that animals impact our lives too. Rachel Murray, the woman behind the program, a teacher and lover of animals, shares how she has seen the effect animals can have on even the most timid of kids.