Yes! It’s true that our humane educator visits every single first-grade class in Champaign public schools.  But for her, there’s no summer vacation from humane education.  CCHS offers two great summer programs to educate children about animal welfare and the humane treatment of animals.

CCHS at Parkland.  Last summer, CCHS Humane Educator, Alicia Schneider, designed a brand-new 8-day course entitled, “The Secret Life of Shelter Pets” For  Parkland Community College’s “College for Kids” program.  Children ages 11 to 13 got an insiders’ look at what happens to an animal at CCHS - from the day they are relinquished to the day they are adopted.  The group also had lively and thought-provoking discussions about animal welfare issues and brainstormed creative solutions.  Be on the lookout for this program happening each summer at Parkland.

Animal Adventure Camp. For the tenth year in a row, CCHS is hosting Animal Adventure Camp for the Urbana Park District.  The camp meets for 5 ½-day sessions; kids age 6-8 in the mornings, and 9-12 year-olds in the afternoons.  Each day will focus on different core values as applied to our relationship with animals:  responsibility, commitment, respect, courage, and kindness.  Animal ambassadors will visit the camp every day; the kids interact with animals, such as Norwegian Elkhounds, Labrador therapy dogs, rabbits, a bearded dragon, a turtle, and a hissing cockroach.  The last day of camp will be held at the humane society where the campers will be given a tour of the shelter, met a few of the animals, and be visited by another special guest - an animal control officer.  Much fun will be had by all! Contact the Environmental Public Program Coordinator for the Urbana Park District for more information (217-384-4062, ext. 359 or sydonovan@urbanaparks.org).