Do you have students who would like to experience all the fun of BC SPCA summer programs, but can’t attend one of our in-person locations? There is still space available in ourvirtual mini-camps. Youth ages 8-14 can join these events to bring the wide world of animals right into their home. They’ll learn about animals through live sessions with games, animal friends and expert guest speakers. Then, they can dive deeper through additional offline self-paced activities. The fee for our virtual camps is $25 per household, but for the month of June,register for virtual camp for only $10, using code CHIRP23!
Virtual events allow us to bring humane education to kids in all corners of the province, and word of mouth is a powerful tool in helping us to do this. Please consider forwarding this email to parents and fellow educators. Your support is valuable in helping us to foster the next humane generation of animal advocates.
In-person camps
For students looking for an in-person camp experience, there are limited spaces left in some of our on-location programs. In these fun and educational camps and workshops for ages 6-14, participants will explore the connections between animals, humans and the environment. They will be empowered to take action and become animal advocates in their communities. Families can visit spca.bc.ca/camp to see locations and schedules, and to register.
Youth program bursaries
We believe that cost should never be a barrier to humane education and that all children should have an opportunity to take part in our programs! To that end, we offer bursaries for children across the province. To apply, parents or guardians can fill out our easy online application form or contact camp@spca.bc.ca for more information.
Summertime is filled with fun outdoor activities – many in our own backyards! Remembering that we share the natural world with animals can help to keep both kids and wildlife safe this summer. While we love to watch hummingbirds and butterflies dance around our gardens, many other critters – perhaps not as welcome – can make their way into our yards as well. Deer, raccoons, bears (and maybe even the odd elk, depending where you live!) can roam through our spaces. It is important to keep a safe distance. In our Is Your Yard Wildlife-Safe? activity, youth will learn about wildlife attractants and how to ensure that their yards are wildlife-safe.
Teachers might lead further inquiry-based learning through exploring the different parts of an ecosystem that human actions may affect. For example, tossing out plastic not securely sealed in a recycling or garbage can could be potentially fatal to a small animal – or even end up in local streams and waterways harming more wildlife and ecosystems. Encouraging a school project to ensure your schoolyard does not have attractants for wildlife is another great way to integrate the understanding that everything is interconnected.
Click on the Additional Resources button on the activity page for more information, or book a three-session classroom presentation on Wildlife Wonders this fall with one of our humane educators.
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, so let’s celebrate with a good read!
Be a Good Ancestor is a beautiful illustrated picture book written by Leona and Gabrielle Prince, two authors from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak’azdli Whut’en in Northern B.C. The text weaves into vivid and magical illustrations by Carla Joseph, a Cree artist from Prince George, reminding readers of the interconnectedness of everything in our shared world.
Whether as a class read-aloud or a book to be read by one, these pages hold so much to enjoy. The colourful and detailed pictures provide so much to talk about. Starting with raindrops, through rivers, salmon, eagles and other animals all the way through to our own thoughts, dreams and action, this tale is a message to all: each person has a role to play in making change for the better for our planet. Respect for all of nature can lead each of us to better protect it, and preserve it for future generations.
Be a Good Ancestor can be the beginning of so many conversations with your students, teaching them about Indigenous ways of knowing, while inspiring them to become good stewards for the beautiful world we share. It is published by Orca books, so ask for it at your local independent bookstore or library.
Will your class be recognizing World Ocean Day on June 8?
The ocean produces at least 50 per cent of the planet’s oxygen and is home to most of the earth’s biodiversity. However, the ocean is in trouble.
A recent BC SPCA news article offers concrete steps that citizens of all ages can take to make a difference on a local level.
• Say “no” to problematic plastics such as plastic bags, straws, cutlery, water bottles and microbeads.
• Learn how to deal with discarded fishing gear – known as “ghost gear” – if you find it, so that it doesn’t harm sealife.
• If you live near the coast, participate in a shoreline cleanup. Find one at shorelinecleanup.ca.
• Support sustainable fisheries. When shopping, look for the Certified Sustainable Seafood label by The Marine Stewardship Council.
Read the full article for more detailed information to share and discuss with your students.
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On behalf of all the animals we care for and protect, thank you for your support.
