The human-animal bond is a strong one and a summer camp in Collingwood is exploring just that through hands-on animal interaction and engaging lessons. Led by the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS), campers get to learn about animals in the wild and even get some special guest visits from the shelter. Bert, a 15-year-old poodle, was one of the special guests this week. Taking place at the Central Park Arena in Collingwood, the camp offers opportunities for kids to be both outdoors and indoors, in a structured day filled with animal interactions, crafts, outdoor play, quiet time, free time and opportunities to just sit with animals. Established in 2017, the program, staff say, is beneficial for children in many ways. “It enhances the human-animal bond between kids and animals, but it also allows children to explore their own emotional intelligence,” says Karen Marsh, executive director for GTHS. “To hang around with animals and learn about body language, about personal space which leads into discussions around bullying. And really helps kids to understand that animals can teach us so much.” Marsh calls when a child and animal come together “a magical thing.” “They can explore what the animal is communicating to them and then that kind of opens up the door,” Marsh says. “It’s a natural transient for them to talk about their own feelings and what they are enjoying in life, some of their fears that they have.” Staff see positive progress from kids who go through the program. “Their personality truly comes out when the animal comes out,” says Margaret Mantione, humane education specialist with GTHS. “You’ll get the kids who are really nervous and shy, but when that animal comes out, they’re excited to have that conversation now. It kind of takes the pressure off them and it gives them something to talk about.” Mantione says kids break out of their shells and open up, which then carries through the rest of the day. Barriers are broken down quite quickly when kids are placed with other kids they don’t know, Marsh says, and then an animal is introduced to the group. “Magic happens when you put an animal in a child’s lap,” she says. The camp is offered for kids aged 6 to 9, what Marsh calls a “sweet spot,” when kids are open and new to the world. “It’s the time in a child’s development when they’re most open to this kind of compassion and empathy,” Marsh says. And the program can enhance that. Another large piece to this program, Marsh says, is to create members of the community that are serving others as opposed to servicing themselves. “We want to make sure they understand the world is bigger than what we are and animals can offer us an opportunity to explore that world in a safe environment,” Marsh says. Some of the animals kids have had the chance to interact with so far have been hedgehogs, snails, kittens, cats and dogs. Staff say the uniqueness of the camp attracts kids who may not fit into other kinds of camps. “It’s a great place for kids who find themselves in a situation where they don’t necessarily love the academic kind of summer camp, but here, they can just be themselves and hangout with animals,” Marsh says. Kids took turns giving Bert treats while GTHS staff guided them through the process, offering interesting facts and answering kids’ questions along the way. “I like the animals and I even rescue some animals and I want to learn how to take care of animals,” Emma Bennett, one of the campers, tells CTV News. One girl shares what she has learned so far. “When you sprinkle treats all over the ground in long grass, it helps their brain,” says Mya Jantzi, one of the campers. The benefits for kids are clearly significant, but what about what the camp does for the animals? “There is that natural affinity for animals with kids,” Marsh says. The GTHS says animals benefit from stimulation. While the kennels are safe places for them, the camp helps them to get out and socialize, making it a win-win for all parties involved. Offered throughout the month of July, the camp has a different theme each week. Kids can register for a single day or a full week. More information on the GTHS summer camp can be found on the GTHS website.
