by Rachel Rossiter
Education is one of the three pillars supporting Animal Care Sanctuary’s mission. We believe that in order to be a better friend to animals, we must create a more respectful and compassionate community. Humane education teaches how to establish a human animal bond based on kindness, respect, and responsibility. ACS would love to share some of our most popular programs with you and encourage you to schedule a session in 2020.
Animal Tales Story Time
For the past eight years, Animal Care Sanctuary has been starting their Christmas holiday season with a visit to S.R.U. Elementary School in East Smithfield, PA. The kindergarten and first grade students collect donations for the animals. ACS staff take furry visitors to thank them and read a story like, Pablo Puppy’s Search For A Perfect Person by Sheila Hamanaka. These type of stories are heartwarming of course, but also introduce proper animal care and other moral character building topics such as acceptance of different cultures, abilities, and ages. We would enjoy scheduling story time with some of our resident animals at the sanctuary or at your location. Targeted Grade Levels: Pre-school to 2nd. Time Frame: 20-25 minutes.
Animal Safety
Animal Care Sanctuary has participated in Bradford County’s Rural Health & Safety Day for 5th graders from 11 different school districts for many years. During the interactive animal safety program students learn about animal behavior and body language, what to do if a stray animal is encountered, and how to approach and introduce themselves to an unfamiliar animal. This is a great topic for Dog Bite Prevention Week which is typically the 2nd week in April. Dog Bite Prevention Week is typically sponsored by the United States Postal Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Targeted Grade Levels: K-3rd & 4th-8th Time Frame: 20-25 minutes.
Anti-Animal Cruelty
Each year, ACS travels to Harrisburg, PA to participate in Humane Lobby Day to speak with our representatives to discuss current animal legislation that promotes animal welfare. In addition our Anti-Animal Cruelty Program is an interactive program that explores the issues of animal cruelty, discusses how to “break the chain” of violence and empowers students to make a change in their own community. Grade Levels: 6th & up Time Frame: 45 minutes-1 hour.
Careers With Animals
This year, ACS introduced animal-related careers with the animal science students of Broome Tioga BOCES and Troy Middle & High School students. Students had an opportunity to discuss the details of their position of interest, the education required, anticipated salary ranges and the impact they have on animals’ lives. Grade Levels: 6th-8th & 9th-12th Time Frame: 30-45 minutes.
Pet Care
During a summer scavenger hunt for pet care items at the Muncy Valley Library, we discussed the needs of companion animals. This session promotes responsible pet ownership & encourages kindness towards animals. Grade Levels: K-3rd & 4th-6th Time Frame: 20-25 minutes.
Field Trips
Wyalusing Elementary School experienced Animal Care Sanctuary first-hand by coming by school bus to our East Smithfield location for a field trip. They had the opportunity to see and participate in the inner workings of our operations. They prepared enrichment for our dogs and cats by filling Kongs, blowing bubbles, & teaching leash skills. On a field trip you’ll meet some of our resident animals, learn how we care for them; while discovering the services we provide for pets and people in our community.
From preschoolers learning how to safely interact with animals to high school students exploring careers with animals, Animal Care Sanctuary offers a wide variety of programs designed for your specific group. Please contact us at info@animalcaresanctuary.org to schedule a unique humane education experience for your group.