Animal Art Adventure Camp
The CIAS, in partnership with the University City Arts League, created a 10-day summer camp, for children aged six to 10, which features a new animal-themed topic each day. During the course of the camp, participating students learn about animal welfare, careers in veterinary medicine, sea and wildlife, farm animals, insects, birds, reptiles and dogs with jobs.
In 2007, presentations were delivered by local experts on these topics, and included individuals from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, ASPCA, New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Philadelphia Police Department. In addition, complementary art projects were completed each day with instruction provided by the faculty of the University City Arts League. This program was made possible through funding provided by the ASPCA and the Banfield Charitable Trust. The camp will be on hiatus for 2008, but may be offered again in 2009.
Below are photos from the 2007 camp. View photos from the 2006 camp.
This corn snake was one of more than a dozen reptile species, all former pets surrendered to Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, which helped campers learn how to properly care for these frequently misunderstood animals.
Razzle, an extroverted cockatoo, traveled to the camp with representatives of the Bailey Foundation, a local exotic bird rescue. Macaws, conures and other cockatoos also attended, and campers found out about life with these sensitive and intelligent birds.
Throughout the camp, the children created art in many different media, and a formal art opening at the UCAL displayed their work to the public.
Dr. Cindy Otto, associate professor of critical care, coordinated an outdoor demonstration of canine athletics and search-and-rescue dogs, which included presentations by Dr. Anne Traas, clinical trial veterinarian, and Dana Durso, clinical trial nurse and coordinator, as well as members of the Philadelphia Barking Authority flyball team. Experts explained the extensive training needed to create a canine athlete or a working dog and how positive reinforcement enhances the working relationship between dogs and handlers.
An equine ambassador helps teach campers about the rewards and responsibilities of caring for horses and ponies.
The camp culminated in a half-day program at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, where Penn Vet staff described the variety of fascinating work opportunities that exist in the field of veterinary medicine.
Photos by John Donges, Kathy Kruger and Peter Hanley.