Class of 2008 Photo Gallery
 

LA/SPCA Care Cadet Camp 2008 Graduates

Standing: Abby Sticker, Allison MacPhaille, Cacey Lemoine, Elle Lovick,
Miles Zervigon, Abigail Sewell, Emily Kaupp and Jonathan Blanchard

Seated: Bridget Bradle, Bradley Benton, Emilee Abadie, Ethan May-Aguilar, Rachel O’Leary and Emma Bologna

Care Cadet Summer Camp

Care Cadet Camp, developed for children entering 6th or 7th grade, fills the shelter with happy voices for three weeks each June. The program is designed to teach young people how to be humane educators to their peers. They are introduced to the inner workings of the shelter, dog training, pet handling and care, grooming skills, pet diseases and treatments.

The 6 hours each day, Monday thru Friday, are filled with presentations from shelter department managers, veterinarians, wildlife educators, as well as, police K9 and equestrian units, search and rescue teams and the Customs Department's drug sniffing dog. Our field trips include a swamp tour to Honey Island, a behind the scenes tour of LSU Vet School and observing training sessions for the elephants at the Audubon Zoo.

The Cadets are tested weekly on their new knowledge to be sure they are absorbing all of this exciting information. Working in teams, the Cadets are assigned a shelter dog to obedience train. Under the guidance of a professional trainer, they turn these cute and cuddly balls of energy into well-behaved, very adoptable canine companions. The skills they learn will be of benefit for years to come!

Many Care Cadet alumni spend their spare summer time volunteering at the shelter. They might bathe and exercise dogs, play with cats, assist with adoptions, help with filing or any number of needed tasks. Some have even solved computer problems!

All camp applicants must complete a questionnaire and write an essay revealing their thoughts regarding the humane treatment of animals. A teacher, as well as a friend, must recommend them for camp. The child must be very devoted to caring for companion animals. Promising applicants will be asked to come to the shelter for an interview and a tour.

• Camp applications become available each December.

• The deadline for completion of the application process is the following March.

If your child has a love for animals, and would like to pursue that love,
contact the LA/SPCA, (504)368-5191, ext. 207, or email us.