Animals rule at Camp Kindness

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Elaina Franzen wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up, so she took in plenty of advice during her weeklong summer camp at the Nebraska Humane Society last summer.

"I learned we kind of need to be quiet around animals," the fourth-grader from Manchester Elementary said.

The agency's Camp Kindness, which offers morning sessions for children from 9 to 12 years old and afternoon classes for those age 5 to 8, gives kids a chance to learn about animals from therapy lambs to wounded birds of prey.

Campers also get the chance to help shelter animals adapt to human interaction in both small-group settings and "shelter buddies" — individual time with pets up for adoption.

Kendall Keithley, a fourth-grader from Clinton, Mo., whose favorite animals are giraffes, said her favorite activity was helping dogs and cats get comfortable with the visitors to their temporary homes.

"I like seeing them be happy and looking at people," said Kendall, who might want to be a vet when she grows up.

Macy Watts, a second-grader at Manchester, said she also is considering being a vet when she gets older. "Shelter buddies" was her favorite part of the camp, too.

"You get to play with dogs and pet them if they get close," Macy said.

Although it was Macy's first year at Camp Kindness, she said she wants to come back again. The Humane Society said at least one-third of its campers have come at least once before.

Some, like Kaya Koraleski, have been there three summers. And the fourth-grader at Dundee Elementary "definitely" wants to return again this year.

With so many repeat campers, the Humane Society brings in different guest speakers and presentations each summer. Many of the presenters, including a pit bull expert, pointed out myths about their animals to the campers, which was Joseph Rivera's favorite part.

"It's cool to find out what other people think about animals that isn't true," said the third-grader at St. Patrick School in the Elkhorn area.

Responding to the speakers is Kellom Elementary second-grader Mali McCaskill's favorite activity.

"I like writing thank-you notes and journals," she said.

And while Mali is thinking about becoming a vet and artist, at least one of her fellow campers has made up her mind during Camp Kindness.

Elaina is certain she wants to be a vet because of what she learned at the Humane Society — and she's also sure about where she wants to practice her trade.

"Actually, I want to work here."

Camp Kindness
When: Session 1: June 4 to 8; Session 2: June 11 to 15; Session 3: June 18 to 22; Session 4: June 25 to 29; Session 5: July 9 to 13; Session 6: July 16 to 20; Session 7: July 23 to 27; Session 8: July 30 to Aug. 3
Where: 8929 Fort St., Omaha, NE 68134
Who: Children 5 to 8 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.; children 9 to 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Cost: $150
Information: 402-444-7800 or
www.nehumanesociety.org

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