Compassionate Care Camp: Spring Break Success!
It’s Monday morning, March 24th – the first day of Spring Break for the students of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania counties. Fredericksburg SPCA’s Humane Educator, Andrea Chum, hums along to her favorite music as she puts the finishing touches on the shelter’s Community Room, which has been transformed into a Compassionate Care Camp classroom. In just a few short minutes, the usual sounds of the shelter will be replaced by the joyful noise of excited children arriving for camp, eager to participate in fun, animal-centered activities. By the week’s end, they will have enjoyed science experiments, clay sculpting, a talent show extravaganza, and time spent with the cats and dogs they’ll be learning about.
Since joining the Fredericksburg SPCA in the fall of 2024, Andrea has revamped the youth programs within the Humane Education department, creating a camp curriculum for kids ages 6-9 and 10-13 that keeps them engaged while they learn. The Fred SPCA’s week-long Compassionate Care Camp covers topics like animal care and maintenance, advocacy, and animal-related careers, all while incorporating fun activities that allow kids to express their creativity and burn off energy.
The program fosters empathy for animals and offers participants hands-on learning experiences with like-minded peers. Campers socialize with cats, create and distribute enrichment items for animals, and of course, enjoy plenty of belly rubs with the dogs! While these activities are fun for both kids and animals, they also serve as educational tools that further the Fred SPCA’s mission to save lives – now and in the future.
While busy preparing for these upcoming summer camps, Andrea had time to reflect on the success of the newly developed Spring sessions. “One of my favorite moments during the week was when one of the kids came and told me she’d taught her mom one of our lessons; that the breed of a dog doesn’t determine its behavior,” said Andrea. “That kind of growth in such a short time is what makes these camps so special. It’s amazing to watch kids develop a deeper understanding of animals, compassion, and just how much they can make a difference.”
New for the 2025 season, parents can choose from week-long or month-long sessions, with both full-day and half-day options, offering greater flexibility to fit family schedules and vacations. Andrea has also introduced themed weeks focused on specific interests, such as Cat Week, Dog Week, Shelter Jobs Week, and Foster and Adopt Week. Extra-eager campers can attend multiple sessions without repetition!
Additionally, the Humane Education Department is offering a specialized Sensory Friendly Week for campers who thrive in calm environments. This week will feature quiet animal sessions, calming crafts, mindfulness activities, and more. There truly is something for everyone.
Discounts are available for multiple child registrations, as well as for veterans, first responders, and teachers. Spots for Summer 2025 are filling up quickly, so parents are encouraged to register their kids for an unforgettable Summer Break!
Thank you to Macaroni Kid Fredericksburg for being a 2025 Compassionate Care Camp Sponsor!
