The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is Educational, Too!
A group of smiling children wait patiently in their desks. They had their social studies lesson this morning. They’ve just closed their science text books. And now they are eagerly awaiting their next lesson. The special guests come through the door accompanied by squeals of delight from the children – two sweet guinea pigs are teaching this class!
This is a scene straight from one of Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region’s visits to classrooms across the Pikes Peak Region, one of many educational outreach programs designed to help children nurture a love for animals and learn about pet responsibility. Lynda Grove, Education Manager at HSPPR and a licensed elementary school teacher, conducts the lessons with her small animal posse of a rabbit, two guinea pigs and two rats to share HSPPR’s mission and role in the community with children all over Colorado Springs. These classroom presentations are usually tailored to fit the ongoing curriculum and lessons at the time; for example, a lesson on the difference between wild animals and pets would fit well in a Life Science class.
“Humane education and encouraging a love of animals in children is so important,” said Grove, “These children will grow up caring about all life around them and might even end up teaching their parents a thing or two about responsible pet care!”
Grove also hosts the popular day camp Whiskers & Wags. At these camps, designed for children ages 5 through 12, kids will play games that teach important pet care, such as Potato Poop Scoop Relays and Litter Box Treasure Hunt. Grove conducts field trips to HSPPR and has worked with Girl and Boy Scout troops to help them earn various badges.
To schedule an HSPPR classroom presentation or for more information about any of HSPPR’s humane education opportunities, visit www.hsppr.org/education or call 719.302.8739.
