Animal activities for summer sloths and eager beavers

As the dog days set in, Baton Rouge offers plenty of activities for everyone—from summer sloths to eager beavers—interested in animals. Here are few suggestions:

Volunteer. If you and your kids really want to make a difference, volunteer at one or several of the animal rescues listed in City Lynx. For safety reasons (and insurance requirements), teenagers 16 and older may be able to handle tasks alone. Younger children can tag along with a parent who volunteers; however, the parent must supervise the children at all times.

Foster. If the idea of working in a shelter proves too depressing or difficult, your family could foster a rescued animal. All shelters and rescues have a tremendous need for foster homes.

LSU vet school and BREC also offer child-friendly activities for all ages including:

Pets & Vets. The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s annual children’s program features topics in veterinary medicine and basic information about pet and animal care. Each session includes two one-hour presentations on related topics.

The 2009 schedule includes:

June 2: School of Veterinary Medicine Overview and Teaching Hospital Tour

June 4: Anatomy of the Horse and Locomotion of the Horse: The Equine Treadmill

June 9: Tiger HATS (Human Animal Therapy Service) and Choosing and Caring for Your Pet

June 11: Raptors (Birds of Prey) and Alligators, Louisiana’s State Reptile

June 16: A Day in the Life of an Equine Technician and the Wonderful World of Farm Animals

June 23: Mobile Veterinary Unit and History of Veterinary Medicine

June 25: Rabbits and Rodents and Being Safe with Your Pets: Prevent Dog Bites

All presentations are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested. Since the program is designed for children ages 6 and older, parents are invited to remain with their children. For information or registration, call 578-9900.

Farr Park’s Horse Lover’s Camp. From June 1 through July 24, BREC’s premiere equestrian facility offers camps with a horse show every Friday for parents. Pony camp is designed for riders 6- to 8-years-old. Western and English options are available for children ages 9 to 12. For more information, call Melissa Wood at 769-7805.

Baton Rouge Zoo camps. During the summer, the zoo suspends its usual Zoo & Me, Zoo Krewe and Safari Night programs, so edu-zoo-cators can focus on animal-packed fun that includes lessons on conservation, interactive games and animal encounters. From May 25 though June 19, incoming first- through third-graders are treated to a different “wild week” featuring amphibian alert, let’s eat, wet and wild and animal senses themes. Throughout July, upper elementary students can experience Safari Survival Camp with its frogs, toads and newts, exploring flora and fauna, animals around the clock and wet and wild sessions. The last two weeks of July, incoming seventh- and eighth-graders explore a zoo dunnit and wacky, wet and wild eco-themed expeditions. For availability and registration information, call 775-3877.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center camps. From June 1 through July 31, the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center offers weekly sessions for children ages 5 to 14. Half-day Swamp Squirts camps are available for 5- and 6-year-olds. Boys-only and girls-only Swamp Stompers sessions are provided for 7- to 10-year-olds. And a more advanced Swamp Explorers’ is geared for 11- to 14-year-olds. Age-specific activities keep campers moving with interaction with live animals, hikes, field outings, games and unique nature crafts. For information, call 757-8905.

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