The Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA) Pet Adoption and Wellness Center will hold six weeks of Summer Camp beginning June 20 at their facility located at 8171 Washington Church Road, Dayton, Ohio.
Each week, a different program will be offered for children of specific age groups; 5-6 years, 7-11 years, 11-13 years and 14-16 years old. “One of our most popular camps, Veterinary Adventure Camp focuses on veterinary science, using microscopes, looking at x-rays and career exploration in the veterinary field,” said Kaitlin Becraft, Outreach and Education Manager at SICSA. “We are holding this camp twice; once for children ages 11 to 13, and the other for teens ages 14 to 16. Introducing children at a young age to animals is a great way for them to learn empathy and kindness,” said Becraft.
One of SICSA’s teen volunteers, Avery Sarver began attending summer camp at SICSA when she was just eight years old. “One of my favorite memories about attending camp when I was little, was all of us kids sitting in a big circle, and they would bring puppies in and put them in the middle of the circle, and we would get to play with all of them!” said Sarver. “I’m excited to volunteer at SICSA this summer and help with summer camp. Now, I’ll get to be one of the people who bring the puppies into the room!” she said. Sarver, who is 15, is one of a dozen teens who will be volunteering at SICSA this summer.
To help families who may not be able to afford summer camp, SICSA is providing camperships through the David Irwin Brown Humane Education Campership Fund. The fund is named after David Irwin Brown, a boy who was an athlete, scholar, artist, and Boy Scout who lived in Centerville, Ohio. This fund is his legacy. “David was lively, energetic, and enthusiastic, and animals held a special place in his heart. His love for all animals was enhanced by his involvement with SICSA programs,” said Susan Brown, David’s mother. “The campership fund provides children with access to attend SICSA’s summer camps where they will be inspired, educated, and empowered to be compassionate toward animals in the manner of David’s high-spirited kindness and generosity,” she stated.
Originated in 1974, SICSA Pet Adoption & Wellness Center was created as an alternative to the traditional animal welfare system with the mission of improving the lives of stray animals and
promoting pet adoption. Annually, SICSA places over 2,000 dogs and cats, and performs over 4,000 spay/neuter surgeries.
In June of 2019, SICSA acquired a pet food business known as Pet Wants Dayton, the proceeds of which directly benefit the organization. Repeatedly awarded the Platinum Seal by Guide Star, and 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the organization runs a Pet Adoption and Wellness Center in Washington Township at 8172 Washington Church Road. The center is open to the public for those interested in adopting a companion animal. For more information about SICSA, visit www.SICSA.org.
For more information about SICSA’s Summer Camps or the David Irwin Brown Humane Education Campership Fund, go to SICSA’s website.
Diane Sikora
Intern/Social media coordinator