HSSBV’s Critters, Kids, and Camp, Oh My

The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV) hosted their annual Critter Camp for all students who reside in the Inland Empire community last week. Development and Community Outreach Coordinator Jill A. Henderson and Humane Educator Lynn Hildebrand, along with HSSBV staff and parent volunteers, team up twice a year to make sure that Critter Camp is an educational and fun-filled event. Students who attend can enjoy a five-day camp full of excitement, learning the importance of kindness and compassion toward living creatures. Day One of Critter Camp began last Monday, June 24, and was held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Campers were engaged in stories about travels to Kenya, Daisy the Giraffe, arts-and-crafts activities, and hands-on experiences, learning about various critters and their habitat. As presenter Pearl Ludwig, a two-time retired first grade teacher and Critter Camp volunteer, answered all questions from curious campers about her voyage to Africa and witnessing its wildlife, animal Educator Cheryl Rendes began to prep for her hands-on critter presentation. While waiting, critter campers went to their assigned seats to engage in coloring, cutting, gluing, and pasting arts-and-crafts activities that consisted of stencils of giraffes while chanting the “Critter Camp” chant. Marching back and sitting down surrounded by the visible critters, there were repeated “ooh’s” and “aah’s” coming from each camper who witnessed different critters. From the showings of a boa constrictor to a Sahara native fennec fox named “Banshee,” the educational experience had all the campers ready for the next Critter Camp day. HSSBV Critter Camp Humane Educator Lynn Hildebrand commented on what inspired and motivated her to throw events such as this. She replied, “I believe in environmental awareness, but it is actually a combination of everything. The things we say and do can make a difference and can either be helpful or harmful. I want to, most importantly, continue to make a difference and embed in our children [the desire] to be kind and continue to practice acts of kindness to humans, as well as to animals.” For more information on fundraising and children’s events presented by HSSBV, contact Development and Community Outreach Coordinator, Jill A. Henderson, at 909-386-1400 ext. 224.