If you’re an animal lover, you know how happy and loved spending time with animals can make you feel. But, did you know that spending time with animals may also be extremely beneficial for children of all ages? 

More than just providing entertainment, animals can also directly contribute to a child’s growth and development. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds that developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child’s self esteem and confidence, as well as build non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy.

The impactful Humane Education programs at The Humane Society of Tampa Bay serve to educate and engage kids who love animals and wish to learn more about them while spending time at a local animal shelter. From birthday parties to summer camp and beyond, what child wouldn’t love sharing their day with sweet, playful animals in need? 

Learn more about the wide range of Humane Education programs available today at The Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Critter Camp at The Humane Society of Tampa

A little girl playing with and feeding bunny rabbitsIt is no surprise why the most popular Humane Education program is Critter Camp at Humane Society of Tampa Bay. At Critter Camp, campers have the opportunity to learn all about The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, various animal-related careers, how to stay safe around animals, and how to be a responsible caregiver to a pet. 

Campers also get to participate in many animal-themed games, as well as play with the loving shelter animals all day long. Talk about the best day ever! 

Whether you sign your child up for The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Summer Camp or Spring Break Camp, camp is always overseen by a certified teacher and volunteers who are background checked and have been trained specifically for the program. Learn more and sign up for this unforgettable experience today. Your child and all animals at The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will thank you!

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Parents Night Out 

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If you’re looking for a way to entertain your children while you spend a night to yourself, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Parents Night Out may be the perfect program for you and your family. This program is offered monthly, and is fun for both parents and kids! 

While parents enjoy some precious time to themselves, their kids can spend the evening playing with shelter animals, having a delicious pizza dinner, and watching an appropriate, entertaining movie alongside sweet dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. This is a fantastic way to involve your child in the community, as well as educate and entertain them. They are sure to remember this experience and the special bonds they build with shelter animals and their peers. 

Learn more and register for the next Parents Night Out today! 

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay No School Days

When your children have their next day off from school, don’t worry about finding a babysitter! They will love participating in The Humane Society of Tampa Bay No School Days program. On designated no-school days, kids ages 5-12 can enjoy a wide variety of animal-themed, age-appropriate activities, games, and arts and crafts. They will also get to play with loving shelter animals in need of compassion and care. 

No School Days are supervised by a Florida state-certified teacher, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis with limited seating. Learn more and register now to make your children’s day!

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Paws for Literacy

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Does your child love reading and playing with animals? The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Paws for Literacy offers the best of both worlds! Children can practice their reading and comprehension skills while spending time with sweet, loving, and curious animals in need. 

Paws for Literacy is a free program offered for children ages 5 and up, and reading stools, animal treats, and books are all provided. Each of the interesting books features animal tales, stories of the animal-human bond, and messages that teach empathy to young readers. However, if your child is currently reading their favorite new series, have no fear! Children are also welcome to bring their own books to read to the animals.

To register for this unique and beneficial program, learn more today.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Girl Scout Program

As another unique and popular Humane Education program, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Girl Scout Program is available for Girl Scouts of all levels. This program helps Girl Scouts meet specific badge requirements or earn a fun patch, and offers them interaction time with our many sweet homeless animals in need. 

Girl Scouts can also get a tour of the shelter, learn about The Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s impact on animals in the community, and have an unforgettable experience with their troop members.

Learn more and register a troop for the Girl Scout Program today.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Birthday Parties

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If your child loves animals, what better way to celebrate their birthday than with a party at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay? Humane Society Birthday Parties are sure to provide an unforgettable experience, and can help you and your child make memories that last a lifetime. 

This birthday party package is for children ages 5-16 and for groups of up to 20 “party animals.” Each of the HSTB parties has…

  • A private party room for up to 20 children for 2 hours with hosts
  • Balloon and table cover decorations
  • Animal shelter tour
  • Animal-themed tableware (plates, napkins & forks)
  • Animal-themed cake and juice or water
  • Animal-themed goody bags for the guests
  • Downloadable party invitations
  • “Party Animal” T-shirt
  • Fun, age-appropriate birthday party activities

 

And, your child can even name the next adoptable pet! This is a special honor that they are certain to be excited about. 

Learn more about Humane Society Birthday Parties and book your child’s celebration today.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Field Trips

humane educationEven as adults, field trip days in school are often regarded as fond memories. These days are sometimes the best days for children in school, especially when spent at The Humane Society of Tampa Bay! 

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay field trips offer immersive opportunities for students and teachers to visit the animal shelter and learn about how The Humane Society of Tampa Bay helps animals and families within their community. 

Field trips will include a shelter tour, a special behind-the-scenes look at the process of getting animals adoption-ready, fun activities with the shelter animals, and an informative presentation about TNVR.

For a field trip experience unlike any other, learn more and register your class today!

Pets and Tots at The Humane Society of Tampa Bay

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The newest Humane Education program, Pets and Tots at Humane Society of Tampa Bay, is a monthly class with rotating themes. This offering caters to children up to four years old, and includes a story time, fun animal activity, and playtime with the sweet shelter animals. Prepare for an hour-long “Mommy and Me” class that you and your child will love!

To register for the next Pets and Tots class and build special memories filled with puppy kisses and kitten purrs, learn more today.

Humane Education Opportunities For Kids And Adults Alike

The Humane Education Center offers unforgettable programs for all young animal lovers. From The Humane Society of Tampa Bay Summer Camp to Paws for Literacy and beyond, our Humane Education programs educate, engage, and entertain children of all ages. They also help build the next generation of compassionate community members that love to give back.

For more information on these special programs, contact the Humane Education Manager at (813) 774-4311 or visit The Humane Education Center today.