Today was the first day of our 2nd Camp Doglando session this summer, and the campers arrived ready to dive in!

We started off with ice beakers so we could learn things like what year of camp everyone was in (we get many repeat campers, who come back year after year) and things they like and dislike about school.

The campers then participated in some activities that taught them how to use their observation and communication skills.

After some friendship-building activities, it was time to do a tour of Doglando.

We started with a discussion on what Applied Canine Enrichment™️ is and how Doglando enriches the lives of the dogs in their care. In discussions, we also talked about dogs' Hierarchy of Needs.

Before we carried on into the Nature Play area, where the clients' dogs were, the campers learned how to properly hold kibble.

After the client dogs had enough time to acclimate to all the new people, the campers were taught the basics of massaging a dog. Then, we finished the tour and headed back to the barn.

After a fun morning, it was time for some lunch.

At lunch, we discussed questions like what we had brought for lunch and the last time we cried.

We also discovered our horoscope and Chinese zodiac sign. This allowed the campers to get to know each other and warm up to one another.

After lunch, it was time to head to go on our first outing of camp.

We loaded up the dog buses and headed to Orange County Animal Services. At OCAS, we were able to observe what a typical shelter environment looks like for dogs and cats.

Some observations that the campers made were that most of the dogs at the shelter are pit bulls, the dogs stay in small stalls, and the dog rooms are much louder than the room the cats are in.

On the bus ride back to Doglando, we talked about why those things are.

It was now time to meet the dogs.

The campers walked into the barn and sat down with their backs facing the crates, then tossed in kibble.

They continued to toss in kibble while gradually turning to, and then eventually fully facing the dogs.

Next, they headed out to the grass strip to learn more about each of the dogs. After each camper was able to walk every camp dog, they headed back inside.

It was then time for the campers to choose their dogs. Once everyone had selected a dog, the campers moved the crates to their stations.

Then we all prepared to go home after an eventful first day of camp!
 

Isabelle
Session 2 Camp Volunteer