Campers began their day with a refreshing exercise routine on the wide grass strip beside the barn.

They started with group stretching, then moved into jumping jacks, followed by a light jog along the field. These movements helped wake up their bodies, shake off any sleepiness, and energize them for the day ahead.

The fresh morning air, paired with movement, set a positive tone and built a strong sense of focus and community among the campers.

Next, campers began crate exercises by working with their dogs to stay inside the crate even when the door was open.

They practiced taking slow steps back while keeping the crate door open, helping the dogs learn to remain in place until invited out.

Through repetition and gentle guidance, campers helped their dogs learn to wait for permission before exiting, building trust and strengthening their training foundation.

A bath session took place just before lunch, giving campers a chance to assist in caring for their dogs.

With guidance from camp counselors, campers helped wash the dogs, gently scrubbing and rinsing their coats.

While counselors clipped the dogs’ nails, campers stayed close to calm and comfort their pets. The experience taught campers the basics of grooming.

After exercising the dogs through walks and play, campers enjoyed relaxing nap time on cots with their dogs, creating a calm and comforting environment.

This quiet time helped campers relax and decompress from the day’s activities. During the nap session, they also learned dog massaging techniques and how to soothe and bond with their pets through touch.

This combination of rest and hands-on learning strengthened the connection between campers and their dogs.

To wrap up the day at camp, campers completed barn chores that helped keep their shared space clean and welcoming.

Tasks like cleaning the bathroom, washing windows, sweeping the floor, and doing laundry taught campers valuable cleaning skills while encouraging teamwork and responsibility.

By working together to maintain the barn, campers learned the importance of collective care and pride in their environment.

Once all the chores were finished, they loaded onto the bus to go to Wawa, where they earned the chance to buy snacks as a well-deserved treat. 

See you tomorrow!

Isabelle

Session 2 Camp Volunteer