Today was the third day of camp, and the campers began the morning with their usual routine -- cleaning their dog’s crate before sitting down to get started for the day.

They started off by continuing on the crate exercise with their dogs. The campers increased their distance and started to include small distractors, like turning around or squatting.

After a good session, they took their dogs out to walk and potty. On the way back to the barn, a few campers were able to drop the leash because their dog would stay with them.

Then it was time for an outing! 

We went to Canine Companions for Independence, where campers got a tour of the facility and learned the process of raising, training, and placing service dogs to help people with specific disabilities.

Our tour guide, Mrs. Mari also demonstrated a little of how she trains her dogs. She is a trainer for hearing dogs who help those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. 

On the way back to the barn, we stopped at Joann’s to get fabric for bandanas, and Wawa to get some snacks. 

Back at the barn, the campers took their dogs out to run them up and down the grass strip and release some energy they may have had from being in their crates all morning.

First, they did a few laps holding their dog tightly to their chest. Then, one-at-a-time, the campers let their dogs go and moved with them along the side of the pool so they could experience swimming on their own.

After a good time swimming with the dogs, the campers took their dogs back to the barn to rest, and returned to have some pool time on their own. They played various games in the pool, and took some time to relax.

Then, everyone went back to the barn to take the dogs out for a short walk and change back into their camp clothes. Once everyone was changed, they sat down, and discussed their homework for the night. Then it was time to head home after another fun day!

More adventures to come!

Ayla

Camp Volunteer