Summer’s coming and it’s time to make plans for the long vacation. We have the perfect opportunity for youths in search of an inspiring summer project. This June, Karen Topping’s ever-popular Youth Training Team is back and better than ever in the form of a six-day summer camp. Camp registration fees will go toward covering the cost of nanny dog Sugar’s recent ACL surgery. It’s an awesome opportunity for youths to learn new skills while helping rescue pups get adopted. Sun, paws, and puppy kisses–what better way to kick off the summer?
Summer camp for kids and rescue pups
Last March, we shared the stories of two Rescue Ranch dogs who needed the help of Kitu’s Fund to get the medical care they desperately needed. Sweet Gabe is now a happy tripod. And nanny dog Sugar is slowly recovering from her surgery under the watchful eye of our partner Karen Topping. So many wonderful donors chipped in to help raise funds towards their medical expenses. Nevertheless, we fell short of our $8,000 goal. So Karen quickly pivoted to a new plan. She decided to host a Youth Training Team summer camp as a fundraiser for nanny Sugar. Brilliant!
Mama Sugar’s Youth Training Team fundraiser will follow the pattern of previous workshops, with a few additions. The camp will take place in mid-June at the Rescue Ranch Adoption Center. It will run Monday through Saturday, including a special graduation ceremony and adoption event on the final day. Youths aged 8 to 18 will be matched with child-safe rescue dogs and work with them throughout the week. Kids will practice dog training techniques, communication, and leadership skills while helping shy and unruly dogs become more adoptable.
The camp will run June 15-20 with two sessions daily–a morning session from 9 AM – 11 AM, and an afternoon session from 12 PM – 2 PM. Youths wanting a more immersive experience are welcome to bring a lunch and stay for both sessions. On graduation day, youths will present their pups’ skills during a special adoption event from 12 PM – 3 PM. The family-friendly price per child for the entire week is just $125 for one session, or $250 for both sessions.
Start summer off on the right paw
Helping rescue pups learn basic skills is incredibly empowering. Kids love making a difference, and each small victory is a confidence boost for both child and puppy. Experience shows that the skills learned stay with the puppies long after graduation. Puppy grads are noticably calmer and better-behaved. This makes them more likely to be adopted–and once home, they adjust more quickly to their new environment.
There are 40 summer camp spots available. Parents may register online. We expect the camp to fill quickly, so register early to reserve your spot.
If you don’t have kids but want to help underserved families, consider becoming a camp sponsor! Sponsors can choose between the Gold Star and Silver Star levels, and Karen Topping will offer kids pre-paid registrations on a case-by-case basis. For more information, visit the Meghan’s House Rescue Facebook page or call Karen Topping (408) 644-5867.
A summer project that inspires youths, helps rescue pups find families, and raises funds for our beloved nanny dog? That’s what we call a win-win!
