Volunteer Camps

On select days off from school, Junior and Senior Animal Advocates (formerly known as Half Day Helpers and Junior Volunteers), students spend three hours at AWS in a structured educational program, seeing first-hand how they can help animals. Led by AWS’ Youth Programs coordinator, Animal Advocates spend time with animals, participate in activities to support their care, and learn how to understand animals and advocate for them.

AWS’ animal population and organizational needs change on a regular basis, which means each session of Animal Advocates is unique! Activities vary and could take place in the Adoption Center, the Youth Programs classroom, or even outside on our grounds. Common tasks could include preparing enrichment activities for dogs, cleaning or organizing cat toys, or laying out clean bedding for rabbits and small animals. No matter what activities the students work on, they are making a difference for our pets!

Senior Animal Advocate sessions count towards student community service hour requirements. However, because sessions are limited and fill-up quickly, students seeking community service hours are encouraged to check out our At-Home Project Guide for other ways to help, right from home!