Cindy Oseguera, left, and Erika Aguilar spent a wonderful week last summer learning about animals and the environment at the Peninsula Humane Society's Animal Camp.

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Hands-on experiences at camp help kids learn, gain confidence

cousins Cindy Oseguera, 13, and Erika Aguilar, 11, are animal nuts. They love anything furry, cuddly or lap-size, including guinea pigs, hamsters, kittens, parakeets and dogs. So when Cindy heard about the Peninsula Humane Society's Animal Camp, she knew they had to go.

For one glorious week last summer, the girls spent each day learning about the animals they love, hearing about different careers involving animals, and handling the furry residents of the Humane Society.

Based on the idea that children learn from inquiry, discovery and hands-on experience, Animal Camp provides kids from 5 to 13 years old with a place to explore their interests, says Amy Differding, education manager. ``We cover topics ranging from community issues such as problems with skunks and raccoons, to cat and dog training, wildlife rehabilitation and spay and neuter clinics,'' Amy says.

Not only do campers have fun holding and caring for small animals, but they also learn about the environment and how animals fit into it. Children come away with an appreciation for all kinds of animals, and a better understanding of how to treat them. In the process, Amy says, they also practice research and presentation skills, which foster healthy self-esteem and a love for learning.

``We did a big project on raccoons,'' says Erika, 11, who gave a presentation with Cindy to an audience of 40. ``They had some baby raccoons that someone had found stuck in a back yard and they were so cute, but we found out they don't make good pets. We learned a lot about them and other animals that are fragile and important.''

Many kids from low-income families -- such as Cindy and Erika -- are able to attend Animal Camp because of a scholarship fund. A campership costs $165 (23A).

And each donation of $40 (23B) will go toward scholarships for camping experiences for other young people in the Bay Area through Kids to Camp, a program of Estrella Family Services in San Jose. With Wish Book readers' help, nearly 800 disadvantaged and at-risk kids, ages 5 to 17, attended 14 different camps over the summer.