Compassion in Action: June 2026

Teaching the Next Generation: Compassion Unleashed Critter Camps

On any given summer morning at the Richmond SPCA, you might find a group of campers sitting cross-legged beside a curious cat, practicing how to greet a new dog, or proudly showing off a craft inspired by the pets they met the day before.

Our Manager of Humane Education has been busy this year, developing and introducing new curriculums for the Richmond SPCA’s summer 2026 season. Camps kicked off on June 1 bringing laughter, smiling faces, and the next generation of compassionate animal advocates into the center.

For our youngest campers, rising 1st through 3rd graders, Pawsome Pups and Creative Cats offer a five-day introduction to safe, respectful interactions with dogs and cats. Through themed games, crafts, activities and visits with furry friends, campers learn how to read animal body language, use gentle hands and build confidence around pets.

Older campers, rising 4th through 9th graders, are diving deeper through Future Vet Explorers, Voices for Animals and K9 Training. These programs give campers the chance to hear from veterinarians, trainers and Richmond SPCA staff while exploring the care, advocacy and responsibility involved in pet guardianship and reducing animal homelessness.

Every gentle hand extended, every thoughtful question asked, and every new skill practiced helps build a more compassionate community for pets and people alike. Thanks to our humane education manager, five fabulous camp counselors and every team member who makes these camps possible, Richmond SPCA campers are spending their summer doing more than making memories — they’re learning how to make the world kinder for animals.

Check out additional programs and opportunities for here: Children's Programs - Richmond SPCA

80,317 lives saved since becoming no-kill in 2002