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Summer Camp offerings for kids come in many ways, shapes and forms.

At Humane Indiana, the nonprofit offered sessions for youngsters to spend quality indoor time with furry friends.

Camper Zelda Rutherford, 10, of Hammond, left, and Humane Indiana Shelter Services Liaison Lindsey Stirn played with three-month-old puppy Freddie during the recent Pet Camp. (Sue Ellen Ross/Post-Tribune)
Camper Zelda Rutherford, 10, of Hammond, left, and Humane Indiana Shelter Services Liaison Lindsey Stirn played with three-month-old puppy Freddie during the recent Pet Camp. (Sue Ellen Ross/Post-Tribune)

Pet Care Week at the Humane Indiana shelter found about a dozen kids enjoying a variety of tasks while they gained important information about owning pets.

The mission of the shelter also was discussed.

“I don’t have a dog yet, but my Mom said I could get one when I’m 12,” said 10-year-old Hayes Rooney of Munster, as she arrived for the class. “This is my third time for this camp, I want to learn as much as I can so I’ll be ready when its time for my new dog.”

She added her previous camp visits also showed her how the shelter runs and how the various staff positions fit in.

Three-month old puppy Alvin played with his favorite toy as the campers looked on. Pictured, from left, are Zelda Rutherford, 10, of Hammond; Hayes Rooney, 10, of Munster; Andrew Sickles, 7, of Dyer; Betty Musgrove, 10, of Hammond; and Ashlynn Dean, 8, of Munster. (Sue Ellen Ross/Post-Tribune)
Three-month old puppy Alvin played with his favorite toy as the campers looked on. Pictured, from left, are Zelda Rutherford, 10, of Hammond; Hayes Rooney, 10, of Munster; Andrew Sickles, 7, of Dyer; Betty Musgrove, 10, of Hammond; and Ashlynn Dean, 8, of Munster. (Sue Ellen Ross/Post-Tribune)

“The most important thing I’ve learned is that this shelter doesn’t have its own money,” she said. “Everything is according to donations. My family has donated some things.”

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This statement echoed the goal of Lindsey Stirn, Humane Indiana’s Shelter Services Liaison, who facilitated the recent weeklong Camp.

“We hope that they (children) take away the idea that no matter your age, you can learn to advocate for animals in many ways in your community,” she said.

First on the day’s agenda at the recent camp found Stirn giving general information about the responsibility of owning a pet. Not just the normal routines of feeding, walking and playing with their pets, but also the purpose of the shelter, its layout and responsibilities of each department.

After that discussion, a few of the shelter’s pets were brought into the room to interact with the campers, as they formed a circle to enclose the animals.

The puppies were their usual selves, very feisty and going from one child to another, to everyone’s delight. Their favorite toys were scattered about inside the circle of children seated on the floor.

“I came here last year and this camp was so much fun so I wanted to come back,” said Eli DeYoung, 7, of Lansing, Illinois, as he held a rope toy to play with one of the puppies. “I wanted to learn more.”

Last on the day’s menu was a walk-through of the shelter.

This behind-the-scenes tour gave the campers an idea of day-to-day duties of staff and how they interact with the animals living in the shelter.

Currently, Humane Indiana houses approximately 70 cats and dogs.

“We also have 100 animals in foster care, mostly kittens,” Stirn added.

For more information about Humane Indiana, call (219) 922-3811 or visit www.humaneindiana.org.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.