education

Humane Education is a philosophy of teaching that integrates respect, empathy, and compassion into classroom lessons, stories, and everyday life. The Virginia Beach SPCA visits 22,000 children annually through our many humane education programs.

Compassion Classroom: Our educators will visit your classroom each month with an animal friend and a humane education or environmental themed lesson. (We can also do one-time presentations).  Programs last 20-30 minutes. Please call for more information. 427-0070, ext. 18 or e-mail educationdirector@vbspca.com

Summer Camp: Every summer we offer 3 week-long day camps for your animal enthusiast. Camps include crafts, games, field trips, and of course, lots of animals! Camps are designed for kids 6-9 or 10-12. Please call for more information. 427-0070, ext. 18 or e-mail educationdirector@vbspca.com

Listening Ears: Our award-winning Listening Ears program brings animals to reluctant readers in area schools for relaxed and fun reading opportunities. Many children are reluctant to read in front of peers or adults, but feel safe in the presence of a non-judgmental furry friend. The Listening Ears program has made better readers out of 1000+ students with the use of our trained volunteers and their animals! If you are interested in volunteering for Listening Ears or would like to bring the program to your school, please contact the Education Director at 427-0070, ext 18 or educationdirector@vbspca.com

Tails are Wagging About Listening Ears! Prior to starting our partnership, one of our students rarely checked out books or visited the library.  Since reading to Phoebe every week, this child now shows up routinely and has even begun to ask for books on particular subjects.  She was absolutely amazed to find that the library media center had books on almost anything she could think of!  She now finds great joy in coming in to check out books.  However, some of the greatest examples of the value of this partnership however come straight from the children's mouths.  And I quote, "Phoebe likes to give me hugs.  When I read to Phoebe she wags her tail.  Do I get to read to her again?  When can I come read to Phoebe?  Could you please ask my teacher if I can read to her, too?  Phoebe is my best friend".
 -J S. Doris, Library Media Specialist
  Listening Ears Awards:

• Virginia Reading Association 2006 Literacy Award
• Virginia Beach Literacy Council 2006 Literacy Award -Virginia Beach City Public School System 2005-2006 Model Partnership Award

Tours: We are happy to give your group a tour of our beautiful new shelter! Tours are available on Tuesday or Thursday evenings until 6pm and need to be scheduled at least 30 days in advance. During the summer months, tours may be available during the day, based on staff availability. Because weekends are such a busy adoption time at the shelter, weekday tours provide a quieter, more comfortable tour experience. There is a required donation of $25 for shelter tours which supports the VBSPCA Humane Education Department's at-risk youth programs.

Special Visits: Educators may be available to speak with your club, troop, or day care center about a variety of animal and environmental topics. There is a required donation of $25 for special programs , which supports the VBSPCA Humane Education Department's at-risk youth programs. Please contact our education directors for more information.

Service Project Ideas for Youth: If your child is interested in helping the Virginia Beach SPCA, but is not old enough to volunteer? Is waiting for an available volunteer spot? Wants to find a project for a school club or girl/boy scout troop? We have compiled a list of ways in which kids can help the animals utilizing their individual skills and interests.  Click
Here.