education

Creating a more humane community, one child at a time...

Requests for Humane Education presentations can be submitted via our online form.

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 27,000 children annually through our many humane education programs.

Compassion Classroom: Our educators will visit your 2nd - 5th grade classroom each month with an animal friend and a SOL-based character education lesson. (We can also do one-time presentations).  Programs last 30 minutes.

Critter Camp: We offer a daycamp during spring break, and all summer long for your animal enthusiast. Camps include crafts, games, field trips, and of course, lots of animals! Camps are designed for kids ages 5-12. Please call for more information.

Wild Workshops: Our one-day "mini-camps" are offerred throughout the school year on Teacher Inservice days for children ages 5-12. 

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! 

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 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 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.

Birthday Parties: How about having your child's next birthday party at the VBSPCA!  $25 includes the room rental for 2 hours and a tour of our shelter.  Saturdays only by appointment.

If you are interested in any of the programs above, please contact Kathy Shambo, Humane Education Director, at educationdirector@vbspca.com or 427-0070 x18.

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.