Berkshire Humane Society Taking Summer Camp Sign-ups

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Registration is open for the Camp Humane Summer Program at the Berkshire Humane Society on Barker Road.

Camps are open to children entering the third through eighth grades this September. Class size is limited to 20 students; 10 for weeks D and T. Tuition is $200 per child. The camps run a full week from 9 until 3. Parents provide lunch, snacks and beverages.

There are a limited number of full- and reduced-tuition scholarships available, along with a payment plan for families in need. The scholarship form is available at the shelter.

Program schedule:

• Week A: July 5-9, Grade 3

• Week B: July 12–16, Grade 4

• Week C: July 19–23, Grade 5

• Week D: July 26–30, Grade 6

• Week E: Aug. 2–6, Grade 7

• Week T: Aug. 9-13, Grade 8

The Camp Humane Summer Program introduces children to the principles of kind and humane care of animals and what it means to be a responsible pet owner. Many animal professionals visit the camp to teach about nontraditional pets and wildlife in Berkshire County.

The children will be able to interact with various animals in a safe classroom environment, but not as volunteers in the kennels. A different curriculum is planned for each week and grade level. There are arts and crafts projects with animal themes, demonstrations of dog agility training courses and other outdoor activities.

The registration forms are available in the lobby during business hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 4, Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 and Sunday from 1 to 4, or downloaded from www.berkshirehumane.org. Tuition payment and a completed form are needed to secure a spot. A physician-signed health form is due by the first day of camp.

For current availability or any other questions, call Karen Karlberg at 413-447-7878, Ext. 29, or kkarlberg@berkshirehumane.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 
 
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
 
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
 
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
 
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
 
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
 
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
 
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