We recently began our second summer doing our Little Veterinarian summer camps with Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton. Read more about our partnership with them and experiences from our instructors teaching it.
What kind of camp did you do with Saint Andrew’s School?
Instructor Ms. Melanie: Last summer, we did one of our Little Doctor School summer camps and a Little Veterinarian School summer camp. This summer of 2022, we are doing two Little Veterinarian School summer camps.
What do you teach at this summer camp?
Instructor Ms. Melanie: We teach animal medicine in the form of hands-on learning and role-playing. So for the whole week, we dress up as veterinarians and learn about topics such as dog hydration, laceration care, dog body language, and more.
What is it like teaching a summer camp for Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast?
Instructor Ms. Melanie: You can see how much of a difference this kind of camp really makes. I mean, the whole mission of Little Medical School is to inspire kids to pursue healthcare careers when they grow up. It makes me feel nice when the kids say “I want to be a veterinarian like you when I grow up (I’m not a veterinarian though haha).
What were you hesitant about going into this camp?
Instructor Ms. Melanie: Last summer, it was the first time we taught a summer camp for the Boca Raton community. So I was hesitant about how it would be received in a city we haven’t taught before. Returning and hearing parents say their kids loved/are loving it made me very happy!
What do you hope to do next summer differently?
Instructor Ms. Melanie: Hmmm, maybe more summer camps? Like our Wilderness Medicine one (my personal fav).
What was the last day of summer camp there at Saint Andrew’s like?
Instructor Ms. Melanie: Super cute, the kids “graduated” and had fun. We gave them their diplomas and I could see how proud and confident they felt with this accomplishment.
Instructor Ms. Nagely: I realized “wow, this is probably the last time I will see these kids”. It felt weird and made me sad.
How important do you think this kind of educational summer camp is for the Boca Raton community?
Instructor Ms. Melanie: Oh I think it’s extremely important. Now more than ever too as the need for medical professionals increases in the future. Being directly involved in helping meet that need makes me feel very accomplished. I hope we can continue to grow and inspire more and more kids every day.