The Erie County Agricultural Society will again offer children between the ages of 11-14 the opportunity to work first-hand with veterinarians and animals. The Erie County Fair Vet Camp, a half day education immersion experience, will take place on Tuesday, August 13th and Thursday, August 15th. Sessions will focus on a variety of learning disciplines that include:
Pet Wellness & First Aid: Children will learn about general pet welfare and what to do in an emergency situation. Participants will gain an understanding on what to look for when a pet is not feeling well and what should be included in a home pet first aid kit.
Dairy Cow Health: Attendees will be exposed to what it takes to be a Farm Animal Veterinarian through activities like how to administer medication, the reading of vitals (heart rate, temperature, respiratory) and how to check for healthy rumen sounds.
Small Ruminant Farm Animals: Sessions will gain knowledge on how to approach and handle sheep and goats, check for healthy digestion, respiratory and proper nutrition. Children will also have the chance to work one on one with an animal.
The program is limited to three sessions that will accommodate 30 children each. Registration is now open and will be available on a first come first serve basis. The cost for participation is $10 per child. Each participant will receive a Vet Camp t-shirt, lunch and will take home a vet supplies goodie bag. Applicants must be between the ages of 11-14 by January 1, 2019 with proper documentation (copy of birth certificate). Applications are now online at www.ecfair.org and must be postmarked by June 21st to be eligible for consideration. Questions may be directed to the Fair’s Agriculture Education Office at (716)649-3900 ext. 6499 or by emailing Education Coordinator Amber Klein at aklein@ecfair.org.
The 2019 Erie County Fair Vet Camp program is sponsored by Medaille College and the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society.