EDUCATION & YOUTH
Youth Clubs
Clubs overview
Calgary Humane Society clubs are a place for children to explore active, hands‑on learning experiences. Each week, the club kids will take part in age‑appropriate tasks that support the shelter, including group activities, small projects, and meaningful contributions to the care and enrichment of our animals and their spaces, with, of course, animal interactions throughout!
We want every participant to feel welcome, engaged, and empowered. Together, we’ll build new skills, help animals in need, and make a positive impact! We look forward to learning and growing together!
Animal Advocates – Fall Club (ages 13-16)
Animal Advocates Club Members:
- Build upon their sense of social responsibility to animals, people, and the environment
- Refresh their knowledge of proper animal care, body language, and enrichment
- Understand what volunteer opportunities in animal welfare are available for them to get involved with
- Actively participate in support tasks around Calgary Humane Society in order to make a difference in the lives of the animals in our care
- Become Calgary Humane Society Champions by developing their understanding of philanthropy and the importance of fundraising in non-profit work
Weekly Meeting:
Tuesday, 5pm-7pm
Animal Advocates provides youth the opportunity to be active participants at Calgary Humane Society through structured volunteer support tasks, inspiring guest speakers, craft making and of course, some fun, educational interactions with shelter animals. This active program is designed to help participants learn, grow, and contribute in real ways to the well-being of animals in our care.
Throughout the club, participants will develop a deeper understanding of animal behavior, shelter operations, and responsible pet care while building important life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, organization, and compassion. Interactive activities, animal welfare discussions, and behind-the-scenes shelter experiences help foster empathy and demonstrate how even small actions can make a big impact on the lives of animals in need.
This is the perfect opportunity for young animal lovers to gain confidence, learn valuable helping skills, and make a meaningful difference in a fun, supportive, and rewarding environment while supporting shelter animals on their journey to finding forever homes.
Animal Allies: Crafty Critters – Fall Club (ages 10-12)
Crafty Critters Club Members:
- Learn to identify animal body language signs in dogs, cats, bunnies, and more
- Develop creativity and artistic confidence through a variety of animal-inspired craft projects
- Explore different art techniques, materials, and creative processes
- Strengthen fine motor skills, focus, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on activities
- Use observations of shelter animals to inspire thoughtful and imaginative designs
- Create meaningful artwork and crafts that celebrate the animals in our care
- Build empathy and compassion by learning about the needs, personalities, and care of shelter animals
- Collaborate with peers in a supportive and encouraging creative environment
- Discover how arts and crafts can promote kindness, connection, and appreciation for animals
- Gain pride in creating unique handmade projects that reflect both personal creativity and a love for animals
Weekly Meeting:
Wednesday, 5pm-7pm
In the Crafty Critters club, we encourage the creative energy and imagination of children ages 10–12. Throughout the club, children will draw inspiration from the shelter animals to create a variety of artistic projects that celebrate their unique personalities, stories, and the importance of being an Animal Ally. Through hands-on crafts, creative challenges, and collaborative activities, children will learn about animal body language, build confidence, explore new skills, and discover how creativity can be used to connect with and support animals in need.
This is the perfect opportunity for creative, animal-loving children to express themselves, learn new skills, and make meaningful contributions while spending time in a supportive shelter environment!
Animal Apprentices – Fall Club (ages 7-9)
Animal Apprentices:
- Build upon their sense of social responsibility to animals, people, and the environment
- Learn to identify animal body language signs in dogs, cats, bunnies, and more
- Gain knowledge of proper animal care, and enrichment
- Participate in hands‑on learning, stories, crafts, and activities that bring animal welfare concepts to life
- Actively participate in support tasks around Calgary Humane Society in order to make a difference in the lives of the animals in our care
- Be exposed to different career opportunities that involve working with or around animals
- Learn about empathy and compassion while learning about different animals who come through the shelter
Weekly Meeting:
Thursdays, 5pm – 7pm
Animal Apprentices helps children develop an understanding of animal body language and companion animal care while making a meaningful impact through activities that support shelter animals. Each evening the children will have the chance to meet a shelter animal, make a craft, and do a support task at the shelter, with other fun activities sprinkled in throughout!
Animal Aides: Words & Whiskers – Fall Club (ages 8-11)
Words & Whiskers Club Members:
- Learn to identify animal body language signs in dogs, cats, bunnies, and more
- Build confidence and enthusiasm in reading by practicing aloud in a calm, supportive environment
- Strengthen literacy and communication skills through structured reading activities and guided discussions
- Learn how to interact with animals calmly, compassionately, and safely while providing enrichment through reading
- Gain an understanding of Calgary Humane Society’s mission and how animal welfare organizations support animals in need
- Gain an understanding of Calgary Humane Society’s mission and how animal welfare organizations support animals in need
- Develop empathy by recognizing how their presence and voices positively impact the animals they read to
- Improve focus, patience, and self‑expression through regular participation in our weekly reading sessions
- Connect stories and reading experiences to real‑life animal care and advocacy
- Grow into thoughtful, future animal welfare advocates by engaging with animals, staff, and meaningful shelter activities
Weekly Meeting:
Friday, 5pm – 7pm
Words & Whiskers introduces children ages 8–11 to Calgary Humane Society’s mission while nurturing a love of reading and building confidence in literacy and communication. Through reading aloud to shelter animals, children learn how to interact calmly and compassionately with pets while providing valuable enrichment and positive socialization for animals awaiting their forever homes.
Throughout the club, participants will practice their reading skills, develop a deeper understanding of animal behavior and welfare, and discover the important role they can play in supporting animals in need. Engaging literacy activities, animal-themed discussions, and hands-on shelter experiences help foster empathy, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to animal welfare.
This is the perfect opportunity for young readers and animal lovers to grow their confidence, connect with shelter animals, and make a meaningful difference in a supportive and rewarding environment.
