Based on the popularity of last year's inaugural Erie County Fair Vet Camp, the Erie County Agricultural Society has announced it will add a third session to accommodate aspiring veterinarians.
Vet Camp is a half-day agricultural immersion experience that provides children between the ages of 11-14 the opportunity to work firsthand with veterinarians and animals. Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 14-16, and 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-served 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. Applications are now online at
www.ecfair.org and must be postmarked by Monday, May 7, 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
[email protected].
The 179th Erie County Fair will be held Aug. 8-19. This year commemorates the fair's 150th year being held on the Fairgrounds in Hamburg. Visit
www.ECFair.org.
