Building on the success of its Wags & Wiggles toddler classes, the Animal Welfare Association (AWA) has introduced the Pawsitive Kids Club, a new educational program designed for children ages 5 to 7.
The initiative aims to teach young children about animal safety, kindness, and compassion through various activities. The club offers a 60-minute class that features an instructor-led reading circle, group movement exercises and crafts – all centered around animals. Each session is designed to inspire enthusiasm and curiosity about animals while nurturing a sense of responsibility and empathy for them.
“We are thrilled to expand our educational offerings with the Pawsitive Kids Club,” said Laura Houston, executive director of AWA. “This program not only imparts important lessons about animal safety and kindness, but also provides a joyful and engaging experience that fosters a lifelong love for animals.”
The Pawsitive Kids Club is part of AWA’s ongoing commitment to promoting the human-animal bond in the community and eliminating animal suffering. By educating young children, it seeks to instill values of empathy and care for animals from an early age.
Alicia Haley, AWA’s education programs manager, elaborated on the new club.
“We are looking forward to getting young animal lovers to AWA to have a fun experience learning about animals and getting to safely interact with them,” she noted.
Organizers say the club is an effective way to encourage independence in kids and help them work on social skills. Participants also learn fine and gross motor skills through the program’s activities, crafts and games.
“We hope that these kids will gain these skills, along with learning compassion and empathy for animals and understand animal safety as well,” Haley said.
Haley oversees all of the education programs at AWA and handles planning. After its success with Wags & Wiggles, the AWA heard from community members that their older children were looking for something similar.
The Animal Welfare Association is dedicated to eliminating animal suffering, promoting the human-animal bond, and enhancing the role of animals in human well-being. Its services include adoptions and a pet food pantry.
For more information on the Pawsitive Kids Club and how to enroll, visit www.AWANJ.org or contact the AWA education team at education@awanj.org.
