Starfish Club Members to Testify Feb. 4

STRATHAM, NH - The New Hampshire SPCA taught nearly 10,000 children in 2015 about the importance of humane treatment of animals. One particular group of 8-13 year olds, members of our Starfish Club, are due to testify this Thursday in front of the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources committee to support the passage of HB 1548 a law prohibiting the sale, trade or distribution of shark fins in the state of New Hampshire.

The NHSPCA’s Starfish Club, according to a press statement, is a group of animal activists in the making, and is one of the more recent clubs formed in our Humane Education department, having begun their work in 2012. However, there are many other ways that the New Hampshire SPCA reaches and teaches our community’s youth. Humane Education efforts here began before most even knew what the words meant. For 20 years, our Humane Educators have been forming animal centric clubs, such as KIND club and the We Care club to find interesting and age appropriate ways to share the message of proper care and kindness to their own pets as well as humane treatment of animals in the world.

Additionally, the New Hampshire SPCA’s Humane Educators routinely visit and make presentations to school classrooms and assemblies, libraries, after school clubs, scout groups, civic groups and many others, last year alone reaching children in 59 communities. “We are so proud of the variety of programming that we are able to offer for children from age 2 to age 15,” said Paula Parisi, NHSPCA Manager of Humane Education. “Some kids start with us in Story time, attend summer camps and clubs and finish as teenagers in our Junior Volunteer program. It is amazing to watch their commitment to animals grow as they do. We are particularly excited about the group of Starfish Club kids testifying about an issue that they are truly passionate about! It’s awesome!

One of our most popular children’s programs is our award winning summer camp program. There are twelve sessions including sessions for 6-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds. New this year will be a week specially designed for teens, ages 12-15. Enrollment for summer camp will open soon. In the meantime, enrollment is currently open for February and April School Vacation Camps.

“Our Humane Educators have presented at Humane Education conferences and have been teachers and guidance counselors themselves. Our experience working with children is unparalleled,” said Lisa Dennison, Executive Director. “We are always looking for new ways to expand our reach and welcome inquiries to speak to any group.”