Reading Buddies - Saturday, February 14th (2:00pm-3:00pm)

Reading Buddies: Saturday, February 14th from 2:00pm-3:00pm

Do you know a youth who loves reading and wants to spend time with the animals? Join us for CHS Reading Buddies!

Reading Buddies at CHS is a place where children connect with literacy in the presence of animals. Reading Buddies guests will be given a 30-minute presentation about Calgary Humane Society, followed by 30-minutes of reading to one animal.

Guests will be given an opportunity to practice their reading skills to the adorable animals waiting to be adopted. Our goal is to promote literacy among children and youth while inspiring them to become animal welfare advocates.

Reading out loud to animals can help build confidence and enthusiasm for young readers. An enthusiastic staff will give your child an enriching experience to practice reading.

Adults must stay within arm's reach of children at all times.

The minimum age to join this activity is 6 years old.

Our program is a minimum 5 dollar donation, however, we recommend a donation for each additional child in attendance (up to a maximum of 3 children).

Pre-Registration Frequently Asked Questions

When is Reading Buddies?

Reading Buddies runs from 2:00pm - 3:00pm on select weekend days.

How old does my youth have to be?

We offer CHS Reading Buddies for youth aged six and up!

Do parents/guardians need to stay?

Yes. The Humane Education Team will greet participants, verify required documentation, and conduct periodic check-ins throughout the event. Each youth participant must be accompanied by one (1) adult, for example, a parent or guardian, for the entire duration of the event.

Will your youth read inside of the animal's enclosure?

No, you will stay on the outside of the kennel door to read to the animals. This is for the animals' safety and helps your youth focus on reading as well!

Do I need to bring a book?

Your youth is more than welcome to bring their favorite book to Reading Buddies; however, we will have a variety of books available for your youth to choose from if they would like to read something different and new!

How many animals will my youth meet?

You and your youth will be assigned to one animal to read to for the duration of the event. This may be animals such as cats, bunnies, birds, reptiles, or small rodents.

What is the cost?

The Reading Buddies program is open to everyone who registers with a minimum $5.00 donation. We encourage those who register to bring a physical or monetary donation (such as a toy, can of food, linens, treats, etc.) on the day of the event.

If you would like to make a donation to our camp subsidy fund, you may include it with your registration. This fund provides a camp opportunity for children from lower-income families.

My youth is really good with animals, why are they only allowed to see the animals instead of pet or hold them?

Most youth who come to Reading Buddies are very good with animals and passionate about caring for animals in the best possible way. We completely understand your child’s desire to hold an animal or to interact with a specific animal in the shelter. Unfortunately, for the safety of our Reading Buddies participants, all reading will be done through the glass or bars of the enclosure. We are not allowing the youth or their parent to interact directly with the animals.

If youth want to interact with the animals, we encourage you to explore Humane Education programming with them, such as clubs, birthday parties, and camps. Here, your youth will be given the opportunity for animal interactions that will provide a quality experience for the participants while keeping our animals’ well-being in mind. You can browse our Humane Education programming here: https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/humane-education/

Cancellation Policy

Please contact the Humane Education Department if your child is registered in Reading Buddies but is unable to attend. Spaces are limited, and we would like to give someone else the opportunity to come read to our animals!

What is the best way to sign up for Reading Buddies?

Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis online through Eventbrite. If the Reading Buddies registration is full, you may add your name to the waitlist, and you will be contacted by e-mail if a spot on the waitlist becomes available.

Where does the program take place?

Camp takes place at the Calgary Humane Society – 4455 110 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta.

Parking information, as well as drop-off and pick-up procedures, will accompany confirmation of registration. We use both indoor classrooms and outdoor learning areas throughout our facility.

How is the Reading Buddies program organized?

Group size is limited to 6 families with a maximum of 3 children per registration to read to selected adoptable animals. There will be a label on enclosures notifying you which animals are approved to read to, and our team member will direct your family to the animal your child will be reading to.

My youth is frightened of certain animals. Will those be at Reading Buddies?

Our staff recognizes that not all children are comfortable around all types of animals, and at no point will any youth be forced to read to an animal they are uncomfortable with.

For more information about Humane Education programs and Reading Buddies, please email [email protected] or call 403-205-4455 ext 6544

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