Old Dominion Humane Society Hosts Junior Rescuers Summer Camp, June 1-5
- Lenora Kruk - Mullanaphy
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
First through fifth graders will enjoy puppy cuddles and learn about animal rescue during Old Dominion Humane Society’s (ODHS) Junior Rescuers Summer Camp from June 1-5. Animal “superheroes” will save the day—one paw at a time—with hands-on rescue tasks, crafts, games and plenty of wet kisses from the puppies. The high-energy, weeklong session is filled with lessons about animal rescue and heartwarming interactions with the most adorable four-legged friends.

The Summer Camp will be led by ODHS Founder Chrissy Hamilton, who began the nonprofit, no-kill rescue in 2013. Since its beginnings, more than 8,000 dogs have been rescued by ODHS.
“The Summer Camp includes plenty of playtime with puppies, and the children will learn all about canines through activities and completing tasks in the facility,” said Hamilton. “They’ll also get to meet some other pets, such as guinea pigs, tortoises and farm animals. The experience will teach about responsibility in caring for puppies and dogs, and the children will come away knowing they’ve helped make the rescue dogs’ lives better.”
As the founder of the volunteer-led rescue, Hamilton has participated in dozens of rescue efforts in every corner of Virginia and beyond throughout the years. For two consecutive years, ODHS has received “Best of the Burg” from the “Free Lance-Star”. The annual reader poll celebrates the best the community has to offer. Hamilton was recently presented with Richmond Animal Care and Control’s (RACC) “Heart of Lifesaving Award,” an accolade that recognized her for her “time, compassion and commitment in helping RACC animals on their journey to safety and second chances.”
First through fifth graders can join Hamilton for the Junior Rescuers Summer Camp from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 1-5. The session is $250, and registration ends May 18. For more information about the camp and to register, visit www.olddominionhumanesociety.org/summer-camp.




