It’s been proven time and time again that children learn best when they have interesting things to do and interested people to help them. When they are able to watch, listen and do.
At the recent Adventure Clubs day held at Ashburne Veterinary Hospital, there was certainly plenty of all these things on offer.
In what’s becoming a regular event on the Ashburne calendar (last year’s event was also a hit), young children were treated to a day of fun and learning at the long-serving community veterinary hospital in Glenashley, Durban North.
A small group of very excited young girls and a boy – eight in all and accompanied by their moms – each brought along their favourite stuffed animal for the day.
They watched, listened and then participated in a series of fun activities aimed to stimulate their young minds and introduce them to the fascinating world of animal health.
There were lambs, zebras, lions and pandas – all of which were thoroughly examined and “treated” by the Ashburne team led by sister Tracy Chalker.
The kids became totally immersed in all that was going on in front of them. They watched closely as their “pets” were “officially” checked in, weighed, x-rayed and bandaged.
Sporting standard theatre issue hair nets and face masks, the kids were taken on a general tour of the practice. Needless to say their protective latex gloves quickly became balloons with smiley faces!
They got to see many of the behind-the-scenes processes and modern equipment the vets and nurses use to make accurate diagnoses and ensure your pet’s health and wellbeing is taken care of.
Looking intently into microscopes, analysing x-rays and learning about blood samples was the order of the day.
The kids also witnessed animal health specialist Stanford Tavarwisa conduct an examination of a puppy and were shown round the kennels by veterinary nurse Karla Scholtz.
As the kids headed home with goodie bags after an action-packed day of learning, Adventure Clubs’ aim to “Make Epic Childhood Memories” was certainly accomplished.
It’s by creating a community environment that our children learn and grow together.
We look forward to next year!