It is very heartwarming for those of us working and volunteering at the shelter to receive offers of help from young people. In January I wrote about the opportunities that adults have to volunteer at the shelter. Liability concerns do limit us in allowing kids to volunteer directly with the animals, but there are still a number of ways that young people can and do help.

First, anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 can volunteer so long as he or she is with an adult parent or guardian who is volunteering. Teenagers can and do also help by volunteering at our front desk and this does not require parental supervision. We currently have some wonderful teens who come in and work alongside their parents and we have been so fortunate to have some young volunteers who do a terrific job assisting the front desk staff at the shelter in what is often a challenging work environment. Anyone wanting more information about these opportunities can contact me.

We are also so proud to offer the Kids Action Team (KAT) for children aged 9 to 12 years old. This monthly volunteer-led program gives children a chance to become active in the shelter and the community. They have had the chance to learn from experts as diverse as animal control officers, dog trainers, a herpetologist and veterinarians. KAT meet shelter animals and assist with various projects such as making decorations for shelter events and the successful Pennies for Paws fundraiser in which they collect change to buy collars for the shelter animals. Parents can visit the education section of the APS Web site or call the shelter for more information.

We have been touched by some of the ideas kids have come up with on their own to help. A number of kind children have had birthday parties in which they have asked friends to bring toys, food and treats for the animals instead of gifts for themselves.

We always offer educational presentations to groups such as the Boys and Girls Club, Girls Scouts, and summer camps. Our volunteers who work in teaching humane education have come up with a number of ideas for youth to help animals such as forming a club like the APS of Jordan, a group at Jordan High School that helps the shelter in different ways. Others have helped by organizing a food or towel drive at school or by posting fliers of APS events around Durham. Of course anyone of any age can help by spreading the word about the importance of spay/neuter and the joys of adopting a shelter pet. Teenagers can give presentations at their schools or to younger kids and our education volunteers are often joined by teens when we set up information tables at events and festivals. Online tools such as the APS Facebook page are another great way for tech-savvy young people to share the humane message.

The enthusiasm of young folk is so encouraging to all of us working to improve the lives of animals, and we are always excited by the creative ideas and passionate dedication we see from them.