A group of local middle-school students recently completed an after-school program run by Youthlinks, called “Animal Care Team”. This has long been one of Youthlinks most popular after-school programs in the Rockland area, but this was the first time the program was offered in Waldo County. Youthlinks partnered with Blake Veterinary Hospital in Northport to run this program. After touring the veterinary facility and asking questions of the office staff, the kids began socializing with Dakota, Kasey and Emma -cats who currently live at Blake Vet as they await adoption. The students made catnip toys for their new four-legged friends and conducted behavioral observations on each cat. Through the observation exercise, they were able to collect information and photos for writing an adoption ad for each cat. On the last day of the program, the finished adoption advertisements were given to the Blake Vet office staff to post at their office, and some were posted on the Belfast Co-op’s community bulletin board as well. The students hope that their ads will raise awareness about Dakota, Kasey, and Emma, ultimately helping them find homes. Collaborations such as the one with Blake Vet truly enhance Youthlinks’ programming and provide a wealth of opportunities for students to learn while giving something back to their community. For more information about these cats and other animals available for adoption through Blake Vet, please call 207-789-5700.
In addition to working with Blake Vet, students in the Animal Care Team program spent two weeks volunteering at the Camden Rockport Animal Rescue League. The group also enjoyed a fieldtrip to the Good Karma Farm in Belfast, where they met some alpacas, llamas, and sheep, while also getting a first-hand look at the processes of yarn and soap-making. The Animal Care Team program exists to enhance youth awareness about proper care and treatment of animals, pet overpopulation issues, and to foster a sense of empathy toward animals. This six-week after-school program is just one of many exciting opportunities offered by Youthlinks. Youthlinks is currently running “Global Chefs”, an international cooking class at the Troy Howard Middle School, and will be taking registrations for the spring session in the coming weeks.
Youthlinks is a program of Broadreach Family & Community Services located in Rockland that provides community service, leadership and enrichment opportunities to all youth ages 11-17 from anywhere in mid-coast Maine. These programs help youth learn skills, build self-esteem, cultivate social responsibility, develop leadership abilities and connect to their peers, to adult mentors, and to their communities. Youthlinks is funded primarily by state grants and the generous donations of individuals, businesses, and foundations. All Youthlinks programs are free for participating youth. For more information, visit www.youthlinksonline.org, or call 207-594-2221.
