We had so much fun sharing our love of animals with kids last summer that we wanted to continue our journey of teaching others about endangered species and conservation.
We’ve been busy planning some exciting things since hosting Dylan’s Animal Adventure Camp last summer and it’s almost time to share our next journey with you. This is an adventure that you won’t want to miss!
So after many months of planning and preparation, we held the first annual Dylan’s Animal Adventure Camp this week and it was a hit with all the campers.
Knowing this was a fundraiser, I wanted it to be better than great – I wanted it to raise lots of money and for Dylan to feel that he had succeeded.
The day before the camp I was a nervous wreck. Had I taken on more than I could handle? Finalizing the details and helping Dylan make note cards of what he was going to talk about filled my morning.
Then it was time to fill the cinch bags with all the goodies we had received from sponsors and from individuals who wanted to help.
I kept telling myself – they are just kids.
Well, thanks to our wonderful sponsors and great campers who loved learning about endangered animals, we not only had an awesome day, we also raised $300 for the leopards at the San Diego Zoo!
I was so busy leading the camp with Dylan that I didn’t get a chance to take pictures during the first half of the camp, but thanks to my wonderful friend Tammy Mendoza (from Dez & Tam Photography) I have her pictures to share.
While Tammy was busy taking pictures of the kids making bookmarks, I managed to snap a few pictures of them painting rhinos with my phone.
We had snacks from our sponsors and learned about what can be recycled through TerraCycle, learned how reading labels and not buying products with palm oil can help the orangutans, ate lunch together under a tree and then finished up the day with Rebecca from Remember Wildlife and all her animal friends.
Well, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised at Dylan’s response when we received a letter informing us that the San Diego Zoo was building a new home for the critically endangered Amur Leopards and Snow Leopards. Dylan has been bit by the philanthropy bug and there is no cure. He is on a conservation high and I wouldn’t dream of stopping him – but I will do everything in my power to keep supporting him!
Last year Dylan’s birthday wish was to raise money for the tiger’s new home at the Safari Park. His goal was to raise $1,000 and he surpassed that. His name will now be on a plaque at Tiger Trail and he couldn’t be happier.
A few months ago he started a new challenge when he was asked to be part of a test group for the new I ___ for Wildlife program. He pledged to read 1500 pages of animal facts in 100 days and got people to sponsor him. He raised $500 for wildlife in 3 months.
So this time I told him he could take on the challenge to raise $1,000 for the leopards; however, he could not just ask people for money. I told him he had to figure out a way to raise the money by giving his time or selling something that he made. We tossed around a few ideas of things he could make and sell, but nothing really made us say WOW! That is until he came up with the idea of teaching other kids what he has learned.
And so Dylan’s Animal Adventure Camp was born.
Dylan will be hosting his very own 2-day camp where he will teach other kids about endangered animals, conservation, and most importantly how easy it is to make a difference. Thanks to some very generous sponsors, we will be able to donate over 90% of the camp proceeds directly to helping build a new home for the Amur Leopards and Snow Leopards.
Come join the safari with us this summer at Dylan’s Animal Adventure Camp. Together we can explore, learn new things, and help the leopards!
Live out of the area and can’t join us? Don’t worry, we will have something special on the blog after the camp for those unable to attend.
Life with Dylan 