VolunteerYouth Volunteers

Paws & Claws Club

A Junior Volunteer Program for 10-17 Year Olds

The Paws & Claws Club allows young students to volunteer their time and love to the homeless animals at the Humane Society of Indianapolis. Being a part of this club teaches young people about the important role HSI plays in our community. It also gives students a bonding experience with animals who need love and attention and with others their age who have a similar interest in animals and their wellbeing.

Club members are a tremendous help to our shelter animals and staff. They help with our daily tasks and add excitement to the lives of the homeless animals we shelter. The program gives club members knowledge about animal-welfare issues in our community and pushes them to help guide our community to solutions.

Goals

To give young teenagers the opportunity to help companion animals in their community by volunteering their time and assisting the staff at the Humane Society of Indianapolis.
To nurture a sense of compassion and respect for living beings through enriching activities and hands-on experiences that are rewarding for kids and animals alike!

Activities

Kennel/Yard Cleaning

Laundry & Dishes
Quality Time w/Adoptable Dogs & Cats
Dog Training
Arts & Crafts
Group Bonding Activities
Staff Assistants

What You Need to Know Before signing Up

Club Levels:
Students must be at least 10 years old by June 1st.

Level 1: 10-12 Year Olds (6 Spots Available per Session)
Level 2: 13-15 Year Olds (14 Spots Available per Session)
Level 3: Mentor Level for 16-17 Year Olds (8 Spots Available). Mentors assist our Camp Counselor by leading small groups of students in the activities they do each day. Mentors insure that students are where they are supposed to be and performing activities correctly. Mentors are asked to participate in 2 of the 3 summer sessions offered and to sign up for Saturday Volunteer Days throughout the rest of the year.

Membership Fees: Due at Orientation – Do not send fee in with application.Fees pay for two tee-shirts, activity/craft supplies, daily snacks and drinks, and a small stipend for the camp counselor.

Club Level - $180.00
Mentor Level - $50.00

Fee covers:

2010 Club Membership
2010 Paws & Claws Club T-Shirts
Shelter Training
Summer Session of Volunteering (mandatory)
Other Volunteering Opportunities (optional) (Saturdays, Holidays, and Fundraising Events)
Recording of Volunteering Hours
Program Supplies
Snacks

Summer Session Dates:

Session I: June 7th – June 17th Monday thru Thursday each week from 12-5pm
Session II: June 21st – July 1st Monday thru Thursday each week from12-5pm
Session III: July 5th – July 15th Monday thru Thursday each week from 12-5pm

Please Note: Mentor hours are 11-5:15pm each day.

How to Sign Up

Please Note: Because students volunteer in a group setting, we cannot accept students into the program who have allergies that prevent them from fully interacting with cats and/or dogs.

What You Need:
Application Packets should include:

One letter of recommendation written by someone other than a family member
Essay titled “Why I Want to be in the Paws & Claws Club”
A copy of your most recent report card
2010 Paws & Claws Club Application

Application Packets should be turned in to:

Humane Society of Indianapolis
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
7929 North Michigan Road
Indianapolis IN 46268

Faxed to 317.876.2428 Attn: Volunteer Coordinator

Application Packets are due by 5pm Friday April 2nd
Complete Application Packets will be reviewed and those accepted into the program will receive a Confirmation Package by April 9th. Confirmation Packages will include information on orientation/tour dates and trainings. Orientations are mandatory for all new members of the Paws & Claws Club. A parent/guardian is also required to attend.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Shawna Sims, Volunteer Coordinator: ssims@indyhumane.org or 317.872.5650 x 106