Registration open for ECAD summer camp

WINSTED >> With summer just around the corner, Linda Mazzeo and other members of the Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities team are busy planning plenty of fun activities for children ages 9-13, who will attend the annual summer camp, located at 149 Newfield Road in Winsted.

This year’s camp starts the week of June 26 and will continue through the week of Aug. 18. The activities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ECAD’s campus consists of 14 acres and is home to purpose bred Golden Retriever and Labrador puppies and Service Dogs in Training. A new litter of puppies is due in early June, so extra squeals of delight from both the two-legged and four pawed attendees are expected.

Activities include nature based education; puppy/ dog education; basic canine obedience, grooming; group games; outdoor activities such as scavenger hunts, slip & slide, picnics, and arts and crafts.

The children learn teamwork, responsibility and how important Service Dogs can be to those who have disabilities. Parents can register their children for one-week or more. The cost is $195 per week.

ECAD is a not-for-profit organization that educates and places Service Dogs with people with disabilities, both visible and invisible. To date it has placed upwards of 300 Service Dogs. In addition, ECAD places Facility and Therapy Dogs in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and courthouses.

For additional information, visit https://www. ecad1.org/index.php/getinvolved/summer-camp. Those registering by May 15 will receive a nice discount.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Children can spend time with service dogs in training at ECAD’s annual summer camp.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS A young camper cuddles a service dog during last year’s camp in Winsted.