No More Bullying!

Off-site | Grades: 3-8  | 5 Lessons – 1 hour per lesson | Companion animal attends

People who are abused by people often abuse animals. People who abuse animals often also abuse other people. And so the cycle goes. Wayside Waifs directly addresses this cycle by facilitating the violence-prevention program: No More Bullying! Through this social and emotional learning curriculum, students learn how to gain self-respect, respect for others, and empathy by learning about and practicing five core values.

Classes taught by Wayside Waifs Humane Educators within the Kansas City area are done so free of cost. For those outside of our presentation radius, the curriculum is available for purchase. Visit the No More Bullying! website here to learn more.

Educational Tours

On-site or Virtual | Grades: Kindergarten – 12 | 1 hour

Groups will experience a comprehensive tour of Wayside Waifs’ campus. Along the way, students may learn about Wayside’s animal intake process and how Wayside cares for animals that need extra attention. Students will also see Wayside’s state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic and Pet Adoption Center. Students may have the opportunity to interact with an adoptable animal, but this will depend on group size and availability.

Kids-in-Action

On-site | Grades: Kindergarten – 5 | 1 hour 

We understand that youth can do big things to create change and positively impact our community. While volunteers at our shelter must be at least 13 years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian, we created our Kids in Action program to allow younger students to give back and help the animals in our shelter. On-site visits include a short tour of adoptable animals.

Projects may vary depending on shelter needs and will not include direct contact with the animals.

Projects might include:

• Making dog and cat toys
• Organizing/cleaning
• Folding and sorting the laundry
• Reading to some of Wayside’s Waifs

Activating Em-PAW-thy: Exploring Similarities between Pets and People

Off-site, On-site, or Virtual | Grades: Kindergarten – 5 | 1 hour | Companion animal attends class

Developing empathy is an important part of youth development. What better way of helping students understand how another living being is feeling than to connect their feelings back to our own? Students will discuss the similarities between what animals and humans need to be happy and healthy, leaving the session with an increased motivation to care for their family pets and all living beings. On-site visits include a short tour of adoptable animals. 

PAW-etiquette for Pooches & People: Dog Safety

Off-site, On-site, or Virtual | Grades: Kindergarten – 5 | 1 hour | Companion animal attends class 

One of the most important ways students can stay safe around dogs is to understand and respect the way in which dogs communicate with us. During this bite prevention program, students will understand common body language in dogs (and people too!) and how to respond appropriately and respectfully. Students will also learn the proper way to greet a dog, what to do when approached by an unfamiliar dog, and additional strategies to avoid being attacked by a dog. On-site visits include a short tour of adoptable animals.

Once U-PAW-n A Time: Reading for Pets & People

On-site, Off-Site, or Virtual | Grades: Kindergarten – 6 and Adults| 1 hour | Companion animal attends class 

This program consists of several reading options:

• As students practice reading to a friendly, non-judgmental companion animal, their confidence soars eventually leading them to read in front of peers with ease. Teachers can decide to have regularly scheduled times with individual students or small groups of students.
• A soothing voice of a Humane Educator reading a story while residents at nursing homes, mental health facilities, or other adult care communities enjoy the interaction with a friendly companion animal.
• Create a reading experience involving a companion animal that best suits your needs.
• Is your family interested in coming in to read to the animals on an individual basis? Our self-guided reading program could be a great fit! For information about how to get involved, fill out our program application and sign-up to attend a monthly orientation. 

Girl Scout Pet Badge

On-site | Grades: Kindergarten – 5 | 1.5 hours 

Calling all Brownies and Daisies! Join us for an exciting adventure at Wayside Waifs, where troops will discover the ins and outs of pet care and animal welfare, and earn their Pet Badge! Troops will engage in fun activities like touring the shelter, creating enrichment toys, and participating in interactive games that teach responsibility and compassion for pets. This educational program not only helps you earn your Pet Badge, but also gives Girl Scout troops the chance to see shelter animals and make a positive impact through projects, such as reading to the animals or making treats and toys. Badges must be provided by the Girl Scout Troop leaders.

Service Projects

On-site | Grades: 6 – 12 | 1.5 hours 

Do you have a Middle or High School group interested in visiting our shelter and giving back to the animals? This is the program for you! In addition to touring the shelter, each participating group will complete a service project that directly helps the quality of life and well-being of animals staying at Wayside Waifs. Projects may vary depending on shelter needs and will not include direct contact with the animals.

Virtual Tours and Programs

Virtual | Grades: Kindergarten – 12 | 45 minutes maximum 

Not able to join us in person at our shelter? Virtual programs are for you! Your group can join us on a Zoom tour of Wayside Waifs and get a behind the scenes look at all of the ways in which we care for animals! Tours may include learning about Wayside’s animal intake process and seeing the Veterinary Clinic, Pet Adoption Center, and adoptable animals.

We are also happy to do any of our programs virtually, including Activating Em-PAW-thy, Dog Safety, Once U-PAW-n a Time Reading Program, guest speaking, and more!

Field Trips and Large Groups

On-Site, Off-Site, or Virtual | Grades: Kindergarten – 12 | Times may vary

Do you have a large group or field trip you would like to bring to Wayside? We may be able to accommodate your group by offering a customized program based on your group size, interest and educator availability.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Reach out to our team for information on at-home DIY projects! Contact Us.