Bunny Boot Camp (TM)

We specialize in creating opportunities for fun, experiential learning wrapped in a very cute, cuddly package... PURPOSEOur youth-led STEMbunnies service-learning program reinforces grade-appropriate concepts in E-Science * Technology * Engineering * Math.   We also include the arts but STEAMbunnies just sounds wrong ;-) Due to heat, we are moving our Saturday midday classes to Sunday evenings for the rest of the summer    We seek to engage the young in heart through active, fun "hands on-minds on" learning, sparking an interest in how the world around them works and demonstrating how STEM education tools can help them solve challenges.  One of your instructors will likely be a youth who is 10 years or older, assisted by adults.  This is part of our mission to have youth in positions that they are able to help guide others. STAND ALONE CLASS: This is a hands-on lifescience lab class, which means that you can come in, learn a lot, take super cute pictures and call it a day.   STEPPING STONE TO FOSTER/VOLUNTEER: The class also counts as your prerequisite if you are considering fostering or volunteering.  Many people come to this class and talk it over as a family before making any decisions.  Some home situations are not a good fit for fostering and the last thing we want to do is to push. Come enjoy the day and if you wish to consider fostering, that's great too. BUYING RABBITS: We do not sell rabbits in the two months around Easter.  We actually started this organization as an attempt to prevent the pet abandonment cycle that often comes during the spring.  Instead, we provide lots of opportunities for people to engage with our rabbits and then make a decision after fostering.  Our program called "Foster First" allows people to borrow a rabbit, the cage, food and all supplies for up to two months.  Then if you fall in love you may buy the rabbit or another in our rabbitry.  To participate, you must complete an application and take this Bunny Boot Camp Intro Class.  If you are pre-approved and we are ready to check out a rabbit, you could potentially save a trip and pick up a rabbit the same day as your class.  We'll send you the  appliciation after you've registered for class if you indicate your interested.  See STEMbunnies.com for more details CONTENT:  We focus on rabbit anatomy, cool rabbit facts, and care for our rabbits (basic prevention, carrying, simple grooming, housing, transportation, feeding, litter box & habitat cleaning, play time, etc). We won't be teaching serious rabbit issues like diseases or showing graphic photos, but we will reinforce that ownership of a rabbit is a long-term responsibility and that a relationship that should be entered into "with eyes wide open."  Wellness is more than being free from sickness:  We want to help ensure that our animals who are entrusted to a family and those who are already "rabbit pet parents" will have the best experience possible.  Calm * Consistent * Caring & In Control.  We stress consistent daily upkeep and prevention techniques.  After class completion, each child in the family may request to receive a certificate.  For some families, this class was "just enough" and they don't wish to move forward; others wish to apply to foster a rabbit in their home or want to go to summer bunny day camp.  TARGET AUDIENCE:  Come and play, and learn a ton regardess of your intentions regarding volunteering or fostering.  This is the first class to get you thinking and make an informed decision about next steps -- if any.We designed the class for adults who will be the lead foster / volunteer but welcome children over 8 years old. There are so many things to learn and it's 90 minute class. Youth 10 years and older will be invited to consider volunteering and this class is the prerequisite. At least one parent/guardian must also attend with any child and you must have a one to one adult per child ratio if they are eight years or younger because you'll need lots of hands.  Come learn and play together!  Grandparents are welcome too!  Sign up as a family unit -- same price for one or for your family.  Also great for scout troops. PRIVATE LOCATION:  Please do not come to the family farm called Peacebunny Cottage unless you are registered for a class and your confirmation says this is the location...This is a working farm and is not open to the public except during our class sessions, thank you.  Some classes are held off site too. WHAT TO WEAR: Plan to be outside.  Long sleeves and long pants are required, even if the class is inside.  (For girls: Please do not wear a dress or pretty clothes).  Wear shoes that cover the whole and toes -- no sandals.   Dress for the weather - this is not a heated or air conditioned facility.  It is a working farm and we will likely be outside unless its raining. We sit on the floor/ground to interact with the rabbits.  Bring a lawn chair if you can't get up and down easily . If you need special accommodation, please email us and let's start talking about how we can make this program more welcoming to you.  COST:  $45 + web registration fees per family.Thank you for supporting our nonprofit organization by buying this ticket for your household/family unit.   These funds help care for the rabbits -- including vet care, feed, hay, and more cages so that others can foster a bunny who couldn't afford to otherwise. and to pay it forward for classes to have a bunny visit. Each event pays it forward and that is what keeps our program going.  SCHOLARSHIPS: Some scholarships are available each year for those who indicate that they cannot affort to attend this class. (Contact [email protected] memo "Scholarships"  to request an application)REFUND:We do not offer refunds unless we cancel your session.  If you contact us at least 24 hours in advance, we will however allow you to transfer your registration to another person OR to enroll in another session. We reserve the right to cancel a class at least 3 days in advance for low registration; we will give you the choice for a refund or to apply towards another class. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING OUR BUNNIES WITH YOU!! If something comes up and you can't make it, please email us ASAP so that we can better plan for numbers, allowing others on our waiting lists to come AND so that we can try to reschedule.  Thanks!