It is lights, camera, and action over at 300 Harlem Road in Buffalo. It’s taken a couple months of preparation and innovation to get summer camp virtual, a labor of love for organizers to say the least.

“We were about a third full, with some of our camps full and when March hit, we decided to put our registration on hold,” said Christine Davis, the director of Humane Education at SPCA Serving Erie County.

A holding pattern, something a lot of us can relate to. But, like the daily task of feeding and caring for animals, the humane education department knew they had to keep their operation going, too.

“And, try something different,” Davis said.

Try something different they did.

“We have a backdrop set up for our speaker to stand up at with our logo,” Davis said. “We have a webcam.”

A couple of computers, some cell phones, scripts, and lights made a full set right inside the facility. All they’re missing is you.

“We know this is a tough time, we want to offer a different experience, an enriching experience. And, I know it’s hard to imagine what virtual camp will look like, but we are going to have fun,” Davis said.

From story time, to virtual tours, it’s a wild time. SPCA is offering Behavior and Training Camp.

“They will get these cool pouches that they can decorate and we will give them these clickers as well,” Davis showed.

 Then there’s Vet Camp.

“You’ll get these cool books, a stethoscope and a stuffy that you will have to work with and diagnose,” Davis showed.

And also Multimedia Mutts just to name a few.

“Kids will have the opportunity to help one of our animals get adopted by creating a story for it,” Davis smiled.

It’s not lost on Davis and the rest of the team that some kids might be screened out, over the whole virtual learning thing. So, there are six backpack camp options.

“The way we have set up the backpacks is you can do about two activities a day,” Davis explained.

Davis says they can have up to 20 kids per session, the more the merrier, really.

“We are going to get the kids up and moving, we are going to have fun, we are going to sing silly songs,” Davis said.

Add in a little acting, too.