Summer is in full swing and Brookhaven’s animal rescue league is getting in on the day camp action.

     “BFF’s – Best Furr-iends Furr-ever” is the theme of the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League’s Third Annual “Dog Days of Summer Doggie Day Camp.”

     BARL volunteer Samantha Sivils said the camp serves as a way to teach kids how to take care of their pets.

     “There are opportunities for the children to learn how to train their own dogs,” Sivils said. “We use BARL dogs to demonstrate and hope that they go home and use their knowledge on their own dogs.”

     The camp starts Monday, July 23, and runs through Friday, July 27. Sivils said there will be many guest speakers and other activities for campers to participate in.

     “Percy King will be there with his exotic animals,” Sivils said. “He’ll be teaching the kids how to behave properly around those kinds of animals.”

     Other demonstrations will include K-9 officers, search and rescue animals, seeing-eye dogs and agility performances. A meteorologist from WLBT will also teach kids how weather affects their pets.

     Sivils said BARL wants to teach kids how to properly care for their pets in the hopes that they will use that knowledge later in life.

     “If we could teach the correct ways to handle animals,” she said, “in the future there won’t be as many unwanted pets as what there is now.”

     Campers will also do arts and crafts, and on Friday there will be a parade in downtown Brookhaven to round out the week.

     “Campers will proudly strut their own dogs and BARL dogs around town,” said a press release about the camp. “The public is encouraged to bring out their dogs and participate in the parade also.”

     Parade participants are encouraged to dress up in fun clothes and dress up their dogs as well. Non-motorized scooters, bicycles and wagons are welcome and all dogs must be leashed.

     Sivils said there are about 20 campers registered so far and they are hoping for about 45. In years past, the camp has had about 50 campers.

     “It has been pretty successful,” Sivils said. “Most of our campers that have registered this year are second- or third-timers. They love it.”

     Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven City Park. Registration is $75 and includes a T-shirt, snacks, crafts and prizes. The deadline to register is Friday. Campers should bring a sack lunch and drink every day.

     To register, visit www.barl.net or call Sivils at 601-695-1987.