The “Dog Days of Summer” kids camp sponsored by the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League is not just about their canine friends.

It’s all about fur, fins, feathers and paw prints and animals of every kind, Lu Becker, BARL’s board chairman, said.

BARL’s seventh annual event is set for July 25-29, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Brookhaven City Park. Deadline for registration is Tuesday.

The camp is geared toward children ages 5-10. Registration is $75 and includes an official “Dog Days of Summer” T-shirt, snacks and all activities. Registration forms are available at PetSense inBrookhaven, BARL’s Adoption Center or online at www.barl.net. Forms may also be obtained from BARL volunteer and camp director, Bertha Williams, by calling 601-748-6499 or emailing bertielouwho@yahoo.com.

Becker said the week will be filled with activities involving animals. Representatives from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science are scheduled to attend, and the Jackson Zoo Mobile will be joining this year’s lineup of activities as well as representatives from an area farm and law enforcement. Campers will also meet a vet and a pet groomer and have discussions with n animal cruelty advocate.

“Kids will also enjoy arts and crafts, games and much more throughout the week,” she said. “They will be exposed to educational lectures and hands-on experiences each day on categories such as how to properly care for your animal/pet, how to lease/lead train your personal pet, what it means to be a ‘rescuerer’ of animals, the importance of spay/neuter, all in an atmosphere of Godly love, personal devotion to the care and protection of animals, what service dogs do and how they are trained, and many other viable and meaningful topics.”

About 50 campers are expected to attend this year’s event.

“It has grown in size and this year will take a new approach to help children learn about all animals that they may encounter, whether it be a dog or cat, an orphaned squirrel, an injured possum, or a cow,” said Bertha Williams, BARL’s volunteer camp director.

Even though the camp is held at the park instead of the shelter, campers will still get to spend time with the animals.

“Each day, BARL dogs and puppies will be brought to the camp for interaction with the campers,” Becker said. “This is critical for the development of both the animals’ and the children’s sense of commitment to each other.”

Becker said its easier on the animals to let them visit the campers at the park. “There is scant seating and playing room at the center and when the dogs see groups of children excited and having fun, they too want to join in which causes undue stress and anxiety for them,” she said.

About 50 campers are expected to attend this year’s event.

Organizers are also looking for volunteers to be junior counselors.

“The junior counselors are almost 100 percent comprised of former campers who are dedicated to teaching other kids about the reality and responsibility of animal ownership and of promoting BARL, which provides a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and neglected animals,” Becker said.

Williams said junior counselors assist with activities and crowd control. Each counselor is assigned a group of campers that he or she is responsible for during the week.

To apply to become a junior counselor, contact her at 601-748-6499.