Veterinarians and animal lovers spent three days learning the science behind livestock care during Lehigh County 4-H’s Science Day Camp, held July 20-22 at the Lehigh County Agricultural Center in South Whitehall Township.

The camp introduced youth ages 9 to 13 to animal health, veterinary science and agriculture through hands-on activities, presentations and live animal demonstrations. Campers learned how veterinarians evaluate livestock, identify parasites and monitor animal health while working with experienced 4-H educators.

Kelly Weisner, Lehigh County 4-H educator, led lessons that encouraged campers to become “experts” by applying what they learned through interactive activities and group discussions.

One of the camp’s highlights was learning how veterinarians determine whether goats are healthy. Campers observed body condition scoring, learned how to identify signs of illness and explored how fecal egg counts help detect internal parasites.

Bridget Rabold, of Salisbury Township, said she enjoyed that the camp combined classroom instruction with outdoor experiences. “I like this camp because we didn’t just stay inside the whole time,” Rabold said. “We got presentations, but we also went outside. They brought animals, and we got to see if they were healthy.”

She said she was surprised to learn that a goat’s health can often be evaluated simply by checking its body condition.

“You can tell if a goat is healthy by feeling if you can feel its bones through its back,” she said. Although she has always wanted a goat, the camp changed her perspective. “Before I thought it was really easy to take care of a goat,” Rabold said. “Now I know it’s really hard.” She said the experience also sparked an interest in becoming an exotic animal veterinarian.

Evie Sanchez, of Allentown, attended her first 4-H camp as part of the veterinary group. While her favorite animal is the manatee, she enjoyed learning about caring for farm animals and veterinary science.

Jacob Furniss, who will enter ninth grade at Brandywine Heights High School this fall and lives near Fleetwood, said making homemade ice cream was one of his favorite camp activities. He also learned that some breeds of goats naturally do not have horns and enjoyed learning about parasite testing through fecal egg counts.

Already involved in 4-H for several years, Furniss said the camp reinforced his interest in continuing with the organization.

Throughout the week, campers discovered that caring for animals involves much more than feeding them. They learned about disease prevention, parasite control, nutrition and the responsibilities that come with owning livestock. For many participants, the camp provided a new appreciation for the science behind animal care — and perhaps inspiration for future careers in veterinary medicine and agriculture.