Robyn Douglas, Troop Leader for Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 (Bar Harbor, Maine) is collecting books for a project. We received a copy of Robyn’s request at the Mom’s Choice Awards and thought it was worth sharing.

I am writing to request a donation of children’s books to be used throughout this year in the Downeast Dog Scouts Children Reading to Dogs Program in Hancock County, Maine. The books will be used as reward books for children’s reading accomplishments. Program dogs are registered therapy dogs who volunteer with their handlers as a team. They go to schools, libraries, and many other settings as reading companions for children. The Children Reading to Dogs Program is part of the private non profit Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159.

The Children Reading to Dogs Program provides opportunities for children to read to therapy dogs individually and in small reading groups. Students are also encouraged to read at home by participating in Book Bag Programs by reading to a stuffed dog at home. The children take turns bringing home a small tote bag with a stuffed dog and books appropriate for that child’s reading level. Many of the students write or draw pictures about the books they are reading to the stuffed dog. The goal of the program is to inspire excitement about reading and literacy.

During 2010, Downeast Dog Scouts Troop members and their listening dogs provided 265 hours of community service listening to children read at local libraries and schools. Children Reading to Dogs Programs increase children’s reading skills, confidence and self esteem. Children that have special canine relationships develop empathy for dogs and others. The reading sessions create a love of reading and lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Each time a child reads to a dog they choose a sticker for their bookmarks. After the child has read a certain number of books they are rewarded a special new book of their own. Children who haven’t learned to read well often have quite inadequate or deprived home situations and having a new book of their own is a precious commodity that they really appreciate. As the Children Reading to Dogs Program grows we are in need of more and more books to provide rewards for the children.

Last year, the Downeast Dog Scouts sponsored the Island Dog Creative Writing Project which was a tremendous success! The Troop partnered with schools, libraries and preschool centers in and around Mount Desert Island for an innovative program to encourage kids to write creatively and read with imagination. Children age ten and under used the picture book “Island Dog”, as inspiration to create their own stories. Children chose between narrating a story, writing individually and collaborating with a buddy or group. The children were rewarded with a community celebration. The activities at the celebration included: a showcase of children’s stories, awarding of children’s certificates, meeting the Downeast Dog Scouts, children reading to dogs, “Learning About Dogs” scavenger hunt, pizza party, fun and games.

The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 was established in September 2007 and is the first and only Dog Scout troop in Maine. The troop offers a local membership program for people who advocate responsible dog ownership and enjoy participating in dog centered activities. Troop members take an active role in the community by providing educational programs and canine related community service.

During 2010, troop members and their dogs provided a total of 589 hours of community service in activities such as: therapy dog visits, children reading to dogs programs, school visits, walkathons, clean up days, and volunteering with dog related organizations in Hancock County, Maine. Troop members and their dogs learn new skills working toward the Dog Scouts of America merit badges and participating in troop outings and activities. Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 promotes the positive treatment of animals, advocating only the most modern behavioral approaches to training.

The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 is a non profit sub group (IRS Sub Group #5512) of the Dog Scouts of America (EIN #38-3478408). The Dog Scouts of America is a national non profit 501c3 organization dedicated to educating people about responsible dog ownership, the important role of the human/canine bond and to challenge people and dogs to learn how to better serve each other. Currently there are over fifty local Dog Scout troops from Maine to Hawaii. All troops work toward the goals and missions of the Dog Scouts of America while focusing on the needs and interests of each local community. Additional information regarding the Dog Scouts of America is available at www.dogscouts.org.

The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 has been recognized as a “Top Dog Troop” for 2008, 2009 and 2010 by the Dog Scouts of America. The Dog Scouts of America Troop Recognition Program rewards troops for being active and helping in their community. Recognition is given to local troops that achieve a designated level of points within the year. Troops earn these points through accomplishments in membership, training, education and community service activities.

Giving a special book to each child who participates in the Children Reading to Dogs Program is an important reward and a wonderful way to encourage children’s enthusiasm about reading. We are a small all volunteer group funded through small fundraising projects and nominal membership fees. Any book donations to the Children Reading to Dogs Program would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me know if I can answer any questions regarding this request. downeastdogscouts@yahoo.com

Please note – the request is for your information. It does not imply any obligation on your part or endorsement on ours.