compassion classroom

Indraloka offers opportunities for children of all ages to learn the beautiful lessons of compassion, kindness, resilience, and healing that the beloved animals offer.

Meaningful connections can be developed on-site, or off.

Girl smiling and gently touching a rescue turkey

A child in a black shirt with their back to us crouching next to a pig who is relaxing on grass in front of a watering hole.

A smiling teenager standing in-between a brown and a black cow, gently touching their heads

a kid in a red shirt hugging a white and brown rescue goat you seems to be smiling with their tongue showing

ON-SITE OPPORTUNITIES

GROUP VISITS AND FIELD TRIPS

SUMMER CAMP

JOB SHADOWING AND CAREER EXPLORATION

INTERNSHIPS

STORYTIME AND TODDLER TOURS

CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES

GUEST SPEAKERS

To learn more about these programs or to inquire about participating,
please email us at sarah@indraloka.org or call us at 570-763-2908.

ON-SITE OPPORTUNITIES

GROUP VISITS AND FIELD TRIPS

Indraloka welcomes classrooms, clubs, sports teams, community organizations, and groups of all sizes for field trips and visits.

I would like to say WOW, the experience that we got during a recent field trip was priceless. I have never seen the excitement the children got from smashing pumpkins to feed the cows, and I had one of my youngest gifted students just loving the fact she could get so close to them all. Thank you for all you do, I will be recommending the sanctuary to the rest of the programs here at the school district.
JS, Art and Gifted Teacher

a boy in a blue shirt crouching next to and gently touching the belly of a pig who is relaxing in the grass. A red barn building in the background

A group of teenagers standing around and playing with mini goats

a group of school kids on a field trip in front of a red barn

Two kids crouching next to a sheep in the grass and gently interacting with the sheep

A group of children standing around a snowman

two teenagers gently touching a dark brown cow with horns

three boys smiling in the camera. The smaller boy is in the middle being held up by the bigger boys on the outside

A kid and a small goat standing next to each other smiling in the camera

SUMMER CAMP

Indraloka offers camps for children ages 5-17 and integrates animal lessons, career exploration, art, nature walks, animal snuggles, leadership development, and so much more.

JOB SHADOWING AND CAREER EXPLORATION

Teens and adult learners can work side by side in the NEPA Veterinary Clinic with Dr. Leslie Interlandi and staff to explore the fields of veterinary medicine, vet tech, vet assistant, and related fields or explore the careers of Animal Caregiver, Caregiver Assistant, Facilities and Maintenance, or Education related occupations.

Job shadows are typically one day for 4-6 hours, but can be longer to fulfill course or club requirements.

Career Exploration can be built into any on-site visit. We incorporate career discussions and explanations throughout our field trip tours and can go in-depth based on age and needs of each group.

Additionally, we offer summer camps that focus on career readiness and exploration.

A group of teenager exploring carpentry outside

a kid hugging a kitten in. vet clinic equipment in the background

4 kids each holding a shovel or rake inside a barn

two kids smiling and carrying a bucket with food for rescue animals. More kids following in the background

a group of kids with brooms and shovels standing inside a barn

INTERNSHIPS

Indraloka offers internships in the areas of veterinary medicine, animal care, facilities and maintenance, and education.
Here are some highlights from a few of our 2024 interns:

I learned so much about veterinary medicine during my internship but I also learned so much about myself. For one, connecting with others is so important for your wellbeing! This field of work is incredibly taxing on your mental and physical health so anytime to chat with others or crack a joke to make someone smile is so important. I also learned to be confident in myself. I often doubt myself and think I am not capable of completing challenging tasks- but I proved myself wrong- I definitely strived in tough situations during my time at Indraloka! The animals have taught me so much at Indraloka. Most of the animals here come from very difficult situations that they were saved from or brave enough to escape from. This level of bravery and determination motivated me to be the best version of myself. They taught me to persevere no matter what, strive to be great, and no matter how small you may feel or think you are, you have the ability to make a difference in this world.
Clinic Intern Sailym from Misericordia University

a cat on a exam table and several people working in a vet clinic exam room

I learned much more than I expected in such a short period. By the end, I could draw blood and give vaccines/fluids to a variety of animals. I also learned how to identify parasites with a microscope, prepare fecal and cytology slides, run blood tests, and properly recover animals from surgery. My time at Indraloka has allowed me to be more open-minded about the types of animals I want to work with and the fields I would like to specialize in after vet school. I am especially interested in parasitology and exotics.
Clinic Intern Rina from the University of Pittsburgh

The highlight of my internship would have to be the rescue I got to assist. It is an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I knew at all times what my responsibility was, and who to go to if I needed help. I felt safe even in a challenging situation, and I could see the team working together with trust. That day I really knew that is what I want to do for the rest of my life, I want to help those animals in need.
Animal Care intern (and psychology major) Dawson from Wilkes

Two women and three toddlers sitting on bales of straw interacting with a rescue goat

a toddler in an orange shirt raising their arms in excitement is standing next to a white and black goat who is eating a smashed pumpkin

a girl sitting on straw and reading a book = to a sheep who is standing next to her

A woman holding a toddler and gently touching a light-brown goat. The toddler is smiling at the goat in excitement. A black and white goat is eating a smashed pumpkin

A toddler in a yellow hooded onesie standing close to and looking curiously at cows behind a wooden fence

Storytime and Toddler Tours

Programming geared towards ages 0-5 moves at toddler pace, while encouraging engagement and focus through stories and hands-on time with the animals. Storytime is always unique – you can attend every month and have a fun new experience each visit!

Older children are also welcome to participate by reading to the animals, or to the younger children. Reading to Marble the Sheep or Soul the Goat can feel like a safe, judgment-free atmosphere for children who love to read, and also for those who may struggle.

This program is designed to empower kids of all ages and ability levels in the areas of literacy, listening, and engaging with others.

To learn more about these programs or to inquire about participating,
please email us at sarah@indraloka.org or call us at 570-763-2908.

VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES

ANIIMAL PEN PALS

Connect your child or an entire class to an animal at Indraloka and work on literacy, communication, and make an animal friend!

a drawing done by a child of a pig's face with a rainbow colored nose and ears

A handwritten letter from a child to her pen pal a rescue pig

To learn more about these programs or to inquire about participating,
please email us at sarah@indraloka.org or call us at 570-763-2908.

CLASSROOM OPPORTUNITIES

GUEST SPEAKERS

Presentations are designed for all ages and group sizes. Sarah Thornton, Director of Education, has worked with Pre-K age 3 through Graduate School ages and has presented on the ways that Animals Are Teachers, Too. Ms. Thornton works with administrators, teachers, and professors to design a presentation that engages the audience and weaves specified learning objectives, social and emotional skills, and storytelling into a succinct, entertaining, and educational program.

a group of students sitting on the floor with their arms raised listening to and interacting with an Indraloka Guest Speaker

Indraloka Guestspeaker surrounded by group of students holding certificates

After Sarah’s presentation, the sixth grade voted to visit Indraloka for their end of year trip. They were so excited to meet Eddie Traffic in person, and to see what petting a sheep and a pig feels like.
JC, 6th grade teacher
I figured a presentation without animals in person would fall flat. Instead, the photos and the storytelling mesmerized the residents and staff as well. Our speaker visited 3 different days, and the veterans never got bored or distracted, in fact, they were hopeful for more presentation dates soon after.
Staff member Gino Merli Veteran’s Center
When I first researched Indraloka, I assumed that the only people that benefitted from the sanctuary were the ones who made the drive to go and visit. However after hearing about TJ and the positive effect the animals and sanctuary had on him through the school system and without ever visiting the sanctuary it made me realize community based therapy can be integrated into other contexts.
Student, University of Scranton Occupational Therapy Department

To learn more about these programs or to inquire about participating,
please email us at sarah@indraloka.org or call us at 570-763-2908.