Most canines around the country may be spending their days trying to keep cool in the summer heat. But while others are lazily dozing, Kayla, Finnegan and Spencer are romping and playing in air-conditioned comfort at Best Friends Doggy Day Camp.

"There are no lazy, hazy days in camp," says Kelly Kurash, manager of Best Friends Chestnut Ridge and North Plainfield pet care centers. "Our campers have a special activity, game or contest every day, in addition to their regular camp schedule."

Day camp games include bobbing for kongs, canine olympics, limbo competitions and races. Winners go home with a certificate or a ribbon.

Managers report that counselors frequently invent new games and projects for the campers, who are always enthused to try new things. "One day, a counselor started doing jumping jacks, and the dogs started jumping as well," says Kurash. "She picked up on their excitement, and soon had them all doing her own version of doggy aerobics. They all really got into it, and it eventually evolved into a game of tag."

Contests are common, too, and fall under such categories as "best kisser," "fastest tail wager," "highest jumper," and "best cuddler" (a counselor favorite).

A favorite activity at many Best Friends Doggy Day Camp programs is the "art project" that canine campers can bring home to mom and dad. Cards are made for special occasions -- Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, for example -- and feature the camper's signature paw print, which is dipped in washable Crayola paint.

Camper birthdays are also special occasions At Best Friends in Tyngsboro, parents of the birthday canine chooses the party theme, and invitations are sent to the week's campers. Themes can include "cookout," so campers play with rubber cheeseburgers and hot dogs or "carnival," where campers come dressed for the occasion. Gifts are exchanged, as well as goody bags, photos and thank you notes.

This month, the camp program in Tyngsboro, MA includes a summer "beach" theme in the camp room, complete with a sandbox and kiddy pool. According to Tyngsboro manager Becky Powers, campers actually dig in the sandbox, play a doggy version of beach volleyball, and then cool off with a splash in the pool. "The dogs really seem to understand what's going on," Powers says, "They actually line up and wait their turn to participate in an activity or go on a piece of equipment,"

Campers aren't the only one having fun. The counselors and observers -- parents and guests can watch -- are as entertained as the participants themselves. "Many of our associates ask to train to be a camp counselor," Kurash says. "They want to be part of the fun, too!"

Best Friends offers day camp and play group programs at a number of its centers. For more information, contact the Best Friends location nearest you.