Critter Camp 2020
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In 2016 the Hill Country started its first ever Summer youth program, aptly named Critter Camp! It has been such a huge hit that in 2019 we had quite a long waiting list!
Through fun and engaging activities, the children learn about responsible pet ownership, animal care, all about animal welfare, and about animals from all corners of the world. Campers get to go behind the scenes at the Hill Country SPCA, into areas not seen by the public, to learn about the plight of shelter pets, and how they are cared for. Campers also get to know a wide variety of animals. In 2019 that included getting to go offsite to the Brickner Ranch and see Lemurs, Zebras, Peacocks, and even a Tiger. This year we will not be going to the exotic ranch but have many other fun activities planned! Campers also had three extra special guest Veterinarians Dr. Rob Franklin & Dr. Matt Moskosky come by to speak with them about caring for horses, companion animals, and wildlife! As well as answering all their questions about being a Veterinarian. |
THIS YEAR we have changed our core curriculum a bit more and will be focusing on companion animals, animal welfare, and pet ownership. We will be teaching the children all about basic animal care, responsible pet ownership, routine veterinary care, pet overpopulation, and so much more. Back by popular demand, and each team will be also be creating a group project for the shelter animals! While we will not be going to the brickner ranch this year, we do have other fun surprises planned! If your camper has been through Critter Camp in the past, they won't want to miss this year!
We will continue to teach children about understanding, respect, and empathy towards all living beings. Campers are dropped off at the shelter in the morning and after sign-in are broken up into four teams of 10. The teams are decided based on age and grade level, each team has a k-9 mascot, and is lead by a HCSPCA Staff member. The teams rotate through four different classes each day, with water fun & pizza planned on Friday!
We will continue to teach children about understanding, respect, and empathy towards all living beings. Campers are dropped off at the shelter in the morning and after sign-in are broken up into four teams of 10. The teams are decided based on age and grade level, each team has a k-9 mascot, and is lead by a HCSPCA Staff member. The teams rotate through four different classes each day, with water fun & pizza planned on Friday!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
In 2020 Sessions will be
June 22nd- 26th 2020
July 6th-10th 2020
Camp cost is $150
Campers ages 6-11 years
June 22nd- 26th 2020
July 6th-10th 2020
Camp cost is $150
Campers ages 6-11 years
Please only submit one form per child, if you need to make changes contact us, as additional forms may not be reviewed.
Jr. Camp Counselors
Each Critter Camp Session is assisted by 4-8 Jr. Camp Counselors between the ages of 14-18 years old. These counselors get hands on leadership experience as they are expected to help at check-in and Check-out, work with their assigned group through the day, assisting campers with daily activities, leading some classes or activities as instructed, and monitoring during break and lunch. Jr. Counselors are assisted by a staff member every step of the way, but are an integral part of critter camp.
Age: 14 - 18
Dates Available:
Age: 14 - 18
Dates Available:
- Session 1 - June 15th from 11am - 12pm, & June 22nd - 26th from 8am - 1:30pm
- Session 2 - June 30th from 11am - 12pm, & July 6th - 10th from 8am - 1:30pm
Can i request my child to be teamed up with a sibling/friend?
We will do our best to honor any early requests, however please keep in mind we do team up kids based on age and grade level so that curriculum can be better targeted towards each group individually. No changes to teams will be accepted within 7 days of Camp start!
What do campers learn?
Campers will rotate through 4 separate classes. In 2020 the classes will be;
1) Art/Up-Cycling, where the campers learn animal related arts.
2) Animal Care, where the campers will learn how to care for companion animals, responsible pet ownership and more.
3) Shelter Care, where campers will learn the basics of animals medical needs, and common conditions seen in shelters, as well as why animal shelters are necessary and what we do.
4) Interaction!, where campers will be active and working hands on with pets in care, as well as creating their own unique projects.
1) Art/Up-Cycling, where the campers learn animal related arts.
2) Animal Care, where the campers will learn how to care for companion animals, responsible pet ownership and more.
3) Shelter Care, where campers will learn the basics of animals medical needs, and common conditions seen in shelters, as well as why animal shelters are necessary and what we do.
4) Interaction!, where campers will be active and working hands on with pets in care, as well as creating their own unique projects.
What Should campers Bring/wear?
- Campers should dress in clothes that are appropriate for active, sometimes messy activities. Campers will be provided with a T-shirt which can be worn anytime during the week, but we ask all campers wear their T-Shirt on Thursday.
- Athletic shoes or other shoes with closed toes are required. For safety reasons, campers wearing sandals or Crocs may not be allowed to participate in all activities.
- Campers must bring their lunch, including beverages, Mon-Thurs (Pizza Lunch provided Friday). Refrigeration is not available. We will provide snack and juice/water!
- Some of the areas in which camp takes place are outdoors. Campers are responsible for bringing and applying their own sunscreen. Most camp activities will proceed rain or shine (bring appropriate weather gear as needed).
What is Pick-up/Drop-off time?
Each session takes place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1pm. The earliest campers will be able to be dropped off and signed in for camp is 8:15 a.m unless otherwise agreed upon by the Executive Director. Campers should be picked up no later than 1:15pm, as the shelter does open to the public at 1:30pm.
Is extended care AVAILABLE?
Unfortunately at this time the Hill Country SPCA is unable to provide extended care options.
How many campers are in each session?
Each Session accepts up to 40 campers. Campers are broken up into Groups of 10 or less based on age & grade level. Each group is assigned a HCPCA Staff Counselor, as well as 1-2 Junior Counselors who will accompany them through each course.
My Child has special needs, could they attend?
We will do our best to be inclusive to any child with an interest in animals. If you have a child with special needs who would like to attend critter camp please contact our Shelter Manager at Programs@hillcountryspca.com
Can I attend camp with my child?
Unfortunately, you cannot attend Critter Camp with your child. Only HCSPCA staff and camp counselors may stay during Critter Camp. This is for the comfort and safety of our campers.
*Campers with Special Needs may have a parent present.
*Campers with Special Needs may have a parent present.
Will Campers get to play with animals?
Yes! Campers will be hands on with animals every day.
What is included with registration?
Critter Campers will receive a week full of fun filled activities, and crafts. Campers also receive a T-shirt, Sports water bottle, as well as Pizza lunch on Friday.
Lunch?
Campers should bring a sack lunch every day except Friday, the HCSPCA provides Pizza lunch on Friday. Please note we will not have refrigeration or a microwave available for campers to use.
