Critter Camp
In 2016 the Hill Country started its first ever Summer youth program, aptly named Critter Camp!
It was such a huge hit that in 2017 we saw a total of 77 Critter Campers! Through fun and engaging activities, they learned about responsible pet ownership, animal care, dog training, and about animals from all corners of the world. Campers got 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 got to know a wide variety of animals, including getting to go offsite to the Brickner Ranch and see Lemurs, Zebras, Peacocks, and even a Tiger! Campers had two extra special guest Veterinarians Dr. Rob Franklin, and Dr. Matt Moskosky, come by to speak with them about caring for animals, as well as answering all their questions about being a Veterinarian. The last day of camp, the owners of Hill Country Trail Rides brought horses down for the kids to learn about and even ride. Campers also learned to create animal-themed arts and crafts projects.
THIS YEAR we have changed our core curriculum and will be focusing on companion animals. We will be teaching the children all about basic animal care, responsible pet ownership, routine veterinary care, pet overpopulation, and so much more. We have a new "Adopt-A-Bear" program this year that we are excited to share with your children, and each team will be creating a group service project! We will again be able to visit the Brickner Ranch, a private exotic ranch, as well as have multiple guest speakers. 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. 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 an offsite field trip scheduled on Thursday.
It was such a huge hit that in 2017 we saw a total of 77 Critter Campers! Through fun and engaging activities, they learned about responsible pet ownership, animal care, dog training, and about animals from all corners of the world. Campers got 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 got to know a wide variety of animals, including getting to go offsite to the Brickner Ranch and see Lemurs, Zebras, Peacocks, and even a Tiger! Campers had two extra special guest Veterinarians Dr. Rob Franklin, and Dr. Matt Moskosky, come by to speak with them about caring for animals, as well as answering all their questions about being a Veterinarian. The last day of camp, the owners of Hill Country Trail Rides brought horses down for the kids to learn about and even ride. Campers also learned to create animal-themed arts and crafts projects.
THIS YEAR we have changed our core curriculum and will be focusing on companion animals. We will be teaching the children all about basic animal care, responsible pet ownership, routine veterinary care, pet overpopulation, and so much more. We have a new "Adopt-A-Bear" program this year that we are excited to share with your children, and each team will be creating a group service project! We will again be able to visit the Brickner Ranch, a private exotic ranch, as well as have multiple guest speakers. 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. 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 an offsite field trip scheduled on Thursday.
In 2019 we will have a session in June & July.
Campers ages 6-12 years
Campers ages 6-12 years
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.
What do campers learn?
Campers will rotate through 4 separate classes. In 2018 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) Veterinary Care, where campers will learn the basics of animals medical needs, and common conditions seen in shelters
4) Interaction!, where campers will be active and working hands on with pets in care, as well as creating their own unique service 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) Veterinary Care, where campers will learn the basics of animals medical needs, and common conditions seen in shelters
4) Interaction!, where campers will be active and working hands on with pets in care, as well as creating their own unique service 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 Assistant 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, including an offsite field trip. 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.
Junior Counselors
The Junior Counselor program is a volunteer youth development program aimed to provide leadership, educational, and responsibility-based life skill development for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17. Under the supervision of staff Instructors, Junior Counselors will interact with campers, assist with curriculum activities and serve as leaders.
Counselors must be available for the entire Critter Camp Session they sign up for
June 18th-22rd from 8am-1:30pm, Monday - Friday
July 23rd-27th from 8am-1:30pm, Monday - Friday
Counselors must be available for the entire Critter Camp Session they sign up for
June 18th-22rd from 8am-1:30pm, Monday - Friday
July 23rd-27th from 8am-1:30pm, Monday - Friday
