February Critter Camp!

Download registration form!
Junior Volunteer Information

Critter Camp is a place where kids connect with animals. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for children to interact and learn about the animals that share our world. An enthusiastic staff of instructors and friendly animals give your child an enriching experience; filled with hands on animal encounters, fun activities and crafts. As they have fun, campers learn respect, compassion and how to provide a lifetime of care for animals.

Sign up for a day or two or the whole week!

Please note:

*Activities are age-specific

*Animal interaction is dependant upon animal health on a day-to-day basis

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is February Critter Camp?

  • February 16th-20th for PreK-5th Grade
  • Camp hours: 9:00am-3:00pm
  • Optional Extended Care (excluding PreK)
    Earliest drop off 8:00am
    Latest pickup 5:00pm

What is the best way to sign up for February Critter Camp?

  • Registration begins in January
  • Applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis.
    The registration form must be filled out completely and legible, and returned to the Education department via fax, mail, or in person. No registration is done by phone.
  • Applicants who do not get into the camp of their choice will be contacted by phone or email. No money is processed until your child is registered in a camp.

What is the cost?

  • PreK price: $35/day or $160/week
  • K-5th grade price: $50/day or $225/week
  •  Extended care : $15/day
  • Financial Aid: We have a very limited number of full and partial scholarships available for those in need. Please request a scholarship form by phone. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund, you may include it with your registration.
  • Cancellation Policy: Refund requests are only granted for cancellations made prior to 9 a.m. the first day of camp and are subject to a $25 processing fee.

How do I know if my child is registered in camp?

·  Confirmation material will be e-mailed or mailed after payment has been processed. Lunch order forms, release forms, and directions are included with confirmations.

Where does the program take place?

·  Helen Woodward Animal Center is located just 5 miles east of the Del Mar Fair Grounds. Specific driving directions will accompany confirmation of registration along with drop-off and pick-up procedures. We use both indoor classrooms and outdoor learning areas throughout our 12-acre facility.

The camp is full. How do I get my child on your wait list?

·  You still need to complete a camp registration form. We will notify you by phone and ask if you would like to be added to the wait list. We do not process any payment until space opens up in the class.

Can you hold a spot for my child?

·  No. You must complete the registration process, including payment.

How is the camp organized?

·  Class size is limited to 15 children. Each group is led by a specially trained-educator and two assistants, providing a 5:1 ratio. We place children in groups based on their current grade level.

My child wants to be with his/her best friend and they are not in the same grade. Can they be together in the same class?

·  Children are grouped by age and grade so that the activities are age-appropriate. We will be happy to move an older child down, but we do not move a younger child up to an older class.

My child is almost four. Can they attend the PreK class?

·  No, they need to be four at the time they attend camp.

  Is extended care available for PreK students?

·  PreK students may attend the a.m. extended care from 8-9 a.m. There is no extended care available after class at 1:00.

  Can I pick my child up early or bring them a little late?

·  Yes, we maintain a master schedule of all the classes in the office, and we will be happy to help you locate your child after you sign them in or out.

 Can another adult pick up my camper?

·  Yes. Prior authorization to release your child needs to be in place before the designated adult signs your child out.

  What is your cancellation policy?

·  We prefer at least one week's notice to cancel so that we can offer your spot to a child on the wait list. Refund requests are only processed if they are made prior to 9 a.m. the first day of camp and are subject to a $25.00 processing fee.

 

All children will need to bring a sack lunch* as well as a light snack and a bottle of water to camp each day.

  *Lunch may be purchased through our Critter Camp lunch program.

Education Department 858-756-4117 ext. 318