Spring Critter Camp 2012 April 2nd to 13th

Where kids connect with animals!

Our Goal: To provide an opportunity for children to interact with and learn about the animals who share our world. As they have fun, campers learn respect, compassion and how to provide a lifetime of care for animals.

Our camp provides:

Enthusiastic staff of instructors
Hands-on animal encounters
Fun, animal related crafts, games, and activities that are age and developmentally appropriate
Guest presentations & speakers

SPRING 2012 CRITTER CAMP DAILY THEMES & ANIMALS

MONDAY: Backyard Babies

It’s a Zoo out there!!! Where do all the animals that explore your backyard come from? Come learn about the unique adaptations of the great treasures that romp and roam throughout your backyard.

Dove
Boa
Bunny
Frog
Dog

TUESDAY: Rise and Shine

After months of restful sleep, hibernation is over and many animals are poking their heads out to welcome a new year. Come welcome the New Year with animals that can bear the cold winter months and learn how some sleep for so long and some stay toasty warm in the freezing temperatures.

Turtle
Cockroach
Adoptions dogs and cats
Sheep

WEDNESDAY: Where the Wild Things Live

Explore and discover different animals’ homes in various habitats. From the top peak of the mountains to the low depths of the ocean, your camper will learn new and exciting diversities of the animal kingdom.

Goat
Fish
Parrot
Gecko
Guinea Pig

THURSDAY: It’s a Bugs World

Bugs have a very important role in the world. These high flying and low crawling animals have an amazing story to tell. Come learn from a variety of animals about how bugs live and eat as well as what a bug’s role is for other animals’ daily survival in our world!

Walking Sticks
Hermit Crab
Bearded Dragon
Cockatiel
Cat

FRIDAY: Down Home Cookin’

Does the smell of pancakes and eggs wake you up in the morning? Come and find out what gets different animals to their “dinner table”. Who eats what? How does it help them grow? What can animals eat and not eat? These are all things that your camper will learn and discover when meeting some of our exotic animal friends.

Skink
Dog
Miniature Horse
Tortoise
Snake

Please note:

*Activities are age-specific

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

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is Spring Critter Camp?

· April 2nd-13th

· Camp hours 9:00am-1:00pm for PreK; 9:00am-3:00pm for K-5th

· Optional Extended Care (excluding PreK)
Earliest drop off 8:00am
Latest pickup 5:00pm

How do I sign up for Spring Camp?

· Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.
The registration form must be filled out completely and legibly, 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: $40/day or $180/week

· K-5th grade price: $55/day or $245/week

· 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: All cancellations 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 1:00pm.

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 need at least one week's notice to cancel so that we can offer your spot to a child on the wait list. There will be a $25.00 cancellation 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