Critter Camp is a place where kids connect with animals. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for children to interact with 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.

Campers are grouped according to the grade they will enter in the Fall: PreK, kindergarten, and grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. Activities are age and developmentally- appropriate. For those campers who want to attend multiple weeks of camp, we have implemented a rotating curriculum with activities changing during odd and even camp weeks. We have guest speakers who visit our camp, too!

Our younger campers will learn about animal characteristics, behavior and proper pet care. Campers meet and pet bunnies, birds, cats, reptiles, dogs, goats, ponies, a llama and more! As our campers get older, they will have more sophisticated learning opportunities that include behind the scenes tours, more in depth animal interactions, enriching games, volunteer and career exploration.

For grades 7-8, we offer a Volunteer Leadership Camp. Eleven and twelve year-olds will focus on volunteering and career opportunities with animals, animal education, leadership training, and learning how to assist with younger campers. This is a bridging opportunity to our Junior Volunteer program where participants must be 13 years old. This program will be offered during the odd camp weeks (weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9). During the even camp weeks (weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8), we will offer age- appropriate curriculum without the Leadership/Volunteer emphasis. The curriculum will be different for campers who want two different camp experiences.

Please note:
*Activities are age-specific
*Animal interaction is dependent upon animal health on a day-to-day basis

Frequently Asked Questions :

When is Critter Camp?

• Weekly sessions for PreK-8 th grade begin each Monday from June 16-August 15.
• Additional PreK-only weekly sessions June 9-13 and August 18-22.
• Camp hours:
  • PreK 9:00am – 1:00pm
  • K-8 th grade 9:00am – 3:00pm
• Optional extended care: $75/week or $15/day

Earliest drop off 8:00am / Latest pick-up 5:00pm (p.m. not available for PreK)

What is the cost?

• PreK $160/week (must be 4 years old the week of attendance)
• K-8 th grade $225/week
• Special prorated price for Week 3
  • PreK $128
  • K-8 th grade $180
• 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.

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

• Registration forms are processed on a first come first served basis. Completed registration forms can be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person. We do not accept registration over the phone. We cannot hold your child’s space in camp until we have received payment.
• Applicants who do not get into the camp of their choice will be contacted by phone. No money is processed until your child is registered in Critter Camp.

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.

The camp is full. How do 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. You can get on multiple wait lists and will be notified when a spot becomes available.

Can we sign up for one or two days?

• We are not offering daily camp this year. Summer camp is offered in weekly sessions only.

Can applications be taken over the phone?

• No.

Can you hold a spot for my child?

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

How are scheduling changes handled?

• Scheduling changes will be handled over the phone.

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 the grade they will enter in Fall 2008.

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 will be four in September. Can they attend the PreK class?

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

My child is entering Kindergarten in the fall. Can they take the shorter PreK class?

• Yes, PreK is designed for 4-5 year olds.

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 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.

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.

Are any souvenirs available through Critter Camp?

• Tee-shirts are provided for all campers in the middle of the camp week. Pictures of each camper with an animal will be available for purchase towards the end of the camp week.