Houston SPCA Winter Critter Camp
*The event has already taken place on this date: Fri, 01/03/2020
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
You Can Register for WINTER Critter Camp Starting Nov. 18
Would you like a sneak peak on what's to come or find out what your camper is up to during Critter Camp? Check us out on Facebook or Instagram!
Winter Critter Camp Dates & Information
December 23, 24, 26, 30, 31
January 2 - 3
Monday, December 23: Wild Animals of Winter
In the morning campers will explore different kinds of animal habitats and build a winter den for an animal. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and make a waterless snow globe!
Tuesday, December 24: Winter Camp-All About Dogs
In the morning campers will explore dog facts, determine the cost of dog ownership, and experiment with some clicker training. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and design their own dog bookmark!
Thursday, December 26: All About Cats
In the morning campers will explore cat facts, discuss how to care for our feline friends, and learn about a cat’s natural need to scratch. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and make a cat ring play toy.
Friday, December 27: All About Farm Animals
In the morning campers will work their way thought a farm animal cruelty investigation, participate in a scavenger hunt and learn how to muck out barn stalls. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and make a paper bag puppet!
Monday, December 30: All About Small Mammals
In the morning campers explore how to take care of small mammals. Campers will discuss the unique care requirements for keeping small mammals healthy and happy as well as create a small mammal habitat. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and create a clay model of a small mammal of their choosing!
Tuesday, December 31: Winter Pet Safety
In the morning campers will explore ways to keep their pets safe around the holiday season and have the opportunity to create pet safe community information on various forms of media. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and do some fork painting!
Thursday, January 2: All About Reptiles and Amphibians
In the morning we discuss facts on reptiles and amphibians. Campers will learn how to care for reptiles and amphibians, ensure they have a proper habitat, and meet some reptiles from one of our education partners. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and make a snake puppet!
Friday, January 3: Standing Up For Animals and the Environment
In the morning campers will work their way through an activity about what can be recycled, how we can advocate for homeless animals and then campers will work their way through a cruelty investigation. In the afternoon campers will visit our adoptable animals in the adoption center and make a CD critter!
Critter Camp FAQ's
What are the camp hours?
Camp runs from 9 AM to 3 PM each day. We also offer early drop off at 7:45 AM and late pick up at 4 PM for an additional cost.
What is the cost of camp?
Weeklong camps are $275 per week. Early drop off and late pickup are additional $5 per day each.
Where is the camp located?
Critter Camp is located at the Houston SPCA's Carruth Education Center located at 7007 Old Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024.
What do campers do at Critter Camp each day?
Critter Camp is an educational camp designed for children with a passion for animals. Campers who attend Critter Camp can expect to learn about proper pet care, animal advocacy, and veterinary skills. Each day, campers will engage in lessons that explore topics related to animal welfare, do activities to help reinforce those lessons, play animal inspired games, create crafts for themselves and for the animals, and, of course, join their groups in spending time with some of our adoptable animals.
What should my camper wear?
Campers are REQUIRED to wear long pants and closed toed shoes to protect their legs and feet during animal interactions. Campers are encouraged to bring a light sweater as the camp room can be cold.
How much time will my camper spend outside?
Campers will walk under the covered walkways in between buildings on our campus and may visit an animal outside for as long as 20 minutes. All other activities are held indoors.
What should my camper bring?
Your camper is REQUIRED to bring a lunch and water bottle. They are also encouraged to bring a light sweater. Campers may bring electronic devices, but they will only be permitted to use them before camp, after camp and during lunch.
Will snacks be provided?
Yes. An afternoon snack will be provided for each camper. However, you are certainly welcome to pack an additional snack for your camper
How much time will my camper spend with animals each day?
Our campers will participate in animal interactions each day. In groups of no more than 20, campers will spend 1 ½ hours visiting with a large dog, a small dog, and a cat chosen from our adoptable animals (30 minutes each).
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Limited scholarships are available for weeklong camps only. Scholarship applications are made available to interested families in April of each year.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes. We offer multi-day discounts at $5 for each additional day added during day camps. We also offer a $25 sibling discount for weeklong camps.
When is Critter Camp available?
Camp is offered during Spring Break, Summer, and Winter Break with the HISD calendar.
Can Critter Camp come to my Rec Center, YMCA, or Day Care?
Houston SPCA Critter Camp is an exclusive educational program offered only at the Houston SPCA. For other visits outside of designated Critter Camp times, check out our education program guide!
Do you offer internships for older kids who want to help out?
Please email education@HoustonSPCA.org for more information about joining the Critter Crew team!
For more information, to ask questions or to see your campers having fun during camp, follow Critter Camp on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Due to the high demand for camp spaces, all sales are considered final. Patrons who provide a written notice of cancellation to education@houstonspca.org two weeks prior to the first day of their scheduled camp session will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after this cutoff, including participants who miss all or partial programs due to illness. The Houston SPCA reserves the right to cancel any program due to minimum enrollment, inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued. Cancellations are official upon receipt of confirmation from the Houston SPCA.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.