Houston SPCA Winter Critter Camp- Daily
*The event has already taken place on this date: Fri, 01/04/2019
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.
Here is the information for each day of Winter Camp 2018:
Welfare Wednesday, December 26th
Most people understand basic needs of their pets, but animal welfare is about understanding ALL aspects of animal well-being. It is the responsibility of every human to ensure that an animal’s health and happiness are being attended to. On welfare Wednesday, your child will learn and observe animal rescue and cruelty prevention practices.
Tail Talk Thursday, December 27th
Our pets have interesting stories to tell and ideas to share-if only we could understand them! On Tail Talk Thursday, campers will learn the ins and outs of cat and dog body language, so they can better understand their furry friends.
Fact Finding Friday, December 28th
Why do animals end up in shelters? Campers will engage in a fact finding mission to find out why animals become homeless and what they can do to help!
Wanted Wednesday, January 2
Adoptable animals do not always get the personal attention they deserve because of the number of animals at the shelter. Wanted Wednesday will focus on creating enrichment opportunities for our animals, so they can get extra dose of love.
Take Charge Thursday, January 3
It seems our children always want a new pet, but taking part in the care of that pet seems to fall to the wayside. On Take Charge Thursday, campers will be empowered with the knowledge they need to care for a cat or dog.
Farm Life Friday, January 4
With the Internet’s love of baby goats in sweaters and pigs soaking up bath time, there is a lot of glamor surrounding the ownership of farm animals. On Farm Life Friday, campers will get a glimpse at the specialized care needed for our farm friends!
- What should my camper wear?
o 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?
o 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?
o 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?
o 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?
o 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 (3- minutes each).
- Are there scholarships available?
o 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?
o 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?
o Camp is offered during the winter, spring, and summer breaks according to the Houston ISD calendar. For programs during the school year, check out our education program guide!
- Can Critter Camp come to my Rec Center, YMCA, or Day Care?
o No. Unfortunately, Critter Camp is only offered on the Houston SPCA campus. 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?
o Yes. Children 15 years and older can apply to be a part of our Critter Crew program. Our Critter Crew serve as camp counselors throughout our camp sessions. Please contact education@HoustonSPCA.org for more information about joining the Critter Crew team!
- My child is too young, but he/she is very mature. Can my child participate?
o No. Unfortunately, we cannot allow participants younger than 3rd grade participate in Critter Camp. To see what programs for which your child might qualify, please check out our education program guide!
- My child’s friend/sibling is participating, but they are different ages. Can they be in the same session?
o Yes. Please contact education@HoustonSPCA.org to make this arrangement.
- I can’t pick up/drop off my child every day? Can someone else pick him/her up on my behalf?
o Yes. Please make sure this person is added to the approved pick up list at registration. To add someone after registration has ended, please contact education@HoustonSPCA.org.
Other questions about camp? Contact our education department by emailing us here.
*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.