Summer Camp 2024
NEW THIS YEAR! Critter Camp and Animal Advocates Camp are now three hours each day. All camps will have exciting new curriculum, learning activities, and themes every week!
Want to find out the benefits of bees or why they have two stomachs? How intelligent are chickens and do they bond with humans?
Campers will embark on a journey to learn about the diverse world of animals, from our favorite pets to the fascinating creatures that share our communities. Through interactive activities and discussions, they'll gain a deeper understanding of how animals contribute to our lives and the environment. They’ll learn how to care for animals, build adaptation skills, and discuss resilience, all while having fun. Campers learn about the careers available to animal lovers of all kinds and will get to meet some of these important humans, along with enjoying hands-on time interacting with pets within a safe, welcoming, camp setting.
All of this along with adventure, games, science and art!
- 12 Camper Max (min. 6) each session, 1 Adult Educator per session (Ratio 12:1)
- Critter Camp (ages 6–9) and Animal Advocate Camp (ages 10–12) meet for 3 hours per day, 4 days a week Monday through Thursday
- All Abilities Camp (ages 6–12) has sessions available every other Friday
A signed waiver will be needed by the first day of summer camp. T-Shirt size reservations are due by April 8, 2024. Those registering after April 8 will receive a Youth Large shirt.
Complete Waiver & T-Shirt Information
Camp Offerings
Critter Camp (Ages 6–9)
14 sessions available, beginning June 3. Click here for dates.
Meets: Mon–Thurs, 9 am–12 pm or 1–4 pm
Cost: $300 / session
Did you know that dogs have a special scent detection that people do not have? Cats have 4 rows of whiskers, I wonder why?
Are you ready for a wild and wonderful summer? Join us at Critter Camp, where young explorers like you can embark on a thrilling journey into the amazing world of animals! Get ready to unleash your inner animal lover and discover the fascinating creatures that share our homes, community, and planet.
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore the great outdoors and learn about exciting local wildlife during our nature walks and scavenger hunts. Discover the beauty of nature while honing your observation skills and appreciation for the environment.
- Paws and Play: Spend quality time with our adorable animals! Help socialize and play with our canine and feline companions, providing them with love and attention while they wait for their forever homes. Learn about behaviors, caring for their needs, and how to create enrichment activities to keep them happy and healthy.
- Small Animal Safari: Hop into action with our small critter friends! Learn about bees, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, snakes and reptiles, all while exploring the unique needs and personalities of our smaller community members.
- Compassionate Stories: Gather around with friends, furry and human, during our compassionate story sessions. Explore tales of kindness, empathy, and the incredible bond between humans and animals.
- Crafting Critters: Let your creativity run wild as we make animal-themed crafts to take home! From bird houses and colorful masks to nature-inspired paintings, there's no limit to what we can create together.
At Critter Camp, the possibilities for fun and learning are endless! Join us for an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, exploration, and a whole lot of animal magic. Sign up today and let the adventure begin!
Animal Advocates Camp (Ages 10–12)
13 sessions available, beginning June 3. Click here for dates.
Meets: Mon–Thurs, 9 am–12 pm or 1–4 pm
Cost: $300 / session
Did you know hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards? Or how about bats... they are the only mammals that can take flight!
Calling all animal lovers! Are you passionate about animals and eager to make a positive impact in their lives? Join us at Animal Advocates Camp, where compassion meets action, and young advocates like you can become champions for animals in need.
- Animal Care Workshops: Roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of animal care! Learn about canine and feline behavior, care for their needs, and create enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated, happy, and healthy.
- Small Animal Safari: Hop into action with our small critter friends! Learn about bees, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, snakes and reptiles, all while exploring the unique needs and personalities of our smaller community members.
- Animal Tales: Immerse yourself in the magical world of animal stories! From heartwarming tales of animal rescues to fascinating facts about wildlife in our community, our storytelling sessions will inspire and educate.
- Garden for Good: Dig into gardening with a purpose! Let’s talk about fruits, veggies, and herbs and who may feast on these gems, all while learning about sustainable gardening practices along the way.
- Outdoor Adventures: Take a stroll through the great outdoors and learn about the plants and animals that inhabit our local ecosystem. From towering trees to tiny insects, there's so much to explore and discover!
- Crafting Critters: Let your creativity run wild as we make animal-themed crafts to take home! From bird houses and colorful masks to nature-inspired paintings, there's no limit to what we can create together.
- Humane Education: Dive into discussions about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of compassion for all living beings. Gain insights into the challenges facing animals today and brainstorm ways to make a positive difference.
- Animal Advocacy: Become a voice for the voiceless! Learn about animal welfare issues, advocacy strategies, community outreach and how you can make a difference in the lives of animals in your community and beyond.
At Animal Advocates Camp, every camper can make a difference, one paw print at a time. Join us for a summer of learning, laughter, and fun as we come together to create a brighter future for animals in need. Sign up today and unleash your inner advocate!
All Abilities Animal Friends Camp (Ages 6–12)
5 sessions available, beginning 6/14, 6/28, 7/12, 7/26, 8/9
Meets: Every other Friday 9–11 am
Campers can attend all 5 sessions or pick and choose to fit your schedule. Content of the camp is new each session.
Registration: Please contact our Humane Education Manager (humane.ed@hinsdalehumanesociety.org) with questions regarding the All Abilities Animal Friends Camp or for more information about registering and camp cost.
This camp is designed for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Spots are reserved first for children with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Any remaining spots can be filled by children without developmental or cognitive disabilities. Campers will be provided with an array of activities that will encourage them to get active, express their creativity, and share their emotions.
- Campers will practice safely introducing themselves to and interacting with pets
- Campers will practice understanding and responding to different emotions
- Campers will have fun socializing, playing games, making crafts, and building friendships with humans and animals alike
Camp Refund Policy
No refunds will be given for any camp, unless a cancellation is received no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the summer camp session start date. Any refundable cancellations will be charged a $10 service fee per session.