Summer Camps for animal-loving kids

Collage of Summer Campers

Education program policies and FAQ

Read our education program policies and FAQs for more information about cancellation, behavior guidelines, and answers to the most frequently asked questions. 

For policies and FAQs specific to Summer Camp, check out our Camp Policy and Information Handbook.

Animal Humane Society offers full- and half-day camps throughout the summer. Various programs serve youth entering grades 3-10. We create a unique experience for campers so they can return to our programs year after year.

Registration details

Grade level reflects the grade your camper is entering in the fall of 2024. 

Waitlists are OPEN! Click the button below to add campers to the waitlist(s).

Campers are limited to sign up for each camp type once per summer. Camp content is repeated each week. Please do not register for the same camp more than once. Read our tips for making the registration process as easy as possible.

REGISTER NOw

Half-day Summer Camps

Please note: Because our half-day camps are held at our Veterinary and Training Center in St. Paul and not at one of our shelters, we do not have animal times built into our Art, Science, or Exploring Animal Careers camps. While it's possible for your camper's session to have an animal visitor during the week, we cannot guarantee animal interaction at our St. Paul site.

Animal Science Explorers

Location: St. Paul
Grades: 3-6
Cost: $190

Animals share our homes and influence our daily lives, but what goes on inside our fluffy friends? Come along as we dive into the world of animals from a scientific perspective in this weeklong half-day camp. Campers will spend their days investigating animal biology and genetics, discussing animal rights and welfare, and learning about animal cognition and abilities through games and creative projects.

*Is a half-day at AHS just not enough? Offered select weeks and as space allows, sign up for Animal Science Explorers from 9 AM 12 PM and Animal Art Adventures from 14 PM. Bring your own lunch and AHS will provide supervision between program times, turning the half-day program into a full-day of fun.

St. Paul — University Avenue camp schedule
DateTimeGrade Level
June 17-211-4 PM3-6
*June 24-289 AM – 12 PM3-6
July 8-121-4 PM3-6
*July 22-269 AM – 12 PM3-6
July 29-Aug 21-4 PM3-6
Aug 5-91-4 PM3-6
*Aug 12-169 AM – 12 PM3-6
Sample camp itinerary

Want to know what your camper will do each day? Here is an example of what to expect at Animal Science Explorers: 

1 PM — Check-in
1:15 PM — Biomimicry Activity
2 PM — Craft
2:30 PM — Snack
3 PM —  Animal Cognition Activity
3:45 PM —  Animal Abilities Game
4 PM — Check-out

Animal Art Adventures

Location: St. Paul
Grades: 3-6
Cost: $190

Express your love for animals through art! At this new weeklong half-day program, campers will tap into their inner artists while working on daily animal-themed crafts including drawing, sculpting, painting, weaving, and jewelry making. Join us at our University Avenue site where some of our projects  — like this decorated E-collar — will even benefit the pets receiving treatment at the vet center.

*Is a half-day at AHS just not enough? Offered select weeks and as space allows, sign up for Animal Science Explorers from 9 AM 12 PM and Animal Art Adventures from 14 PM. Bring your own lunch and AHS will provide supervision between program times, turning the half-day program into a full-day of fun.

St. Paul — University Avenue camp schedule
DateTimeGrade Level
June 10-141-4 PM3-6
*June 24-281-4 PM3-6
July 15-191-4 PM3-6
*July 22-261-4 PM3-6
*Aug 12-161-4 PM3-6
Aug 19-231-4 PM3-6
Sample camp itinerary

Want to know what your camper will do each day? Here is an example of what to expect at Animal Art Adventures:

9 AM — Check-in
9:15 AM — Paint Mixing Introduction
9:30 AM — Pet Painting
10 AM — Snack
10:15 AM  Art Service Project
11:15 AM — Project Worktime
12 PM — Check-out

Exploring Animal Careers

Location: St. Paul
Grades: 7-8, 9-10
Cost: $190

Did you know there are over 100 different jobs at Animal Humane Society? It's true! At this weeklong half-day program, campers will have opportunities to learn about and practice skills needed to be a Pet Helpline Representative, Veterinary Technician, Social Media Strategist, Animal Trainer, and Humane Educator with Animal Humane Society. Campers will meet AHS staff at our University Avenue site and join us as we explore pathways to a career helping animals!

St. Paul — University Avenue camp schedule
DateTimeGrade Level
June 10-149 AM – 12 PM7,8
June 17-219 AM – 12 PM9,10
July 8-129 AM – 12 PM7,8
July 15-199 AM – 12 PM9,10
July 29-Aug 29 AM – 12 PM7,8
Aug 5-99 AM – 12 PM9,10
Aug 19-239 AM – 12 PM7,8
Sample camp itinerary

Want to know what your camper will do each day? Here is an example of what to expect at Exploring Animal Careers:

9 AM — Check-in
9:15 AM — Professional Development Activity
9:30 AM — Career Exploration
10 AM — Snack
10:15 AM — Shadow Vet Technicians / Watch surgery
11:15 AM — Job Roleplay
12 PM — Check-out


Full-day Summer Camps

AHS Shelter Explorers 
Locations: Golden Valley, Woodbury, Coon Rapids
Grades: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Cost: $380

Prepare for five days of fun at one of our three shelter-based camp locations this summer! At AHS Shelter Explorers, campers will practice reading animal body language, participate in animal-related crafts, play games, and experience animal interactions throughout the week. Have fun while learning all about your shelter site and what it takes to be an animal advocate!

Golden Valley camp schedule
DateTimeGrade Level
June 10-149 AM – 4 PM3,4
June 10-149 AM – 4 PM5,6
June 17-219 AM – 4 PM7,8
June 17-219 AM – 4 PM5,6
June 24-289 AM – 4 PM3,4
June 24-289 AM – 4 PM5,6
July 8-129 AM – 4 PM7,8
July 8-129 AM – 4 PM5,6
July 15-199 AM – 4 PM3,4
July 15-199 AM – 4 PM5,6
July 22-269 AM – 4 PM3,4
July 22-269 AM – 4 PM5,6
July 29-Aug 29 AM – 4 PM7,8
July 29-Aug 29 AM – 4 PM3,4
Aug 5-99 AM – 4 PM3,4
Aug 5-99 AM – 4 PM7,8
Aug 12-169 AM – 4 PM5,6
Aug 12-169 AM – 4 PM7,8
Aug 19-239 AM – 4 PM3,4
Aug 19-239 AM – 4 PM5,6
Coon Rapids camp schedule
DateTimeGrade Level
June 10-149 AM – 4 PM7,8
June 17-219 AM – 4 PM5,6
June 24-289 AM – 4 PM3,4
July 8-129 AM – 4 PM3,4
July 15-199 AM – 4 PM5,6
July 22-269 AM – 4 PM7,8
July 29-Aug 29 AM – 4 PM3,4
Aug 5-99 AM – 4 PM5,6
Aug 12-169 AM – 4 PM7,8
Aug 19-239 AM – 4 PM5,6
Woodbury camp schedule
DateTimeGrade Level
June 10-149 AM – 4 PM5,6
June 17-219 AM – 4 PM3,4
June 24-289 AM – 4 PM7,8
July 8-129 AM – 4 PM5,6
July 15-199 AM – 4 PM7,8
July 22-269 AM – 4 PM3,4
July 29-Aug 29 AM – 4 PM5,6
Aug 5-99 AM – 4 PM7,8
Aug 12-169 AM – 4 PM3,4
Aug 19-239 AM – 4 PM5,6
Sample camp itinerary

Want to know what your camper will do each day? Here is an example of what to expect at AHS Shelter Explorers:

9 AM — Check-in
9:15 AM — Games
9:30 AM — Animal Time
10 AM — Snack
10:15 AM — Animal Care Workshop
12 PM — Lunch
12:45 PM — Games
1 PM  Animal Time
1:30 PM — Craft
2:15 PM — Education Activity
3 PM — Shelter Task or Service Project
3:30 PM — Animal Time
4 PM — Check-out

Did you know AHS also hosts camp programs during the school year?

If your young animal lover is a fan of our summer camp programs, check out more opportunities to immerse your child in all things animal during the school year with our single day school year camps.


Questions?

If you have questions about youth programs at AHS complete our contact form.

For caring, compassionate advice and resources to address all your animal concerns.

Contact the Pet Helpline