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Spring Critter Camp

Spring Break Critter Camp

In order to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, this program has several safety protocols in place, which were created based on CDC guidance. Policies are subject to change; please review this webpage carefully.

This website contains information regarding in-person camp, but if you’re looking for virtual enrichment, we have options for that as well! Click here to view details.

Spring Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center

March 29–April 2
April 5–9
April 12–16

Preschool through 6th Grade
Daily sign-ups available

REGISTER HERE

Kids in San Diego can spend spring break with awesome animals at Critter Camp! Your child’s appreciation for all animals will flourish as they interact with cute critters, create crafts, play games and more. Each day has a unique theme and a variety of species for kids to meet. Sign up for multiple days or come to just one; either way, your kids are sure to have fun!

Spring Camp Themes

Monday – Cheerful Chirping: The sun is shining and the birds are chirping; what do critters communicate about and how do they take in information? Kids will learn the answer as they interact with a goat, large parrot, blue-tongued skink or bearded dragon, rabbit and hermit crab.

Tuesday – Hoppy To Be Home: Campers will interact with an alpaca, duck, turtle, chinchilla and blue-tongued skink or bearded dragon as they discover what “home” means for each of these animals and how their adaptations help them during transitional times.

Wednesday – Nourish and Flourish: This warm season brings a bounty of food, which is wonderful news for growing critters! Campers will find out about the eating habits of each animal while they meet a sheep, dove, snake, tortoise and Madagascar hissing cockroach.

Thursday – When is it best to leave the nest?: While interacting with a miniature horse, chicken, frog, guinea pig and small parrot, campers will find out which animal families bloom during spring and will discover the different parenting styles that exist in nature.

Friday – Best Buds: Spring is a time of new beginnings, so how can we re-write the story of our relationship with animals and the planet we share? Kids will find out as they meet a miniature donkey, pigeon, leopard gecko, dog and millipede.

Species may vary depending on animal health and safety

Must be at least 5-years-old to pet reptiles

Spring Camp Times, Rates & Discounts

Daily Spring Camp Times

Preschool (must be at least 4 years old): 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Kindergarten through 6th Grade: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

*Extended Care is offered from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. for $20 per child, per day for Kindergarten through 6th Grade.

**We also offer an 8 a.m. drop-off for Preschool for $10 per child, per day. (No late pickup available for Preschool)

 

Daily Spring Camp Rates

Preschool (must be at least 4 years old): $65 per child, per day

Kindergarten through 6th Grade: $85 per child, per day

*Hot lunch is available for $9 per day and includes an entrée and two sides. Please provide your child with a snack and water bottle each day.

*All campers must be able to use the restroom confidently and on their own.

*We know that camp sounds fun for kids AND adults, but this camp is for kids only! **If your child has an aide at school and you plan to have them come to camp with your child, please call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 so that we can help them complete the fingerprint process. All aides MUST be fingerprinted through us in order to attend camp. Due to the limited space during COVID-19, you must purchase a registration for the aide as well.**

 

Camp Discounts

  • 15% off camp tuition for active military (Call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 for the code.)
  • Automatically receive $5 off camp tuition when registering siblings. (Must register siblings at the same time. Applies to one sibling.)
  • Automatically receive the 5th day free if you register for 5 sessions. (Per child. Must register for the sessions at the same time.)

Register for Spring Critter Camp in San Diego today!

CLICK HERE

Click here to carefully review the safety protocols. (Subject to change, last updated 1/8/21)

  • Groups will have a maximum of 8 campers with two staff members, and the different groups will be kept separate at all times.
  • We will check temperatures and give a short health questionnaire at check-in. Please keep your child out of the direct sunlight or warm environments to avoid incorrectly high temperature readings.
  • Masks are required and must be worn at all times. Please ensure that everyone wears a mask during check-in and check-out (excluding children under the age of 2).
  • No activities will involve running or too much movement.
  • We will go over proper hygiene each day.
  • We will maintain 6 ft. distance whenever possible.
    • Staff will facilitate the animal interactions with each child, one at a time.
  • Campers will be given hand sanitizer directly before and after each animal interaction. We will encourage routine and thorough hand-washing as well, which will always be done before snack and lunch.
  • We will clean and disinfect all areas daily.
  • Please refrain from sending your kids if they have a fever or display symptoms like coughing, sore throat or headache.

**Protocols are subject to change. You can reach us at education@animalcenter.org or 858-756-4117 ext. 318 if you have any questions or concerns.

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