Summer Critter Camp 2019

Activities will be similar to the following and may include:

1. Bearded dragons may not breathe fire like mythical dragons, but they do have unique ways to defend themselves. Find out what those are as you interact with one of these awesome reptiles.
2. Interact with a goat and learn about the amazing adaptation that gives them excellent peripheral vision.
3. The ability for humans to use our imagination to solve problems is one thing that sets us apart from other animals, but how can we use this ability to reduce the number of endangered species? Brainstorm ideas as you meet a California desert tortoise.
4. Meet and pet a miniature horse as you discuss their strong presence in mythical art and literature.
5. Do reptiles deserve their negative depiction in ancient myths? Learn the answer when you meet a snake.
6. Hold a guinea pig and learn about some of their awesome abilities that might exceed your expectations.
7. Show off your ability to bring your creative ideas to life as you make unique crafts.
8. Hold a Madagascar hissing cockroach as you uncover the fact that these tiny critters actually have a BIG job in their natural habitat.
9. Have you ever fantasized about being able to fly? Discover how a bird’s anatomy allows it to soar in the sky as a parrot perches on your toes.
10. We often dream of a world in which all pets have loving homes. Discover why it’s important to adopt instead of shop as you get a behind the scenes look at the Adoptions department.
11. Pet or groom a sheep and find out why they are so important to the world as we know it.
12. Come up with your own mythical creature or invent a new game as you participate in awesome activities.

Species and activities may vary depending on animal health, safety and availability.
Must be at least 5-years-old to pet/hold reptiles.

This is not a full list of the animals that campers will interact with during the week – they will meet the majority of the species who are a part of the Education department.

 Activities will be similar to the following and may include:

1. Pet a chicken and find out whether or not these birds are really dinosaurs’ closest living relatives!
2. Some transformations that animals go through over time are not due to natural adaptations, but rather because of human interference. Learn more about this as you interact with a leopard gecko.
3. Scientists often work in teams when researching ancient animals. Strengthen your collaborative and social skills as you play thrilling games and participate in awesome activities.
4. Pet an alpaca as you learn about their changing roles throughout the years.
5. Discover the amazing adaptations that allow hermit crabs to use abandoned shells as their homes.
6. Interact with a snake and find out how these reptiles continue to benefit the ecosystem.
7. Pet a pigeon and learn how these feathered friends helped us send messages before communication went digital.
8. Guinea pigs have been popular as pets for thousands of years. Find out what makes them such great pets and what goes into their care as you hold one of these cute critters.
9. What methods do researchers use to identify which ancient species are related to modern ones? Discover the ways as you interact with a rabbit.
10. Meet a blue-tongue skink as you discuss how bright colors in nature historically signify danger, but not always!
11. Are turtles more closely related to dinosaurs and birds or lizards and snakes? Scientists recently made a discovery that tells us the answer… see for yourself as you interact with a box turtle.
12. Meet a miniature donkey and travel back in time to find out how they helped people in ancient civilizations.

Species and activities may vary depending on animal health, safety and availability.
Must be at least 5-years-old to pet/hold reptiles.

This is not a full list of the animals that campers will interact with during the week – they will meet the majority of the species that are a part of the Education department.

Activities will be similar to the following and may include:

1. Earn 5 hours of community service by participating in a full week of camp (1 hour each day.)
2. Care for, feed and interact with barn animals, such as sheep, alpacas and chickens.
3. Meet professionals in the animal industry and learn about the various career options you can pursue if you hope to work with animals one day.
4. Care for, feed and interact with exotic pets, such as parrots, rabbits, bearded dragons, turtles, tortoises and guinea pigs.
5. Visit Therapeutic Riding to see how the horses help people strengthen their motor skills and sharpen their cognitive abilities.
6. Assist our barn staff with various tasks, such as taking animals for a walk and bathing a miniature horse!
7. Help plan and lead Critter Camp activities for grades Preschool–4th.
8. Learn about Pet Encounter Therapy and interact with some of our therapy animals.
9. Help socialize our Education animals and learn how to animal handle like a Critter Camp instructor.
10. Make crafts, play fun games, make new friends and experience hands-on interactions with tons of animals!
11. Tour the Equine Hospital and Adoptions department and learn about the different aspects of animal care.

Species and activities may vary depending on animal health, safety and availability.

This is not a full list of the animals that campers will interact with during the week – they will meet the majority of the species that are a part of the Education department.