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Winter Critter Camp

Winter Critter Camp

Winter 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.

December 18
December 21–24 (no camp on 12/25)
December 28—31 (no camp on 1/1)
January 4

Kindergarten through 6th Grade
Daily sign ups available

SIGN UP TODAY!

What does winter mean for animals? Your kids can find out at Winter Critter Camp in San Diego! Campers will discover why chinchillas don’t mind being chilly, how reptiles deal with falling temperatures and how other critters cope with the changes caused by the cold weather. Each day includes hands-on animal encounters, cute crafts, awesome activities and the chance to connect with peers.

Winter Camp Themes

Monday – Cozy Critters

Winter might not be so bad for our fluffy friends, but what about the cold-blooded critters? Interact with a goat, frog, box turtle, hermit crab and chinchilla as you learn about the amazing adaptations that help these animals survive in the cold.

Tuesday – Dashing Through the Snow

It’s fun to frolic around in the snow, but it can be hard to do when you’re bundled up from head to toe! Meet a ball python, alpaca, pigeon or dove, millipede and tortoise as you learn about their unique movements and how the chilly weather affects their mobility.

Wednesday – Family FURst

Meet a duck, rabbit, bearded dragon, small parrot and sheep as you find out how animal families help each other during the harsh winter months.

Thursday – Large or Small, Cherish Them All

Interact with a rosy boa, large parrot, dog, Madagascar hissing cockroach and miniature donkey as you gain a better understanding of why we should show compassion for all kinds of critters.

Friday – There’s Snow Place Like Home!

Meet a miniature horse, guinea pig, blue-tongued skink, chicken and leopard gecko as you discover what kind of environment these animals live in and whether or not they stay put as the temperature drops. *This theme only takes place on 12/18, as there is no camp on 12/25 or 1/1.

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

Winter Camp Times, Rates, Options, and Discounts

Daily Winter Camp Times

9 a.m.–3 p.m.

 *Extended Care is offered from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. for $20 per child, per day. No extended care hours on 12/24 or 12/31.

 

Daily Winter Camp Rates

$82 per child, per day

*Hot lunch is available for $9 per day and includes an entrée and two sides. Please provide your child 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 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 coupon code.)
  • Automatically receive $5 off each day’s 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.)

Your camp fee may provide a partial tax credit. Check with your tax professional to see if you qualify!

SIGN UP HERE

Click here to carefully review the safety protocols. (Subject to change, last updated 9/30/20)

  • 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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