Thanksgiving Critter Camp

November 24th-26th 2025

Preschool – 6^th Grade

Daily sign ups available!

Get ready to celebrate the season of gratitude in the most pawsome way possible! Join us this Thanksgiving as we embark on an unforgettable adventure with our amazing animal ambassadors. Discover the incredible ways animals enrich our lives and learn how we can give back through hands-on interactions with a variety of species. Campers will dive into heartwarming crafts, exciting games, and engaging activities that spark compassion and create lifelong memories. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to connect with nature and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!

Camp Times, Rates, Discounts and Details

Preschool – 6th Grade

$101 per child, per day
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Extended Care option: Early drop-off at 8:00 am and/or extended day to 5:00 pm available for an additional fee, per day.
All campers must be at least 4 years old and able to use the bathroom independently.

Discounts

15% off camp tuition for active military. Call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 406 for the coupon code.
Your child may be eligible for a scholarship! Please visit our website by clicking here to find out more.
Your camp fee may provide a partial tax credit, check with your tax professional to see if you qualify!

Details

All campers must be able to use the restroom confidently and on their own.
Must be at least 5 years old to pet reptiles.
Animals assigned to a theme may vary depending on animal health, safety, and availability.
Please provide your child with a snack and water bottle each day.
Lunch can be purchased for an additional fee, per child, per day, before 9:30 am. It includes a main entrée and two sides. It is listed as a separate activity that you sign each child up for
We know that camp sounds fun for kids and adults, but this camp is for kids only!
- Aides are suggested for camp if your child regularly works with one. Camp has frequent transitions that may make an aide more necessary during camp than at school. All aides must be fingerprinted through Helen Woodward Animal Center in order to attend camp. Please call us at 858-756-4117 ext. 318 so that we can help them complete the fingerprint process. It may take up to 7 days to receive fingerprinting results.

-Jean M. “It's so nice to be exposed to different animals that the kids don't usually have access to. I love that the animals are more varied than just "cats or dogs".
-Kirstie D. “Only camp he asks to go back to!”
-Lindsay B. “My 5yo says she wishes she could quit school and just go to animal camp every day instead!”
-Kristin G. “My daughter was so happy at the end of each day. She loved the animals.”

Your program fee helps support all of our adoptable animals, as well as the many human and animal services Helen Woodward Animal Center provides.

For more information:

Please contact us at education@animalcenter.org or 858-756-4117 ext.318

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