Critter Camp
Hey kids! Do you enjoy animals from around the world? If so, this camp is for you! The Escondido Humane Society’s trained educational staff will have many, many different animals for you to see, hold, play with and feed. Some of the animals are familiar, such as puppies, kittens and bunnies, but others are more exotic, such as snakes, lizards and insects. Past camps have offered wild animals such as monkeys, alligators and hedgehogs.
Critter Camp will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. July 7-11 at the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. Cost is $65 for one week. All campers must be ages 6 through 12. Registration is now open. Call (760) 888-2261 to enroll.
Click here to download the Critter Camp application
Click here to download the Critter Camp waiver
Reading with Sunny and Annie
Therapy dogs, Sunny and Annie, love going to local elementary schools and having the children read to them their favorite books. Based on the highly successful program run by the local libraries, this experience gives the students the opportunity to read aloud to the two dogs in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. The goal is to foster a lifetime love of reading.
Classroom Visits
A humane educator comes to individual classrooms, grades preschool through college, and teaches a grade and age appropriate lesson dealing with a wide range of humane education topics. Some topics discussed might be: dog bite prevention, (particularly for the younger students), responsible pet ownership, overpopulation of pets (with particular emphasis on the importance of spaying and neutering), and possible careers working with animals. Videos, interactive games, story and art are all used to teach topics. A visit with our shelter animals is always included, school permitting. Contact Ina at (760) 888-2261.
Community Youth Groups
The Education Department works closely with the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, YMCA, and other youth groups to offer programs designed to meet a variety of requests. We also offer camp programs, workshops, and visits to their meeting sites. Youth groups are welcome to tour our facility and complete all requirements for an animal badge.
Birthday Parties
Children who love animals and are celebrating a birthday are welcome to have a birthday party at the Escondido Humane Society. The Education staff will make the day special by showing you and your guests our beautiful new facility. This is a hands-on party so everyone gets to meet, pet and play with our special furry and not so furry creatures. A private room will be set aside for your use to open presents and have cake (that you provide). Reservations are required.
Time: Two and a half hours, usually on Saturday
Cost: $100 for up to 15 children and $5 each additional child
Ages: 2 and up
Internships
The Education Department offers high school seniors and college students the opportunity to become an intern and get school credit. Hours and jobs are varied but an appreciation of animals and the ability to work comfortably with children and/or adults is required. A time commitment of at least one semester is also required.
Please click here for more information on our internship program