In my home, the pets outnumber the humans. Our furry friends’ cuddles, goofiness and unconditional love support us through our days and connect us as a family. And studies show that interacting with animals decreases levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and boosts our moods, so any time spent with animals is a good time.
This is why an animal-themed summer camp can be a great option for our kids. Whether your children love marine life, exotic animals or want to spend quality time with dogs and cats, here are a few of the best animal-focused camps around town to give your animal lover an unforgettable experience during the dog days of summer (Yep, pun definitely intended.)
spcaLA: Friends for Life
If you’re eager to help your child build empathy and self-confidence while helping shelter pets, check out spcaLA: Friends for Life Summer Camp. “Friends for Life Camp is hands-on humane education at its best,” says Ana Bustilloz, director of communications and marketing with spcaLA.
Campers ages 9-11 are introduced to the basics of animal handling and dog training, and they also get to enjoy some kitty playtime. Campers ages 12-14 work with shelter pets using positive reinforcement dog obedience, participate in agility training and practice socialization with adoptable cats. Both groups learn how to interpret dog and cat behaviors and how to interact with them. “By the end of the week, the campers become humane education ambassadors and enthusiastic animal welfare advocates,” says Bustilloz. This week-long camp in Long Beach starts at the end of June and runs through mid-August. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. spcala.com/camp
STAR Eco Station
Hosting camps for more than 25 years, STAR Eco Station in Culver City is for kids who are passionate about animals and the environment. Whether it’s talking to parrots, meeting alligators or feeding a sulcata tortoise, Daniel Osborne, assistant outreach director with STAR Eco Station says, “campers benefit from a sense of empowerment that they’re stewards and advocates for the environment and all the animals that live there.”
Camp days include creative art projects, understanding animal care and hands-on lessons in conservation, all of which create space for friendships to flourish. Camp is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with options to extend) and welcomes children in transitional kindergarten to 5th grade. The station also hosts programming throughout the year. “Campers come to understand they have the power to make a difference in the way we treat our planet and animal friends,” Osborne says. ecostation.org/eco-camps
Los Angeles Zoo Camp
If your child loves a good zoo day, then they’ll gopher the week-long Zoo Camp at the Los Angeles Zoo!
The mission of its camp is to bring “the wild world a little closer to the city,” organizers say. Here, campers in pre-kindergarten to 6th grade learn about nature, conservation and, of course, the animals. Themes change each week, so your kiddos can discover new elements about the world around them. From exploring the world of primates, to traveling through the rain forest where your child can check out monkeys and tapirs, to learning about animals’ native environments, your children are sure to find a subject close to their hearts. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended morning and evening care options. Check the LA Zoo website for summertime dates.
Gilchrist Farm
Kids who love farm animals and spending time out in nature will thrive at Gilchrist Farm Summer Camp in Santa Clarita. Get ready to milk goats, shear sheep, gather eggs… and who doesn’t want to pet some pigs and bunnies? Oh, and let’s not forget the horseback riding opportunities this camp offers both new and experienced riders.
Studies show that spending time outdoors contributes to cognitive and emotional development, so don’t forget to pack your child’s sunscreen for this all-outside camp experience. Activities include soap and candle making, woodworking and teamwork-building games such as sack races, water balloon tosses and horseshoes. Camp is suitable for ages 5 and up and starts May 28. It runs weekly through the beginning of August. Visit gilchristfarm.com for details.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Starting from age 3 and swimming up to age 12, day camps at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach give your child the chance to engage with marine life in an exciting way. “Campers can build personal connections, friendships and confidence through peer interactions and engaging hands-on experiences,” says Marilyn Padilla, guest support specialist for the aquarium.
Watch your child’s curiosity and respect for ocean animals and their habitats grow as they touch and explore tide pool animals, tour exhibits and watch and participate in animal feeds. Visit aquariumofpacific.org for reservations, pricing and dates. As Padilla says, aquarium camp encourages lifelong learning through positive approaches and singular hands-on experiences. Tell your kids to get ready for a fin-tastic time!
Tonilyn Hornung is an author and freelance writer who lives with her husband, son and many furry friends.
