Teaching the next generation of animal advocates !
Grade levels listed below indicate which camp is appropriate for your child based on the grade they've completed. Youths must be registered for the appropriate camp that matches their grade.
Camp Photos
Is an Animal Friends camp right for your child?
Our camps could be a great option if your child:
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Loves Animals
All camps include interacting with animals in a safe and monitored environment.
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Enjoys Hands-On Activities
Our camps provide plenty of opportunities for animal handling while learning how to safely care for them in a supervised setting.
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Is Creative
If your child enjoys using their imagination and getting creative, this camp offers plenty of opportunities for artistic expression, whether it’s crafting, making animal-related art, or engaging in role-playing activities.
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Is Interested in an Animal Related Career
We provide valuable insights into various fields such as animal care, training and veterinary science.
Our camps may not be right for you if your child:
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Needs All-Day Childcare
We do not provide pre- or post- camp childcare.
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Has a Fear or Allergy of Animals
Our camps are not appropriate for those who are allergic or fearful of dogs, cats or rabbits.
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Struggles with Following Instruction
For the safety of the children and animals, all campers or apprentices must be able to follow verbal directions or be accompanied by an adult assistant.
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Requires Constant Supervision
Animal Friends' Camp Staff may not be equipped to provide individual accommodations for issues that could disrupt the learning environment or affect the safety of others.
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Has a Severe Nut Allergy
Animal Friends is not a nut-free facility.
Please Note: While we strive to provide meaningful and appropriate animal interactions, they are just one of many activities offered during each camp/mini apprenticeship. Interactions are dependent on the consent & well-being of the animals and are therefore not guaranteed.
Upcoming Camps
Our camps sell out quickly!
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for a sold out camp, please provide your name, phone number and the specific name of the camp you are interested in attending, to Donna at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
2025-2026 Winter Workshops
Registration Opens November 1
Get ready to have a blast and help animals this winter! These hands-on workshops let you discover how to keep dogs, cats, and rabbits safe in the cold, tackle fun pet challenges, and craft cool toys and treats to take home—or donate. Bring your creativity, your holiday spirit, and your love for animals—because learning about pets has never been this fun!
Bonus Fun: Holiday PJs welcome (with closed-toed shoes)
Grades 1-3
Winter Paws: Pet Care Adventures
Young animal lovers dive into winter pet care, discover pets’ needs in cold weather, and make enrichment toys to keep or donate.
Session One:
Date: December 20
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $40
Session Two:
Date: January 3
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $40
Grades 4-5
Winter Tails: Caring & Creating
Kids get hands-on with winter pet safety, build empathy, and decorate enrichment treats and toys for home or shelter animals.
Session One:
Date: December 20
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $40
Session Two:
Date: January 3
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $40
Grades 6-8
Frosty Friends: Five Freedoms in Winter
Middle schoolers tackle seasonal challenges, apply the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, and create enrichment toys to help pets thrive in winter.
Date: January 3
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $40
Grades 9-12
Animal Allies: Five Freedoms in Action
High schoolers dive deeper into real-world pet care, problem-solve seasonal challenges, and design enrichment projects for animals in need.
Date: January 3
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $40