Teaching the next generation of animal advocates !
Camps & Workshops for Every Young Animal Friend!
Our programs are designed to spark curiosity, kindness, and compassion—through stories, hands-on activities, and furry friend adventures!
Grade Levels: Listed below to help you choose the perfect program for your child based on the grade they are attending. Please be sure to register for the camp or workshop that matches your child’s current grade.
Whether it’s a week-long camp full of animal adventures or a one-day workshop packed with fun learning, there’s something for every young animal lover!
Camp Photos
Is an Animal Friends camp or workshop right for your child?
Our programs 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 programs 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, our programs 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 programs 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 or workshop childcare.
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Has a Fear or Allergy of Animals
Our programs 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 participants must be able to follow verbal directions or be accompanied by an adult assistant.
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Requires Constant Supervision
Animal Friends' 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 program. Interactions are dependent on the consent & well-being of the animals and are therefore not guaranteed.
Upcoming Camps & Workshops
Registration is currently closed for the 2026 Summer Camp season. Please check back for our Winter Camp registration in November.
Our programs sell out quickly!
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for a sold out camp or workshop, please provide your name, phone number and the specific name of the program you are interested in attending to AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Workshops
Painting Paws & Pumpkins: A Fall Animal Adventure
A One-Day Fall Animal Workshop | For Students in 4th Grade and above
Grab your paintbrush and get ready for a day of fall fun! Young artists will create a framed portrait of their family pet or choose a shelter pet to paint and celebrate. All painting supplies are included, and each participant will take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to treasure. Animal lovers will also whip up pumpkin-flavored dog treats, enjoy pawsome fall activities, and discover fun ways to help keep animals happy, healthy, and safe. A special fall-themed snack is included to keep everyone fueled for a day full of creativity, compassion, and fun!
Note: Please provide a photo of the family pet or the artist will choose from one of our shelter pets.
Registration Opens August 3, 2026.
Date: Saturday, October 10
Time: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuition: $95 - Tuition includes-painting supplies, a framed pet portrait, guided instruction, a fall snack and a full day of creative animal fun!
Registration Opens October 9th!
Camps
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)
Holiday Helpers Caring for Critters
Grades 1-3
Celebrate the holiday season with two afternoons of festive fun for young animal lovers! Campers will discover how to care for pets through hands-on activities, creative holiday crafts, interactive games, and engaging animal care lessons. They'll create special projects to benefit shelter animals, explore pet safety, learn how animals communicate through body language, and enjoy holiday-themed snacks each day. With plenty of opportunities to create, explore, and give back, this winter camp is the perfect way to celebrate the season while learning how to help animals. All supplies are included.
Dates: Tuesday, December 29 & Wednesday, December 30
Time: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Tuition: $105.00
Holiday Helpers: Winter Pet Care Adventure
Grades 4-6
Get ready for two afternoons packed with holiday fun, creativity, and animal adventures! Campers will tackle hands-on challenges, create enrichment projects for shelter pets, test their animal knowledge through interactive games, and explore what it takes to keep pets happy, healthy, and safe. Along the way, they'll discover how animals communicate through body language, strengthen their pet care skills, and work together to solve real-world animal care challenges. Holiday snacks are included each day, and all project supplies are provided. It's the perfect winter adventure for animal lovers who are ready to learn, create, and make a difference!
Dates: Tuesday, December 29 & Wednesday, December 30
Time: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Tuition: $105.00