Humane Society
Camps
Our Humane Education camps take place at our Bird Campus located at 1300 S Bird Street, Boise, ID 83709.
Camps
Camp participants will engage in activities designed to enrich the lives of animals in their homes and community. Together, we’ll foster connections, build camaraderie, and explore the importance of kindness toward both humans and animals. Students will discover the importance of enriching activities for animals, learning practical strategies to reduce stress and prevent boredom in pets, creating happier and healthier lives for our furry friends.
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HALF-DAY CAMP STUDENT SERVICE: $25/Session
Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Idaho Human Rights Day
Presidents’ Day
Spring Break
These half-day camps offer students a chance to actively support the shelter through hands-on service. Participants will gain insight into the daily rhythms of shelter life, discover what shelter animals need, learn about Student Service, and develop skills to be powerful animal advocates. The program is ideal for students seeking service hours or those eager to contribute.
School Break Camp Descriptions
Each camp will include (different each day):
- Take home resources
- A scavenger hunt to learn about the residents and the shelter
- An activity to help the shelter and its residents
- A special guest teacher
- Animal behavior lesson
- Bite prevention tips
- Ideas to spread the word
- An overview of IHS—what we do and who we are
Has your child joined us for a camp before? Are you new to IHS camps? Join us!
We have new games and hands-on activities to share with your child during these school breaks. Each of these one-day camp sessions is unique, as the curriculum is adapted to the changing needs and residents of the shelter. This means repeat campers are always welcome and will have a fresh, new experience every time. Our small group sizes also ensure a low teacher-to-child ratio, allowing for personal attention and better learning.
Give your child an unforgettable day of fun, education, and compassion. Sign up today and help them make a difference in the lives of shelter animals!
HALF-DAY CAMP STUDENT SERVICE: $25/Session
During these half day camps, students will roll up their sleeves to help the shelter – all the while learning about the ins and outs of shelter life, what shelter animals need daily, and how to be an advocate for animals. These sessions are perfect for those students in need of service hours or for those who just want to help.
Camp Basics
- Location: Idaho Humane Society Camps are held in the Humane Education wing of our Bird St Shelter. Address is 1300 S Bird St, Boise ID 83709. (Enter through the North entrance of the building and look for the “Education Center” sign.)
- Ages: Camp curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate for a specific age-range, and we are unable to accommodate requests to enroll campers who do not meet the age specifications. We also have Service Sessions available—3rd – 12th grade.
- Times:
- Full-Day Camp: Starts at 9:00 a.m. with doors opening ten minutes before drop-off. Camp will end promptly at 3:30 p.m., and childcare is not available after hours.
- Half-Day Camp: Two camps are offered: 9:00 a.m. to Noon, or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Camp will end promptly at the specified time and childcare is not available after hours.
- Attire: Be sure your camper is dressed appropriately for a day in the shelter and animal interaction. Closed-toed shoes, long pants or Bermuda shorts, and shirts that cover the midriff and shoulders are ideal for safe pet interactions. Campers not wearing the required clothing may not be able to interact with animals. Please label sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, and lunchboxes.
- Disabled Campers: If your camper has a disability that could impact their ability to safely handle animals, follow instructions, or regulate their emotions, please contact our Humane Education Coordinator to discuss if and how we can best accommodate their needs.
Camp Information
- Because of our interactions with animals and the environment of the shelter, we are unable to accommodate animal and/or peanut allergies.
- Socialization with animals will be based on the availability of appropriate shelter pets. There may be days that we do not handle animals.
- Lunch and snacks will not be provided. Please pack hearty lunches (full day) and snacks to fuel our fun!
- Cell phones are not allowed at camp. Please be sure your camper leaves cell phones and other electronics at home. Our Education Coordinator will always have our Camp phone for you to contact us or your child and for your child to call you if requested. We will include the number in the Camp Info Email the week before camp!
Why IHS Camps?
Why IHS camps?
- Low teacher/child ratio
We engage the whole child through movement, art, social games and learning - Kindness towards animals often creates a ripple effect on humans
- Humane education equips children to understand age-appropriate complex issues while promoting empathy and compassion
- Learning about animal body language and approaching animals, prevents injuries
- Every day at the shelter is different—providing unique experiences each time
Camp programming is designed to teach children age-appropriate animal welfare topics and curriculum. Daily activities might include hands-on interactions with shelter animals, educational games, arts and crafts projects, guest speakers, and more.
Camps are a terrific way for children to gain experience with animals, learn how to be safe and respectful around them and have fun while learning. Each session will explore animal care and behavior, IHS goals and mission, humane awareness, compassion, and service. Camp curriculum changes each session because it is altered based on the interests of the children and the changing shelter residents, so repeat campers are welcome!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications are OPEN for Camps.
If you applied for a camp scholarship, please check for an email from us.
Refunds
- Full refunds will be available until 2 weeks in advance of the start of your child’s camp.
- Any requests for refunds in less than 2 weeks will be reviewed by leadership on a case-by-case basis.
- The user can initiate the refund for camp via the link included in the confirmation email.
Education is a crucial component of the Idaho Humane Society’s mission to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane awareness and compassion. We strive to share the shelter’s mission and programs, teach younger generations about humane care for pets, and safety around animals.