Humane Society
Camps
Summer Break Camps – Open for Registration!
Our Humane Education camps take place at our Bird Campus located at 1300 S Bird Street, Boise, ID 83709.
Spring & Summer Camps
SUMMER 2024: We’re thrilled to introduce our four-day and one-day camps tailored for children aged 6 to 14, where they can immerse themselves in the world of animals and enjoy an enriching learning experience filled with fun activities. Join us as we embark on an adventure where education meets excitement, creating unforgettable memories for young minds.
SPRING 2024: Spring into spring at IHS! In these one-day camps, we will explore the baby animals in our community and what it takes to care for them. We will discuss puppies, kittens and other youngsters and how to give them the best start in life! Come to the shelter to learn the importance of early training, care and socialization of the younger animals in our lives.
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Camps are a terrific way for children to gain experience with animals and have fun while learning. Each session will explore animal care and behavior, IHS goals and mission, humane awareness, compassion, and service. We strive to share the shelter’s purpose and programs and teach younger generations about humane care for pets and safety around animals. Camp curriculum changes each session, so repeat campers are welcome!
Camp Basics
- Location: Idaho Humane Society Summer Camps are held in the Humane Education wing of our Bird St Adoption Center. Address is 1300 S Bird St, Boise ID 83709.
- Ages: Summer camp is for kids ages 6-14. 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. If your kiddo is 5 or under, check out our PAWs program. We also have Student Service sessions available—with summer dates coming soon!
- Summer Camp fees:
- $205 for week-long camps
- $55 for a one-day camp
- Times: Camp Programming begins at 8:30 a.m. and doors will open at 8:20 a.m. for drop off. Camp will end promptly at 3:30 p.m. and there is no childcare after hours.
- Attire: Be sure your camper is dressed appropriately for a day in the shelter and animal interaction. Closed-toed shoes, long pants, and shirts that cover the midriff and shoulders are required for safe pet interactions. Campers not wearing the required clothing will be unable to interact with animals.
- 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 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 or Volunteer Services Manager 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!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications are now closed for the 2024 camp season. If you applied for a camp scholarship, please check for an email from us.
Refunds
- Full refunds will be available 30 days in advance of the start of your child’s camp.
- Any requests for refunds less than 30 days in advance will be reviewed by leadership on a case by case basis.
- Please fill out our form to get started.
1-Day SPRING Camp Descriptions & Dates
Our Spring Break Camps are FULL.
One-Day Camp Dates and Description (8:30 am-3:30 pm) Doors open at 8:20 am for dropoff.
During these one-day camps, groups will focus on enriching the lives of the animals in our homes and community. We will listen to experts and research the ways in which we can support the emotional and physical well-being of pets. Students will learn why animals need enriching activities and understand how to curb stress and boredom in pets. We will learn the art of playing with pets through hands-on DIY activities.
- Monday, March 18: Ages 6-8 years.
- Focus on Kittens: We will learn about our shelter residents and the people who care for them. As we head into kitten season, we will explore kitten parenting, kitten behavior, and some of the ways to build better relationships with the kittens (and other animals!) in our homes and communities.
- Tuesday, March 19: Ages 8-10 years.
- Caring for Baby Animals: We will learn how older and baby animals’ needs differ. We will learn about kitten season and what we can do to support our feline friends.
- Wednesday, March 20: Ages 10-12 years.
- Kits, Kittens & Pups: After we learn about the animals in the shelter, we will gain a deeper understanding of some of the baby animals (both in and out of the shelter) that often multiply in the spring.
- Thursday, March 21: Ages 12-14 years.
- Overpopulation and How We Can Help: We will explore the importance of altering pets as we learn about kittens and bunnies in our community. We will also focus on training, the importance of starting early, and the unique and sometimes challenging behaviors of puppies.
4-Day SUMMER Camp Descriptions & Dates
Four-Day Camp Dates and Description (8:30 am-3:30 pm) Doors open at 8:20 am for dropoff.
Our four day camps are tailored for children aged 6 to 14, where they can immerse themselves in the world of animals and enjoy an enriching learning experience filled with fun activities. Join us as we embark on an adventure where education meets excitement, creating unforgettable memories for young minds.
(Scroll down to bottom of page to register!)
- June 3-6: Ages 6-8 years.
- Pet Whisperers: Children will learn to listen to animals with all their senses. We will learn about animal safety and responsibility while learning how to tune into what animals tell us. Children will get hands-on experience and learn what it takes to be a responsible and thoughtful pet owner.
- July 8-11: Ages 10-12 years.
- Animal Welfare 101: If your student is considering a profession working with animals or is interested in learning more about animal care, this camp is for you! We will focus on animal training, pet First Aid, and more! We will learn about the many career opportunities working with animals and hear from professionals in the field.
1-Day SUMMER Camp Descriptions & Dates
One-Day Camp Dates and Description (8:30 am-3:30 pm) Doors open at 8:20 am for dropoff.
During these one-day camps, groups will focus on enriching the lives of the animals in our homes and community. We will listen to experts and research how to support pets’ emotional and physical well-being. Students will learn why animals need enriching activities and understand how to curb stress and boredom in pets. We will learn the art of playing with pets through hands-on DIY activities.
(Scroll down to bottom of page to register!)
- Monday, June 10: Ages 12-14 years.
- Junior Vet: Focus on Pet Health
- Monday, June 24: Ages 10-12 years.
- Jr. Animal Trainer: Focus on Pet Training
- Monday, July 15: Ages 6-8 years.
- Pet Play I: Focus on playtime.
- Monday, July 29: Ages 8-10 years.
- Pet Play II: Focus on playtime.
Spring & Summer Camp Waitlist
As camps begin to sell out, you may join our wait list in the event of cancellations.
Please fill out our WAIT LIST form.
Contact us at [email protected] if you have further questions.
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.