What are Youth Camps?

Harbor Humane Society has a line-up of action packed, animal filled, fantastically fun youth camps. These camps are for kids interested in animals and humane education. What better way to spend your break than hanging out with amazing animals, making new friends, learning cool new things, and playing games?!

Our camps will SPARK kids to learn different skills regarding patience, empathy, responsible pet care, and compassion for all creatures. Each camp will feature a variety of animal related topics that will entertain and teach your child all about the world of animals. Kids have the opportunity to have a one-of-a kind hands-on learning experience. Our campers aren’t the only ones who have fun, our beloved shelter animals also receive much-needed TLC. These camps are held during Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks!

Typically, camp will run from 9 am – 4 pm. During shorter breaks and one day camps, these days may be split into half day camps. For more specific hours, please look at the camp description.

All camps take place in the Community and Training Center at Harbor Humane Society. Our address is 14345 Bagley St, West Olive, MI 49460.

Each camp has a different cost depending on the length of the program. Please see the details section for more information on the cost of each camp.

Full refund may be provided with two week’s full notice of cancellation prior your scheduled attendance, minus a $10 processing fee. Refunds will not be provided without notice of cancellation and refunds cannot be provided during the scheduled week of camp.

For most of our camps, we offer different sessions for various age groups, overall tailoring our programs for the 5-15 age range. Because our programming is designed for each specific age group, we ask that all participants register for their designated sessions. At this time, we do not make exceptions to the age requirements. Each of our camp sessions are designed for a specific age range as noted in the description.

Harbor Humane does not provide lunch for campers, so a lunch in a labeled bag or lunchbox (there is access to a fridge if needed) is required for each full-day camper. We will also have two snack breaks for full-day camps, so snacks are highly encouraged!

At this time, we are strongly recommending that children who have been exposed or are feeling under the weather wear masks when attending any Harbor event. They will not be required at this time, but policies may change based on CDC recommendations, so please keep an eye on your emails and our website.

If you have additional questions regarding any of our camps and policies, please contact Ashton VanKoevering at programs@harborhumane.org.

Spring Break Camp

Spring Break Camp

Age: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th

Dates: April 4 (K-2nd), April 5 (3rd-5th), April 6 (6th-8th)

Cost: $60

Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Description: This one day camp is a paw-some experience for kids looking to learn more about who Harbor is and what we do! Campers will get a intensive day filled with crafts, games, and hands-on animal interactions. Each day is tailored to its specific age group, so please register your kiddos for the right group!

Summer Camp

Puppy Pals

Age: 5-7, 8-10

Dates: June 12-16 (5-7), August 14-18 (8-10)

Cost: $75

Hours: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Description: This half-day camp will offer campers a new learning experience every day. Tailored for this age group, our topics will include all things dog-related! Campers will get to learn about and interact with dogs. There will also be games and crafts related to their lessons. This camp runs in the morning, with “Little Critters” being the afternoon component of this camp. For those interested in sending their child for the whole day, please purchase the “Lunch Care” add on for each day. (Only needs to be purchased once for each day)

Little Critters

Age: 5-7, 8-10

Dates: June 12-16 (5-7), August 14-18 (8-10)

Cost: $75

Hours: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Description: This half-day camp will offer campers a new learning experience every day. Tailored for this age group, our topics will include all things small animal! From fish to cats to guinea pigs, we will talk about all the smaller animals that live in our homes. Campers will get to learn about and interact with cats, guinea pigs, and any other small critters at Harbor. There will also be games and crafts related to their lessons. This camp runs in the afternoon, with “Puppy Pals” being the morning component of this camp. For those interested in sending their child for the whole day, please purchase the “Lunch Care” add on for each day. (Only needs to be purchased once for each day)

Jr. Volunteer Camp

Age: 11-13

Dates: June 19-23

Cost: $175

Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Description: Spend an action packed week at HHS learning the in and out of volunteering! This week will focus on training campers how to care for shelter animals and then putting those skills into action. All graduates will be granted a lifetime membership to our Junior Volunteer Club!

Animal Art Camp

Age: 8-10, 11-13

Dates: June 27-29 (8-10), July 17-19 (11-13)

Cost: $100

Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Description: Do you love creating art and love animals just as much? This camp is for you! This 3-day, fantastically fun camp is filled with all things animal arts and crafts. Each day will include a paw-some craft as well as lots of animal time! It’s truly a purrfect camp for any aspiring artist that also loves furry friends!

Animal Experience Camp

Age: 8-10, 11-13

Dates: July 10-14 (8-10), August 14-18 (11-13)

Cost: $175

Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Description: This paw-some camp engages campers with a new theme every day. We will explore topics like wildlife, animals in our community, responsible pet care, and much more! This exciting 5-day camp will have lots of animal interaction, crafts, presentations, and games. If you have already taken this camp – that’s okay, it’s new every year!

Animal Welfare Warriors

Age: 14-17

Dates: July 24-28

Cost: $175

Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Description: Have you dreamed of becoming a vet? Does a future working with animals intrigue you? Are you interested in learning more about the animals in our community? Then this camp is for you! Animal Welfare Camp is designed for students who are interested in learning about the animal welfare community and how they can build a future with animals. Campers will get the chance to hear from people in our community who work with and for animals, while also getting hands-on experience caring for the animals of Harbor. This camp is open to those who are between the ages of 14 and 17. With the completion of this camp, attendees will also be able to volunteer with Harbor.