What is Camp PAWS?

Our camp program involves humane education lessons on many topics depending on the session and age group. Some past topics have been pet photography, animal communication, bird identification and wildlife conservation. Participants will also visit with adoptable animals each day, provide enrichment and training with shelter animals and enjoy presentations from local rescue organizations.

Minor waiver and consent forms have now been built into the registration process. So, once you have read through all of the camp information and completed your registration, you are all set and no additional forms are needed. The only exception to this is if your child needs medication during camp. All medications need to be accompanied by a completed Medication Release Form signed by a doctor (for prescription medications) and a parent (for over-the-counter medications).

<< Meet the Camp Staff! >>

Camp Hours

Camp hours are:

  • Camp PAWS JR. : AM Session 9-12, PM Session 1-4
  • Camp PAWS: 9-4pm
  • Animal Care Residency: 9am -4pm
  • Camp PURRS: 9am – 12pm

Doors to camp open at 8:50am. To ensure our staff has time to prepare for the fun day of camp, those who arrive prior to that will kindly be asked to wait in the vestibule area.  Late pickups more than 10 minutes after the camp end time may be charged a $25 late pickup fee.

Registering for Different Sessions

To allow campers to attend more than one week of Camp PAWS each summer, we offer a “session 1” and “session 2.” Each week of session one will contain similar activities and the same applies for the weeks of session 2. If your camper would like to attend more than one week of Camp PAWS, we ask that they attend one week of each session. Activities are modified and adapted for different age groups.

Waitlist

Families can add their name for any week(s) that they desire. If a space becomes available, all families on the waitlist for that week will be notified and the space will be filled on a first come, first serve basis via email. Due to time constraints, we will no longer be contacting families individually when openings arise. Thank you for your understanding!

Questions? Email humaneed@hshv.org

You can add your name to our wait list here: Camp Program Waitlist

Cancellation Policy

Summer Camps: If a cancellation is made prior to May 1st , a refund will be given less a $50 non refundable deposit, per participant. For cancellations after May 1st, no refunds will be given. This policy also applies to after care registration and refunds will not be issued after the above timeline for those that register for but do not attend after care. Unfortunately, transfers to a different week or to a different child are not able to be done on our end and require being issued a refund (the above policy applies) and re-registering for another available week, if space is available. We’re sorry, we are not able to waive our policy for any reason nor are we able to have a child’s sibling or friend attend in your child’s place. Please email humaneed@hshv.org to request a cancelation if needed.

School Year Camps: If a cancellation is made prior to 60 days before the start of a camp , a refund will be given less a $50 non refundable deposit, per participant. For cancellations less than 60 days, no refunds will be given. Unfortunately, transfers to a different session or to a different child are not able to be done on our end and require being issued a refund (the above policy applies) and re-registering for another available week, if space is available. We’re sorry, we are not able to waive our policy for any reason nor are we able to have a child’s sibling or friend attend in your child’s place. Please email humaneed@hshv.org to request a cancelation if needed.

Before/After Care

Due to low registrations the past three years, as of the fall of 2023, HSHV is no longer offering before/after care for our camp programs.

Age Range

Summer Camps:

We offer different sessions for various age groups, based on the grade they are entering in the fall after camp. Because our programming is designed for each specific age group, we ask that all participants register for their designated weeks. At this time, we do not make exceptions to the grade level designations, but do offer an all ages week to allow for sibling groups to attend together. Please check the schedule for specific dates.

At HSHV:

Camp Paws Jr. is a half day camp intended for children entering Young 5s or Kindergarten.  Camp Paws weeks alternate between children entering 1st-3rd grade and 4th-6th grade.  We do also offer one “siblings week” for children entering 1st-6th grade.

At Tiny Lions:

Camp Purrs Jr. is for children entering Kindergarten-1st grade.  Camp Purrs is divided into weeks for children entering 4th-6th grade and 7th-9th grade.

School Year and Break Camps:

During our school year camps, “all ages” and grouped into one camp and we welcome those currently in grades K-5. We do offer select “all ages” weeks as a part of our summer camp program as well. Please check the schedule for those specific dates.

Do the staff and volunteers have a background check?

All of our staff and volunteers involved in our programming have a full background check and go through training on safety and health procedures. All camp staff members have current First Aid, CPR nad Mental Health First Aid certification. Our Lead Humane Educator and VP of Volunteers and Humane Education are also certified teachers in the state of Michigan.

Lunch & Snacks

Campers will need to bring a lunch and drink each day of camp. Unfortunately, refrigerators and microwaves are not available, so please plan accordingly. HSHV will provide a small snack each day of camp and will consist of items such as veggies, pretzels, crackers, etc. Participants are welcome to bring their own snack to meet any dietary or allergy needs and are also encouraged to bring a water bottle each day.

Allergy Information

Peanut/Dairy Allergies: Our shelter regularly uses peanut butter and cheese with dogs and we are not a peanut free camp environment. During camp, peanut butter smells will be in the air and some dogs may have peanut butter near their mouths. We cannot guarantee that children will not come into contact with peanut butter, cheese or other allergens. Animal Allergies: Children will come into contact daily with animals, which may include but is not limited to: cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and reptiles. We cannot guarantee that children will not come into contact with any of these animals.

Scholarships

Scholarships

limited number of scholarships for Camp PAWS summer programs are available for families who are in financial need and would not otherwise be able to attend. Applications should be filled out and submitted online by Friday, January 26th at 4pm. We’re sorry – late applications cannot be processed. Scholarship applicants should not register for camp as spaces for scholarships are separate from general registration. Preference is given to first time applicants. Participants may be awarded up to one scholarship per camp season and up to two scholarships in a lifetime.  Our 2024 camp scholarship form can be found here: Camp Scholarship Form   

Questions? Email humaneed@hshv.org

Medication Information

Medication

If a child will bring medications to camp with them, we do require that a medication release form is brought on the first day of camp. This form must is required for both prescription and over the counter medications. When a prescription medication is brought to camp, the form must also include a doctor’s signature. We’re sorry – for your child’s safety we will be unable to administer medications without a completed form. You can find our medication release form here: Medication Release Form 

Special Education Needs

Special Education Needs

We welcome a diverse group of children to camp each year! To help each child to be successful, we ask that parents/guardians share information regarding their child’s needs during registration. This may include sharing things such as diagnosis, social needs or program accomodations (i.e. large print for visual impairments, movement breaks, calm down areas, use of noise canceling headphones, etc.). Camp staff may contact you to discuss any accomodations your child may need to help them have a safe and happy experience.

We, unfortunately, are not able to provide one-on-one support to Camp PAWS participants. If your child would benefit from a support person/aide that will accompany them to camp each day, please let us know during registration. All support persons must be over the age of 21 and provided by the family.

School Year Camps

One-Day Sessions

Have a day off of school? Join us for our one day sessions of Camp PAWS!

Designed for youth in grades K-5, Camp PAWS our camp program involves humane education lessons on many topics depending on the session and age group. Some past topics have been pet photography, animal communication, bird identification and wildlife conservation. Participants will also visit with adoptable animals each day, provide enrichment and training with shelter animals and enjoy presentations from local rescue organizations.

Each day of camp runs from 9am-4pm, with the option of after care until 5pm for an additional fee.

Campers will be responsible for bringing their own lunch. 

Upcoming 2024 One-Day Camps:

  • January 15th, 2024
  • February 19th, 2024
  • February 27th, 2024
  • May 7th, 2024

Spring Break

Join us for our 2024 Spring Break session of Camp PAWS!

Designed for youth in grades K-5, Camp PAWS our camp program involves humane education lessons on many topics depending on the session and age group. Some past topics have been pet photography, animal communication, bird identification and wildlife conservation. Participants will also visit with adoptable animals each day, provide enrichment and training with shelter animals and enjoy presentations from local rescue organizations.

Each day of camp runs from 9am-4pm.

Our winter session will be held March 25th – March 29th, 2024 from 9am-4pm. We’re sorry, but partial week registrations are not available at this time.

Winter Break

Join us for our 2023/2024 Winter Break session of Camp PAWS!

Designed for youth in grades K-5, Camp PAWS our camp program involves humane education lessons on many topics depending on the session and age group. Some past topics have been pet photography, animal communication, bird identification and wildlife conservation. Participants will also visit with adoptable animals each day, provide enrichment and training with shelter animals and enjoy presentations from local rescue organizations.

Each day of camp runs from 9am-4pm.

Our winter sessions will be held:

December 27th – 29th, 2023 9am – 4pm (3 day camp)

January 2nd – 5th, 9am – 4pm (4 day camp)

We’re sorry, but partial week registrations are not available at this time.

2024 Summer Break Camps

Camp Paws, Jr - Young 5s + Kindergarten

Camp PAWS Jr. Half Day Camp-Ages 4-5 (entering Young 5s or Kindergarten)

Are you crazy about animals? Then come and join us for Camp PAWS Jr. (Pets Are Worth Saving)! This animal-themed camp consists of five fun-filled days that will surely make your tail wag!

Session Information:

Time:

  • Morning Session: June 10th – 14th, 9am – 12pm
  • Afternoon Session: June 10th – 14th, 1 pm – 4pm 

Fee: $160 per camper

Camp Paws - Grades 1-6

Camp PAWS Session 1 and 2

Designed for youth going into grades 1-6, Camp PAWS our camp program involves humane education lessons on many topics depending on the session and age group. Some past topics have been pet photography, animal communication, bird identification and wildlife conservation. Participants will also visit with adoptable animals each day, provide enrichment and training with shelter animals and enjoy presentations from local rescue organizations. If you are looking to attend two weeks of Camp PAWS this summer, we recommend registering for a week of session 1 and a week of session 2 as the activities repeat for each week within the same session. Please select the grade your child will be entering in the fall.

Session Information:

Time: 9am – 4pm, we’re sorry – aftercare is no longer available

Fee:

  • $335 per camper, per week – 9am-4pm

Camp Paws (Session 1) Dates – SOLD OUT

  • June 17th – 21st (entering 4th – 6th grade)
  • June 24th – 28th (entering 1st – 3rd grade)
  • July 1st – 3rd (all ages week, entering 1st – 6th grade) *Three day camp (Prorated at $200)
  • July 8th – 12th (entering 1st – 3rd grade)

Camp Paws (Session 2) Dates – SOLD OUT

  • July 29th – August 2nd (entering 4th – 6th grade)
  • August 5th – 9th (entering 1st – 3rd grade)
  • August 12th – 16th (entering 4th – 6th grade)
  • August 19th – 23rd (entering 1st – 3rd grade)

Camp Purrs - Grades 4-10

Camp PURRS @ Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center

Are you an animal lover heading into grades 4 – 10 who wants to learn more about animal welfare?  Camp PURRS will dive into many areas of animal welfare and will involve learning more about and interacting with our furry friends at Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. Each week of Camp PURRS will feature the same activities. If your camper is looking to attend more than one week of camp with HSHV, we suggest also registering for our Camp PAWS program or Animal Care Residency.

Session Information:

Time: 8:30am – 11:30am

Fee: $160 per camper, per week

Camp Purrs DatesSOLD OUT

  • June 24th – 28th (entering 4th – 6th grade)
  • July 8th – 12th (entering 4th – 6th grade)
  • July 29th – Augst 2nd (entering 4th – 6th grade)
  • August 5th – 9th (entering 4th – 6th grade)
  • August 12th – 16th (entering 7th – 9th grade)
  • August 19th – 23rd (entering 7th – 9th grade)

*New* Camp PURRS, Jr – 9-11am

June 17th – 21st, 9-11am (entering K – 1st grade)

Animal Care Residency - Grades 7-10

Animal Care Residency

Our Animal Care Residency is designed for youth entering 7th – 10th grade who want to delve deeper into the inner workings of HSHV and animal welfare education. Residents will learn more about understanding perspectives of animals and the science behind their behavior, the various departments at HSHV and the role humans as a species play in animal welfare.

Session Information:

Time: 9am – 4pm

Fee: $335 per camper, per week

Animal Care Residency Dates (Going into 7th-10th)SOLD OUT

  • July 15th – 19th (entering 7th – 10th grade)
  • July 22nd – 26th (entering 7th – 10th grade)

Future Veterinarian Academy - Grades 10-12

Future Veterinarian Academy

Our Future Veterinary Academy is designed for youth entering 10th – 12th grade  who are aspiring veterinarians and want to delve deeper into the field of veterinary science. This six session program will include topics such as managing sick and wellness appointments,  running diagnostics, surgery, acupuncture and more! Participants will work hands on with our veterinarians and vet techs and learn about the overall operations of a veterinary clinic.

Session Information:

Time:

Fee:

  • Program dates:  Fall of 2024 – TBD

Humane Education Newsletter

Would you like more information highlighting youth (and animals!) involved in HSHV programs, current learning opportunities, and even a humane living tip? You can sign up to receive our Humane Education Email Newsletter to find out more!