Humane Living
Not your ordinary kids day camp: Puppy kisses, kitten purrs and maybe a future animal cop
Young Houstonians have a range of day camps to choose from during the summer months, with programs designed to nurture the interests of aspiring astronauts, budding botanists and fledgling foodies alike.
But for the past decade and a half, the Houston Humane Society (HHS) has offered a camp aimed not only at providing a unique educational experience, but one that also offers the opportunity to participate in the organization's broader mission of caring for and protecting the city's animal population.
The organization’s popular week-long program — dubbed Companion Camp — features games and crafts that allow kids to spend one-on-one time with the shelter’s animal residents.
“Campers finish each session with a renewed respect for animals, interest in animal sciences and new dreams of becoming an animal cop or veterinarian."
Additional workshops lead by experts from organizations like Texas A&M Veterinary College’s PEER Program, the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition's Wildlife Center and the Houston Fire Department teach topics ranging from animal care to the prevention of animal cruelty.
“Companion Camp is much more than a week filled with puppy kisses and kitten purrs,” laughs HHS events coordinator Monica Schmidt, who also heads up the camp.
“Campers finish each session with a renewed respect for animals, interest in animal sciences and new dreams of becoming an animal cop or veterinarian," she tells CultureMap.
"They definitely have the best stories to tell for their 'What I did this summer' essay when school starts again.”
Participants are encouraged to continue their involvement with the shelter through volunteering with a parent once they reach the age of 12.
Eight week-long sessions, held on-site at HHS' 14700 Almeda shelter, are offered between June and August for an enrollment fee of $275, which includes daily snacks and an official Companion Camp T-shirt.
Click here to register your young animal aficionado and note that spots fill up quickly.
