Instilling the values of kindness and compassion for animals in children is a paramount endeavor for a more humane society. Recognizing the significance of this goal, our Human Education programs are dedicated to imparting youngsters with essential knowledge on treating animals with care and respect. By fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy at a young age, we aim to create a future generation that champions the well-being of all living creatures.
Creating a Better World for Animals
School's Out: Day Camps
Day camps provide children with the invaluable opportunity to learn about animal welfare & sheltering, animal behavior, and helping pets in our community.
For upcoming camps, check out our Special Events calendar. Be sure to scroll through each month to view our current camp offerings!
Frequently Asked Questions for Camps:
What does my child need to wear and what should they bring each day?
Packing List:
- Campers should dress in clothes that are appropriate for active, sometimes messy activities. Bringing a change of clothes is also recommended.
- Backpack.
- Campers must bring their lunch & snacks, including beverages, each day. Refrigeration is not available.
- Water bottle.
- Athletic shoes or other shoes with closed toes are required. For safety reasons, children wearing sandals or Crocs may not be allowed to participate in all activities.
- Hooded jacket.
- Book and/or magazine.
- Sunscreen & bug spray (seasonal).
- Campers are responsible for bringing and applying their own sunscreen.
- Face mask (optional).
We discourage all participants from bringing anything of value with them to camp. This includes money, toys, cell phones, etc. YVAS is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen equipment. Please label all personal items with your child’s name.
Campers who bring cell phones to camp must comply with our cell phone use policy.
For a printable Packing List, please click here.
Campers with allergies
Camp is not recommended for children with allergies to pet dander or nuts. Camps are held at YVAS facilities which are frequented by dogs, cats, & other small companion animals. Dogs are given peanut butter daily and many treats used at our facilities contain nut allergens. For these reasons and for the safety, health, and well-being of your child, we do not recommend that children with these allergies attend YVAS camps.
Do campers get to interact with animals?
Participants may have opportunities for contact with dogs, cats, and other small animals; however, campers shouldn’t expect to spend significant time with animals.
Attempts will be made for campers to work with animals while attending camp; however, due to the nature of our mission, an animal who is suitable to interact with children may not be available on a given day. Not every activity will include animals. The goal of our camps is to provide an engaging and exciting educational experience by using a variety of methods.
Behavior expectations for campers
While at our programs, all participants are expected to treat other participants, YVAS staff & volunteers, and animals with respect and compassion. Behavior guidelines will be reviewed with participants. Children and adults who are consistently unable to follow these guidelines may be asked to leave or may be dismissed for the remainder of the session. No refunds will be available to campers who are dismissed for behavioral reasons.
We have zero tolerance regarding fighting or using an object as a weapon. Likewise, the use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Violation of these policies is grounds for immediate dismissal from camp. No refunds will be available to campers who are dismissed for a violation of these policies.
Camper cell phone use policy
Campers who bring cell phones with them to camp may only use their phones to contact parents in the case of an emergency. Calling or texting during activities will not be permitted.
What are your protocols regarding Covid-19?
At this time, masks are optional but encouraged for campers, staff, volunteers, and the public at YVAS.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made less than one week prior to the start of the program will not be refunded.
Cancellations made greater than one week prior to the start of the camp session will be refunded, minus a 25% processing fee, for each registration.
If a camp or program session is canceled by YVAS, all registration fees will be refunded in full.
Registration fees for any YVAS camp or program are non-transferable.
