CAHS youth education programs enrich the community by focusing on humane education throughout a child’s life.
Elementary curriculum explores a series of hands-on activity stations that reinforce concepts in veterinary care, pet costs, pet grooming, pet point of view, animal cruelty and animal careers. Middle and high school programs focus on pet overpopulation, animal cruelty, animal abuse and human violence, and careers directly or indirectly involving animals. Email Lexy at [email protected] to learn more.
2024 CAMPS
For information about our summer camp programming, click here: Humane Education Handbook.
For more information, or to join a waitlist, please contact our Community Relations Manager, Lexy Ritenburgh at [email protected].
Spring Break Camp
CAHS is excited to present our annual spring camp experience. Campers will be invited to interact with shelter pets in a safe, supervised environment, as well as enjoy a variety of activities and art projects. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Campers should bring a sack lunch and appropriate attire for outdoor activities.
March 25-28 | Ages 8-12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | $250
Summer Camps
SESSION FULL – Animal Adventure Camp – Ages 8-11 Fee: $225
This camp presents a new animal theme each day. Campers will explore pets and the animal kingdom through games, art, activities, and special visitors. Hands-on TLC time with our animals is always part of the day.
June 24-27 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
*After care from 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m. is available for an additional $25
Jr. Explorers Pet Camp – Ages 4-7 Fee: $125
This mini-version of our popular Animal Adventure Camp is perfect for the first time campers and animal handlers. Explorers will learn about pets and animal safety through stories, games, art, and TLC time with our pets. This year, we will be offering both morning and afternoon sessions of our Jr. Explorers Pet Camp. Please note, campers should only register for the morning OR afternoon session; staff supervision will not be available between the two sessions.
July 8-11| 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
July 8-11| 1-4 p.m.
SESSION FULL – Bark in the Arts Camp – Ages 8-11 Fee: $250
Create your own unique and dazzling works of art using the CAHS pets as inspiration. Campers will learn beginner techniques in sketching, painting, and other disciplines. Find your artistic side on a dog walk or during TLC time with our pets.
July 15-18 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
*After care from 4-4:30 p.m. is available for an additional $25.
Pet Care Specialist Camp- Ages 12-15 Fee: $250
Animal lovers are provided the opportunity to explore a week in the life of shelter staff through this fun and educational camp experience. Guest speakers, projects, and job shadowing provide insight into the wide variety of animal-related occupations that help the shelter run smoothly.
July 29-August 1| 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
*After care from 4-4:30 p.m. is available for an additional $25.
SESSION FULL – Party Animal Camp – Ages 8-12 Fee: $250
Calling all party animals to help us end camp with a bang! Our final week of camp includes all of the fun! From making pupsicles, to playing water games, to snuggling cute animals, the party won’t stop!
August 12-15 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
*After care from 4-4:30 p.m. is available for an additional $25.
For more information, or to join a waitlist, please contact our Community Relations Manager, Lexy Ritenburgh at [email protected].
Tales to Tails
Tales to Tails is our newest way to share special time with our furry friends.
Reading helps shy and fearful dogs and cats to learn to relax and socialize with people? It helps to teach high-energy dogs that calm behavior is desirable. When children tell stories to the shelter pets, it also helps them develop their reading skills.
Children ages 4 and older are welcome to participate in this program. CAHS provides a variety of animal-themed books and seat cushions. However, children are welcome to bring their own books from home. A parent/guardian must accompany each reader and remain with the child at all times. Please note that space is limited. This program runs September-May.
To register for our Tales to Tails program, please contact our Community Relations Manager, Lexy, at [email protected] for details.
Upcoming Tales to Tails Dates:
- May 7 | 5-30:6:30 p.m.
Classroom Visits
We love to visit classrooms in the Tri-County area and have a wide variety of programs designed to teach humane values. We are always interested in developing new ideas and our education team can assist teachers in developing specialized lessons. Each visit includes an optional visit from a shelter pet. There is a $25 fee associated with these visits. To schedule a visit, please contact Lexy at (517) 626-6060.
Shelter Tours
We offer group tours and presentations for school field trips and other community organizations. Each tour consists of a presentation in our education room, a tour of our shelter, and an opportunity to meet some of our shelter pets in a very safe, hands-on experience. Our presentations can be tailored to meet the needs of individual groups. There is a $25 fee associated with shelter tours, but many groups choose to donate items from our shelter wish list. To schedule a tour, please contact Lexy at (517) 626-6060.
Community Visits
We are moving beyond our shelter walls to provide important programs and services to people in a variety of neighborhoods of our Mid-Michigan community. Our goal is to increase accessibility for people in identified areas; making it easier to become connected to valuable programs and services. Now, in addition to hosting many programs at our shelter, we are taking our services on the road, directly to people who need our help.
Girl Scout and Boy Scout Badge Programs
CAHS offers lessons to assist troop leaders in attaining badges. Lessons may be planned around Daisy Scouts, Brownies, Juniors, Cub Scouts, Lions, and more. Please email Lexy at [email protected] to schedule a visit.
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE TRUMPIE PHOTOGRAPHY