Campers will be going WILD this session by learning about Houston Wildlife, how to identify wildlife, and the importance of environmental awareness. As always, there will be plenty of interaction with companion animals at the shelter. (Campers in 3rd to 7th grades)

 

If you would like to added to the Camp Pawsome email list, sign up here: Camp Pawsome Email List

 

Camp Pawsome is open to children in Grades 3-8.

 

Camp is located at the Houston Humane Society Animal Shelter at 14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053. Camp will take place both indoors and outdoors, please dress accordingly.

 

We currently accept 25 campers per session. Register as soon as possible to ensure your child’s spot!

 

No. Campers should bring lunch to camp. We will provide two snacks per day and water.

 

Campers should bring their lunches, a water bottle, a jacket, and wear closed-toed shoes and pants.

 

Our campers should expect to spend approximately 2 hours per day with our shelter animals. We have found this to be ideal for the well-being of our shelter pets. In addition, we will also have our HHS Mascot animals to visit with the campers throughout the day.

 

Yes. Send an email to camp@houstonhumane.org to request a scholarship application, or for more information.

 

We encourage campers to follow CDC guidelines. Masks are welcomed, but not required.

 

Each day will feature lessons or a speaker that connects to animal science or welfare. In addition, each day will feature two 1-hour long animal socialization times where campers can choose between cats, small dogs, large dogs, or mini-mammals, games, a craft, 2 snacks during the day, and character building discussions.

 

Yes, we can. Parents and guardians of children who require one-on-one assistance in school will need to provide a one-to-one aide at Camp Pawsome.

 

We appreciate having as much information as possible to ensure safety and a great experience for every camper.

 

If you have any questions about your child being at our camp, please call our humane education department at 713-341-3339 or email us at camp@houstonhumane.org.

 

While many camps provide opportunities for active and rough and tumble play, Camp Pawsome is not well equipped to provide needs for large motor activities, and we spend the majority of the day indoors. If your child is looking for an active camp, this may not be for them.

 

Yes. The waitlist is automatically created when a camp session is full. You will be notified when the next spot opens up.

 

 

CAMP PAWSOME POLICIES

Cancellations made 14 days or more before the start of a camp session will be refunded, less a $50 administration fee per registration.

 

Cancellations made fewer than 14 days prior to the start of a camp session will not be refunded. All cancellations must be in writing and sent to camp@houstonhumane.org.

 

If you know your child will not be attending, please let us know so we can reach out to our waitlist.

 

As for unforeseen circumstances, we can discuss as the situation arises.

 

Note: If a camp or program session is canceled by HHS, all registration fees will be refunded in full.

 

Registration fees for Camp Pawsome are non-transferable.

 

Campers must be checked in by a parent or guardian daily before the program start time and promptly at the end of camp. Camp Pawsome staff will meet you at the Audrey Jones Beck Adoption Center doors to check-in. Please park and come inside to drop off and pick up your child.

 

Signs of illness: Please monitor your child for signs of illness and keep them home when ill. Participants with symptoms of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and gastrointestinal infections should stay home.

 

Illness while at camp: If a participant does not feel well at camp, the camper’s parent/guardian will be called and required to pick them up early. We ask that parents/guardians be available by phone during camp time.

 

Allergies: The Houston Humane Society is not a nut-free environment. Cat or dog allergies should be mentioned beforehand to protect from allergic reactions. Epipens should be with the camper at all times.

 

Medications: Unless it’s an epipen, Houston Humane Society staff are unable to hold, store, or administer medications for campers. Because of this policy, campers will need to be capable of self-administering medications. Camp staff are willing and able to give reminders to participants with a known medication schedule. 

 

In order to make the experience of our programs a positive one for all campers and staff, we have established the following policy to manage chronic behavior incidents, camp disruptions, and/or safety issues:

At HHS, we strive to include as many people as possible in our mission to strengthen the bond between animals and the humans who love them.  We understand that our campers have different needs, and we try to help every camper have the best experience possible in our programs.  During registration, please include as much information as possible regarding helpful information, strategies, or accommodation requests you may have for your child.

 

While we have the desire to accommodate every need, it is important for us to be upfront about our limitations as a staff: we do not currently have the capacity to offer 1:1 camper-staff support. Also, while our staff includes many skilled youth workers, we are not mental health professionals, nor are we licensed in special education.

 

We will permit campers to use their phones at the following times during the day: snack time, lunch, animal visit times (photos only), and for specific activities as directed by a camp counselor. At other times, there will be signage alerting campers to put their cell phones away. We encourage campers to keep phones put away so they can explore the real world around them, get to know their fellow campers, and practice patience.

 

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PREPARING FOR CAMP

Campers need to bring a lunch and water bottle each day. There will be no access to refrigeration or vending machines.

 

One of the most exciting parts of HHS Camp Pawsome is interacting with animals!  Most direct animal interactions will be with our animal mascots, our mini mammals, cats and kittens, dogs, and the occasional farm animal. A lot depends on what animals we have in residence the week your child is at camp, and that is something we never really know about ahead of time.

 

We discourage campers from bringing anything of value to camp. This includes money, toys, cell phones (see cell phone policy), etc.

 

The Houston Humane Society is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen equipment brought from home. Please label all personal items with your child’s name.

 

Campers should not bring weapons, drugs, or alcohol. If this occurs, the parent/guardian will be contacted for immediate pick up and camper dismissal without a refund.

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