Critter Camp 2025

The future of animal welfare really doesn’t have much to do with animals. That may sound strange, but it’s true. The future of animal welfare actually has everything to do with children. If we teach children kindness towards animals, compassion for their survival, and a respect for the habitat that we share… then it is not much of a stretch to believe that these kids will grow up to respect others who are different from themselves, who will be kind to each other, and who will work together to make our beautiful plateau a safe, friendly and welcoming home for all creatures great and small.

THAT IS THE CORE MISSION OF THE CHHS CRITTER CAMP.

Who Can Come to Critter Camp?

Campers must be rising 1st-5th graders. This means you must have successfully completed kindergarten to come to camp. 

Camp Costs:

The cost of camp is $250 per camper. Amount must be paid in full at time of registration and is non-refundable if your child is unable to attend camp.

Camp Scholarships:

There are a limited number of scholarships available for each session. If you are interested in a scholarship, please contact Jodi at 828-743-5752 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Camp Schedule:

• Drop-Off: 9:15am-9:30am
• Activities: 9:30am-3:30pm
• Pick-Up: 3:30pm-3:45pm

Please be prompt with pick up and drop off times within the 15 minute window in order to not disrupt the flow of camp activities! 

What to expect:

A detailed camp itinerary for each camp session will be emailed the week before camp. But there will be a humane education lesson each day, a variety of animal related guest speakers, daily time with shelter animals, animal related arts and crafts, games, and much more. Each camp session will wrap up with a Friday afternoon “Graduation Hike” with the shelter pups. 

Food:

CHHS will provide a morning and afternoon snack, but please send your camper with a packed lunch and water bottle each day! There is no microwave or refrigerator available for camper lunches so please pack accordingly. 

Dress Code:

Close toed shoes are REQUIRED to be worn each day! Please send your camper in comfy clothes that are okay to get dirty. 

To Secure Your Spot:

Regisrations opens Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 6am.

Each session is limited to the first 10 campers to sign up. Choose your desired camp session and select Register (Individual) if you are registering a single (1) camper. Select Register (Group) if you are registering 2, 3, or 4 campers. You may register up to but no more than 4 campers per household. Once registered, a CHHS staff member will call to confirm your camper's information.

For questions or more camp information, please contact Jodi Henkel.
Phone: (828)743-5752
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.