Camp Pawprint is a series of week-long day camps held at Dane County Humane Society. Campers ages 7 to 15 enjoy animal-related lessons and activities while having fun with other animal lovers! Activities include humane education lessons, critter projects, group games, and daily presentations from local animal experts.  All campers spend time interacting with our camp animals and getting hands-on experience providing daily care and socialization.  Animals used in the camp program vary daily and are approved by our behavior department.

Each week of Camp Pawprint has a different age group and theme.  Activities, lessons, and visitors vary for each theme, but every week includes animal care and interaction, arts and crafts.

Please note that in past years of camp there has been horseback riding on Fridays.  Our stable provider has informed us they are unable to provide the service again this year.  We are looking into alternatives, but cannot guarantee horseback riding for Camp Pawprint 2012.

Camp Pawprint 2012

DCHS is excited for another year of Camp Pawprint in 2012.  Camp will run from June 11, 2012 through August 25, 2012 (off the week of Independence Day).

Creature Careers

• June 11-15 (9-12 years)
• July 16-20 (8-10 years) FULL
  
• August 20-24 (10-13 years) FULL
  

Creature Careers will focus special attention on learning about jobs that work directly with animals.  Campers will hear from a variety of professionals who work with animals and will participate in activities that help them plan for a future with animals. Campers these weeks will have increased responsibilities caring for the animals at the humane society and will get to view a surgery in our Medical Services department. As with each week of camp, there will be lots of animal interaction, education, special guest presenters, arts, and active activities.

• June 18-22 (7-10 years) FULL
  
• July 23-27 (9-12 years)

Animal & Pets 101 is designed for children who may not have had a lot of interaction with animals in the past and who may be new to the education department here at DCHS. We will learn about the characteristics and classifications of different animals, discuss and practice proper pet care, and learn about the importance of the humane society and how it works. As with each week of camp, there will be lots of animal interaction, education, special guest presenters, arts, and active activities.

Children learning About Wisconsin Wildlife (CLAWW)

• June 25-29 (8-11 years)
• August 6-10 (9-12 years)

CLAWW weeks will spend the majority of the time learning about the wildlife native to Wisconsin. We will work closely with DCHS's Four Lakes Wildlife Center to understand the characteristics, habitats, and importance of wildlife here in Wisconsin. We will also find out how wildlife is rehabilitated at the wildlife center and we will participate in fun activities from the national program Project Wild. As with each week of camp, there will be lots of animal interaction, education, special guest presenters, arts, and active activities.

Animal Ambassadors

• July 9-13 (9-12 years)
• August 13-17 (8-11 years)

These camps will spend extra time focused on issues that impact the animal world. Campers will hear from and work with various non-profit organizations working to better the lives of animals. Projects will focus on bettering the world for animals and educating the community on the importance of animals.  Topics will include endangered species, animal rehabilitation, spay & neuter education, and the different ways of raising livestock. As with each week of camp, there will be lots of animal interaction, education, special guest presenters, arts, and active activities.

This week is designed for teenagers. Activities will be a blend of those from Creature Careers (including viewing a surgery), CLAWW, and Animal Ambassadors refocused and more challenging for the older kids. Special lengthy games of Predator/Prey, Capture the Flag, and Dodge Ball will be enjoyed by the teens. Teenagers will be expected to participate in all activities, including a small research based one.  As with each week of camp, there will be lots of animal interaction, education, special guest presenters, arts, and active activities.

Early Riser & Bonus Romp 

Children will participate in service projects, watch animal-related movies, and create creature crafts in this aftercare day camp program. The fee covers supervision by a camp counselor, supplies, and an afternoon snack. Before and Aftercare is limited to 10 campers per week from 8:00am to 9:00am and/or 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Hours

Day Camps

• Monday-Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
• Graduation every Friday at 2:30pm

Early Riser

• Monday-Friday 8:00am - 9:00am

Bonus Romp

• Monday-Friday 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Fees

• $175 - DCHS Members (If you are a current member of DCHS)
• $210 - Become a Member (Includes the cost of one $35 year membership, and the discounted member price of camp)
• $235 - Non-member  (If you are not currently a member, or choose not to become a member)
• $150 - Additional week (Each additional week of camp for the same camper. Price applies for both members and non-members)
• $20 - Early Riser (Price applies for both members and non-members)
• $40 - Bonus Romp (Price applies for both members and non-members)

Scholarships will be available dependent upon funding.  Applications can be completed at any time, but will not be reviewed until March.  Scholarships recipients will be notified no later than June 4, 2012.  Download the scholarship application here .

Registration

Registration is now open.  Register online here.

More Information

Please contact the DCHS Development & Outreach Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sponsors

	Dane County Humane Society is proud to have the support of CUNA Mutual Foundation for Camp Pawprint 2012.  CUNA has provided financial assistance so that we may offer scholarships to youth unable to afford camp.
	Dane County Humane Society partners with Common Wealth Development to offer Camp Pawprint Junior Counselor positions to teens looking for an enriching first job experience.  Junior Counselors work part-time in support of our full-time Camp Pawprint Counselors and Camp Pawprint Coordinator.
	Whole Foods Market supports Dane County Humane Society by providing healthy snacks for campers, giving the children the energy they need to have fun while helping animals!