Camp Pawprint 2010 registration opens February 1!
Looking for something to do over spring break? Check out Club Whiskers!

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.
Jump to:
(To see these camps organized by theme click here.)
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, and Friday afternoon horseback riding.
7-9 years
- Creature Speak: Creature Speak is a day camp for children who love all animals. Kids will discover the many ways animals communicate and how they live day to day.
- Youth Ambassadors: Youth Ambassadors is a day camp for children wanting to help animals. Kids will learn how to make a difference in the animal world.
- Pets Unleashed: Pets Unleashed is a day camp for younger children. Kids will learn how to be responsible pet owners, “adopt” a shelter animal for a week, and learn about farm animals and wildlife.
- June 28 - July 2
- August 23-27
10-12 years
- Creature Speak: Creature Speak is a day camp for children who love all animals. Kids will discover the many ways animals communicate and how they live day to day.
- Youth Ambassadors: Youth Ambassadors is a day camp for children wanting to help animals. Kids will learn how to make a difference in the animal world.
- Animal Careers: Animal Careers is a day camp for kids interested in working with animals. Campers will observe a veterinarian in surgery, meet humane society employees, and spend a day as a zoologist.
13-15 years
- Animal Careers: Animal Careers is a day camp for kids interested in working with animals. Campers will observe a veterinarian in surgery, meet humane society employees, and spend a day as a zoologist.
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. Aftercare is limited to 15 campers.
Day Camps
- Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
- Graduation every Friday at 2:00pm
Bonus Romp
- Monday-Friday 3:00pm-5:00pm
- $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)
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are awarded each summer based upon financial need. To apply for a scholarship send a letter of interest expressing need to Julie at jlussier@giveshelter.org.
Registration for Camp Pawprint 2010 begins Monday, February 1, 2010.
*** Don't forget to sign up for our 2010 spring break camp, Club Whiskers! ***
Please contact the DCHS Outreach and Annual Giving Supervisor at jlussier@giveshelter.org.