Camp WildSide Sessions
Registration is OPEN for Camp WildSide Spring Break and Summer Camp! Learn more below.
Experience a sneak peek into the adventure of Camp WildSide with Discovery Days! Open to all ages. Learn more here.
Camp WildSide Details
Campers will learn from DCHS licensed rehabilitators, wildlife education interns, and other local experts while they enjoy activities tailored for aspiring young naturalists. Sessions are meant to be educational, wildlife-related lessons.
Why should children enroll in Camp WildSide?
- Develop team-building and cooperation skills with other campers
- Learn about strategies for co-existing with wildlife
- Study native tree and plant identification and see their importance for wildlife habitats
- Perform environmental service projects to help animals and people
- Gain knowledge from experts about wildlife rehabilitation and rescue topics: How do you know if an animal is injured? What do you do to help it?
A majority of Camp WildSide takes place outdoors on DCHS property, with access to an enclosed shelter during inclement weather. Campers will discover the world around them through hands-on experiences, like completing service projects to benefit the Wildlife Center, together with other nature lovers! Our goal is to educate campers on how to be good stewards of the environment, respect wildlife, and have an appreciation for all living things.
Please review the Camp Policies and Waiver before registering your child. You can also review our Frequently Asked Questions if you would like more information about Camp WildSide.
For questions, reach out to wildlifeeducation@giveshelter.org.
Camp WildSide Spring Break Details & Fees
Camp WildSide Spring Break Dates & Themes
WildSide Summer Camp Details & Fees
Camp Dates & Themes
Other Wildlife Education Opportunities
If you do not see the type of event you are looking for, or you are unable to come to DCHS - don't worry, we have you covered!
Through our form below you can request a number of different educational opportunities, including:
- Mobile Events—miniature, mobile versions Camp WildSide (1-2 hours)
- Presentations
- Field Trips
- Other—If you would like an alternate type of event or would like a specific topic for your event, we would love to hear about it!
Important Notes
- DCHS utilizes peanut butter and hay for animal enrichment and care throughout the shelter, and is unable to provide a peanut- and hay-free facility. We are unable to make accommodations for children with severe peanut allergies.
- Campers will spend a lot of time outdoors, but they will not be able to handle or pet wildlife that are at the Wildlife Center in treatment for rehabilitation. This rule is in place for legal reasons and for the safety of both campers and the animals.
- Campers will need to bring a packed lunch and their own snack(s).
- Camp WildSide staff is not trained to handle all emotional and behavioral conditions. If your child has a one-on-one teacher or aide at school, then you must provide an aide for them to attend camp. We do not have the staff to provide constant individual attention for each child.
Interested in spending your summer working with kids while exploring nature? Learn more about our Education Internships and Camp Counselor job openings here!
Help Build a More Humane Future
Want to help make Camp WildSide even better and make it possible for more kids to attend? Make a donation that supports one-of-a-kind camp experiences!
Camp WildSide donations may be used to provide camp scholarships, bring in new speakers, provide extra craft supplies, or fill other needs in our camp program. As a private, non-profit organization that is not affiliated with any national or governmental organizations, DCHS relies on support like yours!
Details
Cancellation Policy: Summer Camp
Refund or transfer requests must be sent to the Camp Coordinator wildlifeeducation@giveshelter.org. DCHS will use the scale below to determine the refund or transfers available for each request. 1. UP TO 24 HOURS AFTER PAYMENT, full refunds may be granted, less a $25 administration fee. 2. BEFORE MARCH 1, 2026, a 50% refund may be granted or registration may be transferred to another week of camp if available. 3. MORE THAN THREE WEEKS prior to the start of your registered camp, a registration may be transferred to another week of camp if available. 4. THREE WEEKS OR FEWER, no transfers, credits, or refunds will be issued. Dane County Humane Society reserves the right to cancel events due to various circumstances. In the event that DCHS cancels an event, registration may be transferred to another date for a camp of the same type.
Cancellation Policy: Single Day and Spring Break Camps
Refunds may be granted up to 24 hours after payment has been submitted, less a $25.00 administration fee, if requested in writing to the Camp Coordinator at wildlifeeducation@giveshelter.org. After 24 hours from payment submission, fees are non-refundable but the event reservation may be transferred to another date for a camp of the same type in some situations. Dane County Humane Society reserves the right to cancel events due to various circumstances. In the event that DCHS cancels an event, registration may be transferred to another date for a camp of the same type.
Education Opportunity Statement
At Dane County Humane Society, we know our education programs thrive from having diverse and inclusive participation. Diversity and inclusion are celebrated and embraced at Dane County Humane Society. We will not discriminate against or give preference to any person because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, arrest record, genetic information, veteran status or other class protected by applicable law. DCHS puts people first and we are happy to work with learners to remove barriers and put any reasonable accommodations into practice to the extent that it is safe to do so.
Allergy Information
DCHS utilizes peanut butter and hay for animal enrichment and care throughout the shelter. Camp WildSide activities will take place in and around the DCHS Barn, where there is hay present. We are unable to provide a hay or peanut-free facility, and we are unable to make accommodations for children with severe hay or peanut allergies.
Inclement Weather Policy
If weather-related issues require DCHS to close, updates will be posted on our website, Instagram (@dchsgiveshelter), and Facebook (@GiveShelter) pages. Please check these platforms during severe winter conditions. A staff member will contact you directly by email about any cancellations and help with next steps.