Summer Day Camps for Youth at OHS Portland Campus
Registration is FULL for Portland Summer Camp
Email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
In your email, please include the grade (in Fall 2023) of your camper and which camp(s) you prefer.
Summer camp is almost here!
Oregon Humane Society’s summer camps are a wonderful way for campers to spend the day developing and strengthening their love, appreciation, and knowledge of animals. We love to bring animal and campers together because youth who learn to be kind and compassionate to animals grow into more compassionate adults, helping to create a more humane society.
This summer, campers will interact with companion animals, learn pet care basics, play games, learn basic training techniques, make animal-based crafts, bake treats and build a warm and welcoming camp community. It is our goal to increase campers’ understanding and awareness of the role that they can have as ambassadors for animals.
June 26-30: Shelter Stewards Leadership Camp (Grade 8)
Shelter Stewards Leadership Camp is designed for rising 8th graders as a leadership and animal advocacy camp. Campers will experience hands-on work and care of our shelter pets, as well as leadership skills to build on great future experiences. Learn to be a voice for our furry friends! In addition to joining in on camp activities like time with shelter animals, games, crafts, shelter activities, guest speakers and learning about issues challenging animal welfare, Shelter Stewards will also learn leadership skills and what it takes to be a shelter camp counselor once they are in high school. Find your voice to help advocate for animals!
July 10-14: Camp Whiskers (Grades 3-4)
Hey kids! If you are going into 3rd and 4th grade and crazy about animals, Camp Whiskers is the summer camp for you! Come experience a week of animal fun guaranteed to get your tail wagging! This week is an introduction to basic animal care, crafts, games, guest speakers and an opportunity to meet and care for our shelter pets, every day. We will socialize with shelter pets every day!
July 17-21: Animal Adventures Camp (Grades 4-5)
Are you in 4th or 5th grade and love animals? You can come explore the amazing world of our shelter pets for this week! You will learn how to be safe around animals and work hands-on with our shelter pets to learn training techniques and safe handling. Experienced and enthusiastic staff, volunteers, and guest speakers will help you have an amazing time with a week of behind-the-scenes experiences, fun animal activities, camp games, crafts and pet enrichment to make our shelter pets happy and ready for their loving homes. We will socialize with shelter pets every day!
July 24-28: Kennel Kids Camp (Grades 5-6)
Kennel Kids Camp is for 5th & 6th graders who love animals and want to learn how to help the pets in our shelter. Each week-long session includes behind-the-scenes experiences, hands-on animal activities, camp games, in-depth investigations of the treatment of animals with our Humane Law staff and making toys and treats to keep our shelter pets happy. Each day brings new adventures and fun for campers. We will socialize with shelter pets every day!
July 31 – Aug 4: Critter Crew Camp (Grades 5-6)
If you are in 5th or 6th grade and animals are your passion, then join us at Critter Crew Camp to help make our shelter pets happy and feel safe. Our cats, dogs and small animals need the love and attention that campers can give them. Besides working closely with animals, we will also have fun learning how the shelter works behind the scenes, hear from guest speakers, make toys and treats for the animals and learn about the challenges facing animals in our world. We will socialize with shelter pets every day!
August 7-11: Pet Champions Camp (Grades 6-7)
At Pet Champions Camp, students entering 6th & 7th grade can experience even more about our shelter and how to be animal advocates! By giving kids a rewarding experience working with animals and learning about animal welfare, we will provide them with tools to help advocate for animals and create a more humane society. The week is filled with time loving and learning about shelter animals, camp games, making pet enrichment crafts, hearing about how to protect our furry friends, and learning from guest speakers about issues challenging our animal friends. We will socialize with shelter pets every day!
August 14-18: Animal Advocates Camp (Grades 6-7)
At Animal Advocates Camp, kids entering 6th & 7th grade will experience what it takes to be a warrior and voice for animals! Through guest speakers, behind-the scenes tours, learning about pet enrichment and actively helping the pets in the shelter, we will provide them with tools to help advocate for animals and create a more humane society. Socialization, crafts, playing camp games and having hands-on experiences with how kindness and compassion is woven through everything we do at the shelter will make for an amazing week of animals! We will socialize with shelter pets every day!
- Location: Portland Summer camps held at Portland Shelter, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd
- Ages: For campers in grades rising 3rd-8th. Camp curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate for a specific age-range, and we are unable to accommodate requests to enroll campers who do not meet the age specifications.
- Camp fee: $350
- Times: Camp Programming begins at 9:30 a.m. and doors will open at 8:45 a.m. for drop off. There will be free choice time before 9:30 a.m. Camp will end at 4 p.m.
- Attire: Be sure your camper is dressed appropriately for a day in the shelter and animal interaction. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required, every day. Days start off chilly- layer up!
- Times: Camp Programming begins at 9:30 a.m. and doors will open at 8:45 a.m. for drop off. There will be free choice time before 9:30 a.m. Camp will end at 4 p.m.
- Be sure your camper is dressed appropriately for a day in the shelter and animal interaction. Closed toed shoes and long pants are required, every day. Days start off chilly- layer up!
- Because of our interactions with animals and the environment of the shelter, we are unable to accommodate animal and/or peanut allergies.
- Socialization with animals will be based on the availability of appropriate shelter pets.
- Lunch and snacks will not be provided. Please pack healthy lunches and snacks for energy and fun.
Oregon Humane Society believes in providing opportunities for all children to be able to attend our programs. We are committed to serving as many families as possible; however, scholarship funds are limited. Awards will be for 50-100% of camp tuition.
- Scholarship applications are open until funds run out. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served and needs basis.
- If awarded a scholarship, you will be notified via email.
Contact us for more information or to apply.
Oregon Humane Society’s summer camps are a wonderful place for students going into 9th grade and above to volunteer their time as a Junior Camp Counselor.
Our camps are created for campers, grades 3-8, who have a passion for animals and desire to learn about the human-animal connection. During each session, Junior Counselors will help lead campers in animal activities, games, humane lessons, and help create a weekly compassionate community.
OHS camps are an immersive experience for campers that bring together our best shelter talent to educate, stimulate, and make animal welfare advocates for life! If you are excited to help campers find the same passion you have for animals, then apply! Priority is given to existing Youth Volunteers already accepted into our program, but there is always room for more. Come learn with us!
If you are a rising 9th grader and above and wish to participate in this wonderful job experience, they apply today!
If you previously applied in February and early March, please contact us regarding your application
