Special to IFN
Parents of preschool to eighth-grade students can now register their children for Rescue Ranch’s 2025 Critter Camps, spring break and one-week summer camp sessions offering hands-on educational experiences with animal interactions.
Critter Camps are designed to be fun, educational camp experiences for children who love animals. All camps involve daily interaction with animals, games, crafts and STEM activities. Campers will learn how to care for animals, provide enrichment, and how to promote humane animal care to others.
In addition, and weather depending, campers will explore the Ranch’s nature trail and have access to the 10,000 square-foot inclusive Earnhardt Family Playground.
Assisting with each camp session are Rescue Ranch’s over 80 permanent residents and animal ambassadors that include steer, sheep, goats, turkeys, miniature horses, pot-bellied pigs, a variety of parrots, rats, rabbits, snakes, lizards, tortoises and more.
The 2025 Critter Camp schedule is as follows:
Spring Break Camp
For pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students, the spring break session is available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 10-14. The cost is $250 per child. Early registration and sibling discounts are available.
Campers will explore springtime in the Sahara, learning about desert habitats, animal adaptations and survival through STEM activities, experiments, crafts, meeting animal ambassadors and more.
To register for the Spring Break Critter Camp, visit rescueranch.com/critter-camps.
Summer Camp
For preschool children ages 4-6, there are two options for half-day sessions available from 8:30 to noon.
Outer Space Adventures & Music Makers – Campers will explore and learn all about planets and space May 27 – 30 or learn how music is made July 7 – 11. Both sessions will involve STEM activities, crafts, and animal ambassadors. The cost is $125 per child, per half-day, four-day session.
For children entering kindergarten through fifth grade, there are six themed, weekly sessions available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fantastic Five – Campers will dive into our five senses, learning how they work, why some are stronger than others, and how animals use their senses differently than we do. Campers will take part in hands-on STEM activities, crafts, and animal ambassadors. The cost is $250 per child, per five-day session and the dates include June 2 – 6, June 9 – 13 and June 16 – 20.
Art in Nature – Campers will be studying art that is right here in the Ranch’s own backyard. The sights, sounds, and everything in between with hands-on STEM activities, crafts, and animal ambassadors. The cost is $250 per child, per five-day session and the dates include July 14 – 18, July 21– July 25, and July 27 – August 1.
For students entering sixth through eighth grade, there are two themed weeklong sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Animal Careers – From veterinarians to zookeepers to wildlife photography, campers will learn about different careers for animal lovers. This session will have guest speakers, with hands-on STEM activities, crafts, animal ambassadors and more. The cost is $250 per child, per week and the date is June 23 – 27.
Trail Blazers – This new program will involve lots of outdoor time on the Ranch’s nature trail, focused on outdoor projects and learning. Campers will focus on hands-on lessons with our animal ambassadors, STEM activities, crafts and more. The cost is $250 per child, per week and the date is June 30 – July 3.
Outdoor Skills/Nature – Campers will explore the wild and wonderful nature around the Ranch. With flora and fauna exploration, campers will focus on hands-on lessons with our animal ambassadors, STEM activities, crafts and more. Students from fifth through eighth grade are allowed for this session. The cost is $250 per child, per week and the date is June 30 – July 3.
For campers with special needs, entering first through sixth grade, there are two week-long, half day, sessions available from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Exceptional Children Summer Camp – Campers will learn about and meet the Ranch’s indoor and barnyard animal ambassadors, complete crafts, hear stories, and play on the 10,000 square-foot inclusive playground. The sessions are May 27 – May 30 and July 7 – July 11,
These sessions are open to exceptional children including but not limited to, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other special needs that require more supervision and a smaller group setting in order to have a successful and meaningful camp experience. This camp is taught by teachers with exceptional children experience, who are first aid and CPR certified. This camp will have a three-to-one ratio of kids to adults with junior counselors to assist. All abilities welcome.
To register for this session, please call (704) 768-0909 or email education@rescueranch.com.
Discounts
A $20 discount applies for any preschool, elementary or middle school Summer Critter Camp if registered by March 30. Also available is a $10 sibling discount when registered together.
Registration
Registration will remain open as long as space is available. For more information on Rescue Ranch’s Critter Camps or to register, visit rescueranch.com/critter-camps call (704) 768-0909 or email education@rescueranch.com. Payment plans and partial scholarships are available.
About Rescue Ranch
Rescue Ranch is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded by Krissie Newman. The 87-acre facility offers school, Scout and camp programs, birthday parties and private tours, which promote humane education through hands-on learning. Rescue Ranch is located in Statesville.