Special to Iredell Free News
Parents of preschool to eighth-grade students can now register their children for Rescue Ranch’s 2024 Critter Camps. Spring break and one-week summer camp sessions offer 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.
Weather depending, campers will also explore Rescue Ranch’s walking trails and have access to the 10,000-square-foot inclusive Earnhardt Family Playground.
Assisting with each camp session are Rescue Ranch’s 80-plus permanent residents and animal ambassadors, including a steer, sheep, goats, turkeys, miniature horses, potbellied pigs, a variety of parrots, rats, rabbits, snakes, lizards, tortoises and more.
2024 Critter Camp Schedule
Spring Break Camp
For kindergarten through fifth-grade students, the spring break session is available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $220 per child, from April 2-5. Early registration and sibling discounts are available.
Campers will explore the wild and wonderful blooming of spring with flora and fauna exploration, STEM activities, crafts, animal ambassadors, and more.
To register for the Spring Break Critter Camp, visit rescueranch.com/critter-camps.
Summer Camps
For preschool children ages four or five, there are two options of four-day, half-day sessions available from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Into the Wild – Campers will explore the wild and wonderful nature around the Ranch with flora and fauna exploration, STEM activities, crafts, and animal ambassadors. The cost is $125 per child, per half-day, four-day session. Sessions are scheduled for June 3-6 and August 12-15.
For children entering kindergarten through fifth grade, there are six themed, weekly sessions available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Eco Engineers – Campers will dive into the exploration of how animals use their environment to engineer amazing habitats, nests and burrows and will have hands-on STEM activities, crafts, and animal ambassadors. The cost is $250 per child, per five-day session and the dates include June 10-14, June 17-21 and June 24-28.
Conservation Captains – Campers will learn how they can make a difference and start protecting local wildlife and habitats with hands-on activities, crafts, and animal ambassadors. The cost is $250 per child, per five-day session and the dates include July 8-12, July 29- August 2, and August 5-9.
For students entering sixth through eighth grade, there is one themed weeklong session 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. The cost is $250 per child, per week and the date is July 15-19.
For campers with special needs, entering first through sixth grade, there are two weeklong, half day, sessions available from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
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 cost is $25 per child, per week. No additional discounts are available this week as the cost has been reduced thanks to donor support. The session will be July 22-26.
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 certified 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.
A $20 discount applies for any preschool, elementary or middle school Summer Critter Camp if registered by March 31. 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.