Critter Camp
Campers learning about syringe feeding underage kittens and caring for adult cat residents at the shelter.
2013 Critter Camp dates announced!
Please submit an application form, waiver and payment in order to secure your spot in the camp of your choice. Mail your application* or sign up in person at the shelter Tue-Fri from 1-6 pm and Saturdays from noon-4 pm. Spots are held as payments are received and we will send out an email confirmation as soon as your spot is secured. Apply today to get your choice of sessions, 2010, 2011 and 2012 camps sold out! Email Mariah at outreach@myhswm.org with any questions.
*Please put two stamps on your applications if you choose to mail them in- thank you!
Camp details
Thank you to L.E.A.W. Family Foundation for underwriting our 2013 summer camps! We are thrilled to be able to offer kids in the community an opportunity to learn about animal care and go behind the scenes at the Humane Society!
Each camp session runs Tuesday through Friday. The cost is $150 for the regular Critter Camp and STAR Camp, and $175 for California Littles Camp. The enrollment fee includes all supplies and a Humane Society Critter Camp tote bag.
Drop off is between 8:30-9 am and pick up is between 3:30-4 pm each day at the Humane Society.
Campers are responsible for bringing two snacks and their own bag lunch each day.
For campers ages 6-8
Critter Camp, June 11-14~ FULL!
Critter Camp, June 25-28~ FULL!
For campers ages 9-11
Critter Camp, June 18-21~ FULL!
Session just added! Critter Camp, July 16-19~ 4 spots left
STAR Camp (for return campers), July 23-26~ 1 spot left
For campers ages 7-11
CA Littles Camp (for return campers), July 9-12~ FULL!
CA Littles Camp (for return campers), July 30-Aug 2~ FULL!
Please note that age groups have changed from last year. 6 year olds can now be enrolled in our regular Critter Camps, but they must have completed at least one full year of Kindergarten.
Campers learning about horse care with Roy!
NEW 2013 California Littles Camp! For return campers who have always wanted to do more with shelter dogs, this is the camp for you! In this camp, kids have the rare opportunity to work with dogs from the minute they arrive in Montana, to the time when they are adopted by their new family. This camp includes a field trip to meet the California Littles at the airport, and learn about the incredible organization that flys them here! Campers will be assigned a new California Little dog and be responsible for everything from their name, to providing their daily care, to making sure their new adopter knows everything about their personality and special needs. We expect these sessions to fill up very quickly, so please register early to secure your spot. $175 per session.
Our STAR Camp (Special Training to Adopt and Rescue) has only been offered the past two years, but is back by popular demand! This camp is designed for return campers (from 2013 or previous years) and assumes that campers already have some basic experience with animals. This specialized camp focuses on caring for shelter pets until they can be adopted, helping find them new homes and more. Activities may include assisting with adoptions, performing pet wellness exams, observing dog behavior assessments, assisting with spay/neuter clinics, caring for dogs and cats and more! $150 per session.
Our Critter Camp day camp helps children build a sense of kindness, respect and responsibility for all animals and life. Activities include caring for dogs and cats by feeding, training, grooming and socializing with adoptable animals. Campers participate in educational animal-related games, activities and art projects while making new friends, both two- and four-legged! Each week hosts guest speakers from different animal organizations within the community. Past guests included presentations on horses, guide dogs, dog agility and more! $150 per session.
Previous Critter Camps
Session #4 Campers!
More Critter Campers, session #3!
Session two Critter Campers!
This group was especially good at clicker training dogs like Bronson!
Check out Critter Campers from session one!
Making animal tracks with Chuck from Great Bear Foundation.
2009 Critter Campers
Meet the 'Hiding Dolphins', our third group of HSWM Critter Campers. They raised over $70 in dog biscuit sales and are donating their money towards our HOPE foster program. Great job!
Here are the 'Scratching Butterflies', the second session of HSWM's Critter Campers. They raised over $40 in dog biscuit sales and donated the money to purchasing supplies for our HOPE foster program. Great job everyone!
Humane Education
You can help too! It's never to soon to start helping our animal friends. Click on the links below for ideas that are animal AND kid friendly.
- Become a volunteer at the Humane Society of Western Montana
- Ask your teacher about starting a fund raiser at your school to benefit the HSWM. For ideas and information, contact Mariah @ 549.HSWM.
- Invite HSWM to your classroom! Several programs are available including responsible pet care, pet overpopulation and dog bite prevention. Email Mariah to schedule a humane education presentation for your class or event.
- Check out "the best camp in Missoula" - Critter Camp! 2010 dates and information posted above.
2010 Jr. Ken Shughart Humanitarian Award
Do you know someone between the ages of 6-15 years who showed an extraordinary act of kindness toward animals? We want to hear about it!
We are currently acceptiong nominations for the 2011 Junior Ken Shughart Humanitarian Award. Nominate a child between the ages of 6 and 15 who performed an extraordinary act of kindness for the benefit of animals in 2010. Briefly explain (under 200 words) how this child has shown extraordinary kindness to animals and why he/she should be selected as the 2011 Jr. Ken Shughart Humanitarian Award winner. Mail your nomination to: HSWM Ken Shughart Humanitarian Award Nominating Committee, 5930 Hwy 93 South, Missoula, MT 59804. Each nomination will be judged on originality and the commitment to animal welfare. Winners will be acknowledged at our annual Ken Shughart Humanitarian Award and Silent Auction on April 16 at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Missoula. All nomination materials must be postmarked by February 22, 2011 to be eligible.