Camp Offers Hands-On Experience For Animal Lovers

SAN DIEGO -- School is almost out, but it's not too late to think about summer camps.

San Diego has such a huge variety of camps that parents and kids may have a hard time choosing. So this week, 10News took a look at some of your options. Wednesday 10News profiled a day camp for animal lovers.

It may be bunnies today, but tomorrow could be anything from llamas to lizards when you attend Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe.

Education manager Jaime Pierson said kids from prekindergarten through eighth grade can sign up for the week long summer day camp sessions.

"Every day it's a different animal there, and they do fun games and crafts. And everything is really hands-on -- that's our teaching philosophy," said Pierson.

Anna Davis, 4, already knows what animal she's looking forward to seeing this summer.

"Um, guinea pigs," said Davis.

And parents said it's a good option for kids who love animals.

"They work really well with the children here," said parent Shannon Davis.

Critter Camp runs mid-June through August, and the experience is tailored to the age of the camper.

"You don't just sit there and listen. You do it. You go out and you pet the animals, you help feed the animals, you oil tortoise shells and it's just fun," said Pierson.

Helen Woodward Animal Center recently announced a brand-new experience for seventh- and eighth- graders attending Critter Camp this summer.

These campers will get to work with staff from Rancho Santa Fe Veterinary Hospital and use real tools to diagnose and perform surgery on stuffed animals.

For more information on Critter Camp, click on www.AnimalCenter.org.