Before and After Care
Before or after care is available from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $25 per week. Individual before or after care sessions are $6 each.
Age Information
Camp sessions are organized by age and grade. When you register your child, use this guideline to ensure that they are in the correct group:
| CAMP | CURRENT GRADE |
| 6-8 years old | K – Third |
| 9-11 years old | Fourth – Sixth |
| 12-14 years old | Seventh – Ninth |
Medication and First Aid Policies
SPCA staff and camp counselors are certified in first aid and CPR, however, employees, volunteers, or other representatives are not permitted to administer any medications or emergency medical treatments to anyone. Rescue devices can be given to a humane educator to be secured onsite in case of an emergency, but a doctor’s note must accompany the device. Humane educators can assist your child in the preparation of the device but cannot deliver any medications such as inhalers or Epipens. If a rescue device will remain onsite at the SPCA, contact Director of Community Education Christine Davis at HumaneEducation@yourspca.org.
Cancellation Policy
Full-week summer camps: If your child is registered in advance, a spot is reserved for him or her. Before June 1, if we learn your child will not be attending camp after that spot has been reserved, a non-refundable processing fee of $50 will be retained. Following June 1, if your child will not be attending camp, a deposit equal to 50% of the camp cost can be retained up until two weeks before camp starts.
No refunds will be given 14 days prior to or after the start of any week-long camps.
If your child is absent or is on vacation during the registered week, camp fees will not be returned or prorated.
All refund requests must be submitted in writing. Approved refunds will take a minimum of two weeks to process.
Additional Information
- Each camper will receive an SPCA camp t-shirt. Additional t-shirts are available for $10.
- Campers will interact with an animal daily.
- Contact us at HumaneEducation@yourspca.org if you have any concerns about animal or food allergies.
- Campers can register for multiple sessions based on their age grouping.
- Campers must bring a lunch daily.
- Camp will take place at the SPCA Serving Erie County located at 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14224.
About Our Camp Counselors
The SPCA’s humane educators work with children and adults throughout the year. These educators/camp counselors are trained in first aid and CPR.
To Register
Registration must be done online. Camp spots fill up quickly, so don’t delay!
To learn more, contact the SPCA Humane Education Department at HumaneEducation@yourspca.org.
The SPCA is the perfect summer destination for campers looking for hands-on animal encounters, exciting interactive activities, and a daily look into the world of animal welfare and care! It’s where STEM meets the human-animal bond. Sessions are offered for children ages 6-14 currently in K-10th grade. Campers will:
*Become animal advocates.
*Interact with animals.
*Participate in activities led by animal experts.
Registration must be done online. Camp spots fill up quickly, so don’t delay!
Sibling and multi-session discounts are available!
To learn more, contact Christine Davis, director of community education, at HumaneEducation@yourspca.org or register below.
Adventures in Veterinary Medicine: SOLD OUT
Does your school-aged child want to be a veterinarian? This academic camp provides a wonderful age-appropriate introduction to veterinary medicine. Campers will learn about physical exams, heart rates, common diseases, and how to read X-rays. They will perform a mock surgery and take home their very own stethoscope! Note: Campers may have the option to observe a spay/neuter surgery.
June 26 – June 30, Ages 9 – 11
July 17 – 21, Ages 9 – 11
August 7 – 11, Ages 9 – 11
Cost: $295
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Interested parties can be placed on a wait list
Beginner Vet Camp: SOLD OUT
Does your child dream of becoming a vet? This camp provides a wonderful, age-appropriate introduction to veterinary medicine. Campers will dive into the exciting world of veterinary science and discover what it takes to become an animal doctor by learning about physical exams with stuffed animal check-ups, lessons on animal body language, illness, nutrition, and more. Of course, campers will spend time with animals every day! Campers will also engage in cool activities, play games, and make fun models, and take home their very own stethoscope.
June 26 – June 30, Ages 6 – 8
Cost: $295
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Interested parties can be placed on a wait list
The World of Pets
Each day, campers will be transported to a different environment to learn about new animals and habitats around the world. They will explore different types of household pets and learn about their lives in the wild. Campers get to meet exotic animals and learn what it takes to care for them as pets. Explorers will participate in a variety of crafts, games, and activities this camp week!
July 5 – 7, Ages 6 – 8; 9 – 11
Cost: $260
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterinary and Animal Science: SOLD OUT
Do you have an animal-loving camper who is interested in mystery and science? This camp offers an opportunity for campers to act as researchers of what animals are capable of learning, understanding, and how they respond to the world around them. Campers will learn how some of this research is done and craft their own research questions. They will explore scientific inquiries such as: how long does it take for a rat or mouse to run through a maze for a salad vs. a sunflower seed? Does a dog respond to a hand signal or a word better when asked to sit or lie down? They’ll also learn about areas of animal science in different disciplines such as veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and behavioral science.
July 17 – 21, Ages 11 – 14
Cost: $280
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Interested parties can be placed on a wait list
Creativity with Animals
Your child will experience the magic of summer camp through art, friends, creativity, connection, and FUN! These young artists will try out different media, gain new artistic techniques, and have time to interact with our ambassador animals. They will learn about the art animals naturally make in their environments and how they incorporate nature into their art at home. Campers will also gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world’s beauty and get the opportunity to practice innovative art techniques. On the final day of camp, they will showcase their weeklong creative projects!
July 10 – 14, Ages 6 – 8 (limited space available) ; 9 – 11
August 14 – 18, Ages 6 – 8; 9 – 11
Cost: $280
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Companion Animal Camp
Participants in this camp will learn more about how the SPCA Serving Erie County’s shelter runs through advocacy, hands-on projects, and education. Campers will meet animals each day and discover ways to help animals in the shelter and in our community. Guest speakers from various departments will showcase what they do at the shelter and facilitate hands-on practice.
July 24 – 28, Ages 6 – 8 (limited space available) ; 9 – 11
Cost: $280
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Animal Advocates: SOLD OUT
Does your child love animals and want to make a paw-sitive impact? This camp explores different ways that kids can help pets in our community. Campers will explore the world of animal welfare through innovative activities, games, and animal meet-and-greets. Whether it’s making enrichment toys for our animals, learning positive training techniques, learning about proper pet care, pet overpopulation, puppy mills, and other important issues concerning our domestic and wild animals. Campers are sure to leave with an understanding that it is cool to care!
August 7 – 11, Ages 11 – 14
Cost: $280
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Interested parties can be placed on a wait list
Critter Camp
Calling all animal lovers! Time to focus on ALL animals and not just dogs and cats. Your child will help us get our animals adopted and learn about less traditional animals such as bunnies, rats, hamsters, reptiles, and many more! Practicing empathy and compassion for all critters helps children create bonds with animals and people alike. Campers will meet adorable shelter animals, create fun enrichment items for our critters, play games, and meet new friends!
July 31 – August 4, Ages 6 – 8 (limited space available) ; 9 – 11 (limited space available)
Cost: $280
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
