Camp Frequently Asked Questions

RCHS’ Camp FAQs

How do I sign up for camp? Simply fill out the registration form and mail, fax or deliver it, during business hours, to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society with your payment (Visa, Mastercard accepted). We cannot hold your child’s space in camp until we have received their registration form and payment.

Does camp fill up? Yes, it does!! To make sure your child can be enrolled, send in your application early. Camp is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will campers get to interact with the animals? Although campers will not spend their entire day interacting with animals they will have the opportunity to interact with animals each day! We provide guest speakers who bring animals that your camper will have the opportunity to interact with. We also allow the campers to meet our adoptable animals. Our ability to have kids interact with animals relies entirely on the types of animals that are in residence during the camp season. Our two top priorities are to provide our campers with a safe and fun experience and also to prevent our resident animals from any undue stress.  We cannot guarantee any specific animal, but kids will definitely get to interact with pets daily.

What will campers do at camp? 

• Hands on interactions with shelter animals
• Create animal related crafts
• Enjoy guest presentations and speakers
• Play indoor and outdoor games
• Participate in activities related to curriculum and themes
• Click here to view a sample schedule of a day at our camp

How many campers attend each week? Camp size is limited to 15 children per week. Each group is led by a specially trained-educator and one assistant who is also an experienced educator.  Animal Keepers camp is limited to 12 campers per week to allow the older students more hands on opportunities with our animals. 

Can we sign up for one or two days? No. Our camp weeks are offered in weekly sessions only.  
Can you hold a spot for my child?  No. You must complete the registration form including payment.  We do not hold spots for any of our camps.
Can campers bring a friend? All campers must be registered before attending camp. If your camper would like to attend with a friend we suggest signing up early and at the same time.  Although we will try our best to place friends together, placement in the same week with a friend cannot be guaranteed.

Do I get a discount if I am signing up for multiple weeks or siblings?  No. We do not offer any discounts.
What if our family cannot afford the camp registration fee, are there scholarships?  Yes. We do have scholarships for low-income families and have a scholarship application that can be requested. Please let us know if you need an application and we will be happy to send you one and answer any questions.
What is the cost? $200 for the week (five, full days).  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  **Animal Keepers camp for 11-15 year old is $225 a week.

How will I know if I got into a session? You will receive an e-mail confirmation.

What if I need to cancel? Due to space limitations all fees are non-refundable.

Is there before and after camp care? No. Unfortunately we do not offer before or after care.  Campers should be dropped off promptly at 9:00 a.m.  A staff member will be on hand to open the gate at 9:00 a.m.  Please be aware that children may not be dropped off before 9:00 a.m.  You may pick up your camper any time during the day, but no later than the camp-day end at 4:00 p.m.   

The camp is full. How do I get my child on your wait list? You may request to be on our waitlist if the week you are interested in is full.  You still need to complete a camp registration form. We do not process any payment until space opens up in the week your camper would like to attend. You will be notified when a spot becomes available.  

Sample First day of Camp

9:00-9:30 Introduction and Rules
9:30-10:00 Discussion and Outdoor games related to camp theme
10:00-10:45 Turtle and Tortoise Society Presentation
10:45-11:00 Bathroom Break
11:00-12:00 Shelter Tour and Animal Interactions
12:00-1:00 Lunch and Free Play
1:00-1:45 Craft (make bunny treats)
1:45-2:15 Meet Animals (dog, cat or rabbit)
2:15-2:45 Indoor/Outdoor Games (theme related)
2:45-3:15 Snack, Playtime
3:15-4:00 Craft (make you own bird feeder)