Question 1

How old does my child have to be?

Accepted Answer

We offer full‑day camps for children entering Grades 1–9 in the upcoming fall school year. Please note that all campers must be at least 6 years old and fully toilet trained to participate.

Question 2

Do you offer camps for children with special needs?

Accepted Answer

CHS Camp is an inclusive environment, and we welcome children of all abilities. Campers with special needs, whether or not they work with an aide or assistant, are fully integrated into their camp groups and encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program.

Question 3

When registering, what age group should my child go in to?

Accepted Answer

When choosing an age group for your child in CHS Summer Camp, please register them based on the grade they will be entering in the fall, not the grade they are currently completing.

Question 4

My child is very mature for their age. Can I put them in the next group up?

Accepted Answer

Because our leaders carefully design each week to suit the developmental needs of the campers in their group, we ask that you register your child based on the grade they will be entering in the fall.

Question 5

Do you have before or after care?

Accepted Answer

After‑care is available until 4:30 PM and can be added at checkout for an additional fee. The cost is $10 per camp day (4 or 5 days, depending on the week). Please note that we do not offer before‑care at this time.

Question 6

Do you accept camp volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We accept applications from youth aged 14–17 for our Summer Camp Volunteer position. When recruitment opens, all details and the application link will be available on our website at:
https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/get-involved/volunteer/

Question 7

What lunch options are available?

Accepted Answer

A Friday Pizza Lunch is included in your camp registration fee. You’ll be able to choose your child’s preferred pizza option during the registration process. Please note that the pizza lunch is built into the camp fee and cannot be refunded or removed.

Question 8

How many animals will my child meet?

Accepted Answer

We aim for each camper to interact with at least two animals per day, and on some days they may meet even more. Please note that these numbers can vary from day to day or week to week depending on shelter population, animal stress levels, and scheduled presentations.

Question 9

What is an animal interaction? Does my child get to pet, hold or feed the animals?

Accepted Answer

An “animal interaction” refers to any situation where an animal is brought to meet a camp group. The format of each interaction varies largely depending on the species and the individual animal’s temperament.

Question 10

My child is frightened of certain animals, will those be at camp?

Accepted Answer

Our staff understand that not all children feel comfortable around every type of animal. Campers are never forced to interact with an animal if they feel uneasy. Instead, our Humane Education team helps address any fears by offering gentle guidance, information, and age‑appropriate education.

Question 11

Will my child come home begging for a pet?

Accepted Answer

It’s possible your child may meet an animal at camp that they feel would make a wonderful pet and may talk to you about adopting. However, we never “push” pet ownership on families. Our focus is on education, compassion, and helping children understand what responsible pet care involves.

Question 12

Do the proceeds from CHS Camp really go to help the animals at the CHS?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Calgary Humane Society is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of animals, and our mission is to help as many as we can. By choosing CHS Camp, you’re directly supporting animals in need within the Calgary community.

Question 13

What is the camp cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

CHS Camp registration fees are refundable up to 30 days before the start of camp. After that point, fees become transferable rather than refundable. Please contact our Humane Education team to discuss the available fee‑transfer options.

Question 14

I will be missing a day of camp. Do you give a discount since I will not be attending all days?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not offer discounts for missed days of camp. If your child is unable to attend all days in a given week, we encourage you to consider registering for a different week that better fits your schedule.

Question 15

What if my youth is showing symptoms of illness?

Accepted Answer

If your child is showing any symptoms of illness, we will ask that they stay home from camp. This helps us keep all campers, staff, and animals safe and healthy.

Question 16

How many weeks can my child attend?

Accepted Answer

There is no limit to the number of weeks a child may attend CHS Camp. Each week features a different theme and new activities, so returning campers can enjoy a fresh experience.

Question 17

Where do you get your camp staff?

Accepted Answer

Our camp leaders are often post‑secondary students studying fields such as child development, education, social work, psychology, or animal welfare. We carefully interview every applicant to ensure we select leaders who are passionate about children, education, and animals.

Question 18

What is the camp discipline policy?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to provide every child with a positive camp experience. At the beginning of camp, the leaders go over camp expectations and rules. Our leaders then follow our progressive discipline policy that involves problem solving, verbal warnings, and involvement of full-time staff if necessary.

Question 19

Why do you ask for my child's Alberta Health Care number?

Accepted Answer

In the event of an emergency, we aim to provide EMS with all relevant information so they can care for your child as effectively as possible.

Question 20

What is a typical day at CHS Summer Camp?

Accepted Answer

A typical day at camp may include a mix of activities such as creative crafts, at least two animal visits, indoor and outdoor games, educational sessions, guest speakers, and animal themed activities. Campers also enjoy two snack breaks and one lunch break each day.

Question 21

Is CHS Camp educational?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In addition to meeting animals, campers take part in a variety of fun and educational activities designed to build their knowledge of the animal world and challenge their understanding in hands‑on, age‑appropriate ways.

Question 22

Is CHS Camp a peanut-free camp?

Accepted Answer

Calgary Humane Society uses peanut butter with our dogs as part of our stress reduction protocols and therefore we cannot be declared a “peanut-free” facility. Parents who have concerns regarding children with allergies are encouraged to contact us prior to registration if they have concerns.

Question 23

Which animals will my camper get to meet at camp?

Accepted Answer

Because our animal population changes daily, the availability of suitable animals for campers to visit can vary. We always do our best to provide meaningful animal interactions, but the specific animals available may differ from day to day.

Question 24

How do you choose the animals campers will meet?

Accepted Answer

We carefully choose which animals campers meet based on several factors, including a successful health check, positive socialization sessions, calm and appropriate behavior, and a personality that indicates they would enjoy interacting with a group of enthusiastic campers.

Question 25

My child is really good with animals, why are they only allowed to pet them?

Accepted Answer

Most children at CHS Camp are great with animals, and we understand the excitement of wanting to hold one. However, asking an animal to be held by 10–15 campers can be stressful, so we choose interactions that keep our animals comfortable.

Question 26

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! CHS members receive a discount on camp fees. To qualify, your CHS membership must be active (not expired), and you’ll need to contact the Humane Education team before registering to obtain your discount code. Please email them at humane.education@calgaryhumane.ca to get started.

Question 27

What options do you have for reduced camp fees for low income families?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us at humane.education@calgaryhumane.ca to discuss available camp subsidies. We’re happy to review options with you and help determine what support may be available.

CHS Summer Camp: Once Upon an Animal (Grades 1-3) - July 6th -10th

Good to know

Location

Calgary Humane Society

How do you want to get there?