Registration opens for Rescue Ranch’s Spring and Summer Critter Camps

STATESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 15, 2023) – Parents of preschoolers to eighth-grade students can now register their children for Rescue Ranch’s 2023 Critter Camps, daily spring break and one-week summer camp sessions offering hands-on educational experiences with animal interactions.

Critter Camps are designed to be fun, educational camp experiences for children who love animals. All camps involve daily interaction with animals, games, crafts and STEM activities. Campers will learn how to care for animals, provide enrichment, and to promote humane animal care to others.

In addition, and weather depending, campers will explore the Ranch’s walking trails and have access to the 10,000 square foot inclusive Earnhardt Family Playground.

Assisting with each camp session are Rescue Ranch’s over 80 permanent residents and animal ambassadors that include steer, lambs, goats, turkeys, miniature horses, potbellied pigs, a variety of parrots, ferrets, rabbits, snakes, lizards, tortoises and more.

The 2023 Critter Camp schedule is as follows:

Spring Break

For kindergarten through fifth-grade students, the spring break session is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $45 per day or $210 per child, per week, March 6-10.

To register for the Spring Break Critter Camp, visit rescueranch.com/critter-camps.

Summer Camp

For preschool children aged four or five, there are four, half-day sessions available from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 – 4 p.m. The cost for these sessions is $110 per child.

• Critter Celebration – Campers will celebrate a year’s worth of holidays with animals! They’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and more through crafts, games and exploration. The cost is $110 per child, per half-day, four-day session and the dates include June 5-8 and August 14-17.

• Critter Curiosities – Campers will explore their curiosity about how some animals can breathe in water and how some others can fly! The cost is $225 per child, per five-day session and the dates include June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30 and July 5-7 ($45 per day for this session).

• Habitat Heroes – Campers will learn about animal habitats and the animals that live in them from all around the world! The cost is $225 per child, per five-day session and the dates include July 24-28, July 30- August 4, and August 7-11.

• Animal Careers –From veterinarians to zookeepers to wildlife rehabilitators, campers will learn about all different careers for animal lovers. The cost is $225 per child, per week and the date is July 10-14.

• Critter Celebration – Campers will celebrate a year’s worth of holidays with animals! They’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and more through crafts, games and exploration. The cost is $25 per child, per week. No additional discounts are available this week as the cost has been reduced thanks to donor support. The session will be July 17-21, with two sessions, 9 a.m. - noon or 1-4 p.m.

For children entering kindergarten through fifth grade, there are seven themed, weekly sessions available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For students entering sixth through eighth grade, there is one themed weeklong session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For campers with special needs, entering first through sixth grade, there are two weeklong, half day, sessions available from 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m.

These sessions are open to exceptional children including but not limited to, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other special needs that require more supervision and a smaller group setting in order to have a successful and meaningful camp experience. This camp is taught by certified teachers with exceptional children experience, who are first aid and CPR certified. This camp will have a three to one ratio of kids to adults with junior counselors to assist. All abilities welcome.

To register for this session, please call (704) 768-0909 or email [email protected].

A 10 percent discount applies for any preschool, elementary or middle school Summer Critter Camp if registered by March 15 or a five percent discount if registered by May 1. Also available is a $10 sibling discount when registered together. For some sessions, extended care is available from 8-9 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. for $15 per day.  

Registration will remain open as long as space is available. For more information on Rescue Ranch’s Critter Camps or to register, visit rescueranch.com/critter-camps call (704) 768-0909 or email [email protected]. Payment plans and partial scholarships are available.

About Rescue Ranch:

Rescue Ranch is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded by Krissie Newman and NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. The 87-acre facility offers school, Scout and camp programs, birthday parties and private tours, which promote humane education through hands-on learning. Rescue Ranch is located in Statesville, North Carolina - less than an hour from Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Hickory.

Learn more about Rescue Ranch here.