Summer Camp Happy Tails
Camp Happy Tails
At Camp Happy Tails, kids explore the wonders of the animal world while learning the value of compassion, kindness, and respect for all living beings. Through hands-on experiences, guest speakers, supervised animal interactions, and time spent outdoors, campers discover the important roles animals play in our lives—and our responsibility to care for pets, wildlife, and the world around us.
This engaging educational program offers behind-the-scenes learning at the Potter League, giving kids a meaningful look at animal welfare while inspiring curiosity, empathy, and confidence. Camp Happy Tails is designed to spark a lifelong appreciation for animals and empower kids to make thoughtful, caring choices in their everyday lives.
Camp 2026 Sessions
Ages 6-8
Animals All Around Us – July 6-10
Campers explore the animals they see every day—from pets at home to wildlife outside—while learning why kindness and care matter for all creatures. Through fun activities, animal visits, and outdoor exploration, campers discover how their actions can help keep animals safe and happy.
Best Friends – July 20-24
Campers learn about the pets that make our lives special and enjoy time interacting with dogs, cats, and small animals. Through hands-on activities and animal visits, campers practice how to care for pets, understand their behavior, and be kind and gentle animal friends.
Shelter Superheroes – August 3-7
Campers discover what happens behind the scenes at an animal shelter and meet the people who help care for animals every day. Through creative projects, enrichment activities, and time with shelter pets, campers learn how kindness and teamwork help animals feel safe and loved.
Ages 9-12
Animals All Around Us – July 13-17
Campers explore the animals they encounter every day—from beloved pets to local wildlife—while learning why compassion matters for all creatures. Through guest speakers, supervised animal interactions, and outdoor exploration, campers examine how their choices impact pets, wildlife, and the natural world around them.
Best Friends – July 27 – 31
Campers learn about and interact with the pets that make such a big impact on our lives. Through hands-on activities and supervised animal interactions, they explore how to care for dogs, cats, and small mammals, how animals communicate with us, and what we can do to improve their lives. The week also takes a closer look at dogs and the many ways they support and enrich people’s lives.
Shelter Superheroes – August 10-14Â
Campers go behind the scenes at the shelter to learn what it takes to care for animals in need. Through guest speakers, hands-on enrichment projects, creative activities like designing adoption materials, and time spent with shelter pets, campers explore animal welfare, careers with animals, and how compassion in action can make a real difference.
Additional Information about Camp Happy Tails
Fees include all materials, activities, and lessons. Campers will have a blast each week with animal interactions, games, crafts, & guest speakers! Lunch is not provided. Campers must bring their own non-microwaveable and nonperishable lunch and water bottle.
Please Note: Some of the animals in our care are provided daily enrichment that includes peanut butter. We cannot ensure that campers will not come in contact with surfaces that have trace amounts. For this reason, we do not recommend that children with severe peanut allergies attend camp.
Scholarship applications are now open. The deadline for scholarship submissions is March 31, 2026. If you have any questions, please email Jeanne Jautaikis at jjautaikis@potterleague.org.
Camp Cost:
Full-week registration (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) is $300 per camper. Fees include all materials, activities, animal interactions, games, crafts, and lessons. Lunch is not provided.
Extended Day is available 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM for $25 per day — select the number of extended days when registering.
Have questions or want to learn more?
We’re happy to help! For more information about Camp Happy Tails reach out to our Humane Education team at HumaneEd@potterleague.org.