JHS is proud to offer a selection of educational camps for children of all ages. JHS camps provide children with the unique and invaluable opportunity to learn about animal welfare and sheltering, animal behavior, helping pets in our community, and the importance of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Camps
Summer Camp for Rising Grades 1-8:
JHS Summer Camp is for kids in rising grades 1-8. Please choose the grade your child will be entering in the fall.
Cost: $300/week
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended care available for an additional fee)
View our 2024 Summer Camp dates and themes to learn more about what each theme entails or use the accordion below.
Number of spots remaining last updated at 2:15 p.m. on 4/19/24
Register for Week 1: June 10-14, 2024 (Theme: Generosity Breeds Joy) *Sold out for all grades. Waitlist available.*
Register for Week 2: June 17-21, 2024 (Theme: Generosity Breeds Joy) *5 spots left for Rising Grades 1-2 and 4 spots left for Rising Grades 6-8. Sold out for Rising Grades 3-5 – waitlist available.*
Register for Week 3: June 24-28, 2024 (Theme: All About Dogs) *6 spots left for Rising Grades 1-2. Sold out for Rising Grades 3-5 and 6-8 – waitlist available.*
Register for Week 4: July 8-12, 2024 (Theme: Generosity Breeds Joy) *3 spots left for Rising Grades 1-2. Sold out for Rising Grades 3-5 and 6-8 – waitlist available.*
Register for Week 5: July 15-19, 2024 (Theme: All About Dogs) *Sold out for all grades. Waitlist available.*
Register for Week 6: July 22-26, 2024 (Theme: All About Cats) *2 spots left for Rising Grades 1-2. Sold out for Rising Grades 3-5 and 6-8 – waitlist available.*
Register Week 7: July 29-August 2, 2024 (Theme: Careers with Pets) *Sold out for all grades. Waitlist available.*
During “Generosity Breeds Joy” and “Careers with Pets” weeks, campers will work with both cats and dogs. During “All About Cats” week, campers will only work directly with cats but may be exposed to dogs. During “All About Dogs” week, campers will only work directly with dogs but may be exposed to cats.
2024 Summer Camp Themes:
Campers will work with both cats and dogs during these weeks.
Compassionate Kids – Grades 1-2
What does it mean to be compassionate, caring and kind? How can we show compassion to animals and neighbors in our community? Learn more about our JHS motto “Generosity Breeds Joy” while you interact with our furry friends.
Adventures in Generosity – Grades 3-5
There’s nothing better than helping an animal or a friend! If you love to help people and pets, this is the camp for you. We will learn about the best ways to give back to our pets at home, pets in need and pets in the community while spending time with the dogs and cats at JHS.
Joy in Giving – Grades 6-8
Can kids make a difference? Can they volunteer, give, advocate and change the world? Absolutely! This week, join us for an exploration into the world of animal welfare as we learn the different ways you can provide help right here in Jacksonville for pets in need.
During these weeks, campers will only work directly with dogs but may be exposed to cats.
Woof, There It Is – Grades 1-2
Upside down and inside out, we’re going to learn what dogs are all about! This week our dog-loving campers will learn about the canine body, dog body language, how to interact safely with dogs and helping dogs in our community.
Barktastic Voyage – Grades 3-5
Come along and ride on a barktastic voyage into the world of dogs! Explore dog behavior and training, learn about a dog’s body and how to help dogs at JHS and in the community.
Canine Paradise – Grades 6-8
Have you been spending most of your life living in a canine paradise? This is the camp for you! Whether we’re learning dog training techniques, designing our own dog food, creating commercials about dogs in need of homes or helping the pups at JHS in other ways, you’re sure to have a barking good time.
During this week, campers will only work directly with cats but may be exposed to dogs.
Baby Got Cats – Grades 1-2
If you like big cats and you cannot lie, then we want YOU to sign up for this week of camp. Join us as we learn all about cats and kittens – how to take care of them in our own homes and in the community. We’re not kitten you, it’s going to be meowvelous!
Gettin’ Kitty with It – Grades 3-5
On your mark, get set, let’s go – cat pros! This week we’re in the cat business and we want you to join us. Let’s learn about the feline body, cat body language, and helping cats at JHS!
Feline’s Delight – Grades 6-8
What you hear is not a test, we’re felines on the beat! If you could spend all day watching cat videos on YouTube, then it’s time for you to experience that in real life! Learn about cats from nose to tail and gain skills to help cats in our community!
During this week, campers will work with both cats and dogs.
PetVenture Party – Grades 1-2
This week we will take things to the next level. Whether you joined us for a previous week of camp or are brand new, everyone is welcome this week as we venture into what it means to work with animals and be a helper at home.
A JHS Exploration – Grades 3-5
Whether you joined us for a previous week of camp or are brand new, you can join us as we explore the many different careers at JHS and how each one impacts the dogs and cats at JHS and in our community.
#WorkWithPets – Grades 6-8
Maybe all you know is that you want to work with animals when you grow up – awesome! That’s all you need. Whether you joined us for a previous week of camp or are brand new, you can join us for an in-depth look at a variety of animal-related careers at JHS and beyond.
Ambassadors in Training: 3-Day High School Camp (July 1-3, 2024)
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend our three-day summer program for high school students from July 1-3, 2024!
Participants will learn all about animal sheltering – from the moment an animal enters the shelter to the moment they are adopted – and help pets on their journey to find new families. We’ll discover what it takes to be an animal ambassador and how we can help both pets and the people who love them.
Students will study animal behavior, train both dogs and cats, learn about veterinary medicine, promote pets available for adoption, take over JHS social media, and more.
All participants will receive a letter verifying 12 hours of community service upon completion of the third and final day of the program.
Students should NOT register themselves for this program – a legal/parent guardian must complete registration.
Questions about JHS camps?
Please check our Camp Handbook for answers to frequently asked questions such as which types of activities are included, how camp is structured, drop off/pick up protocols, medication info, dress code for campers, camper expectations, etc.
Check out our 2023 Summer Camp recap to learn even more about what to expect at JHS camps.
If you would like to schedule a one-on-one tour of the JHS facility with our Director of Development during camp drop-off and pick-up times, please contact us at [email protected].
Do campers get to interact with animals?
Yes, campers interact with both cats and dogs while at camp! However, the level and amount of interaction each day depends on factors that permit an appropriate pet to be available. In the event that an appropriate pet is not available for hands-on interaction on a given day, campers may spend time with the animals at JHS in other ways (for example, observing staff members training dogs, reading to dogs in front of their kennels, or passing out treats). View a sample camp schedule.
JHS Camp Registration Protocol:
Allergies: Camp is not recommended for children with allergies to pet dander or nuts. Camp is held on a campus that houses more than 200 dogs and cats. Dogs are given peanut butter daily and many treats contain nut allergens. For these reasons and the safety, health and well-being of your child, we do not recommend that children with these allergies attend camps at JHS.
Ages: For Summer Camp, JHS recommends that parents use “rising” grades (example, a child who is finishing 2nd grade should be registered as a “rising 3rd grader” since they’ll be entering 3rd grade the next school year). However, you know your children best and we encourage you to follow parental instinct. We reserve the right to make a professional judgment and move a camper to a more appropriate age group after consulting with you. For day camps, Spring Break Camp, and Winter Break Camp, please use your child’s actual grade level when registering them.
Cancellation: Cancellations must be made at least two weeks prior to the camp start date and must be received in writing via email to qualify for a 50% refund. A processing fee may occur for refunds.
Camp Scholarships:
JHS is proud to offer a limited number of camp scholarships annually thanks to the generous support of the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation. For more information about our Furyk & Friends: Lucky’s Pack scholarships, please email us at [email protected].
For more information, contact the Education Department:
Camp at JHS is supported by
