Camps

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.

Winter Break Camp:

Children in grades 2-8 are invited to spend part of their winter break at the Jacksonville Humane Society! Campers will have fun learning all about animal sheltering and how to help pets at home and in the community. We’ll spend time with dogs and cats, help socialize kittens, learn about animal behavior, make festive, winter-themed crafts and treats for our four-legged friends (gingerbread dog houses, anyone?), and much more.

Session 1: December 28-29, 2023

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day (extended care available from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.)
Open to children in grades 2-8
$175 per camper

Session 2: January 4-5, 2024

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day (extended care available from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.)
Open to children in grades 2-8
$175 per camper

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 Chief Development Officer 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].