Camps

JHS is proud to offer a selection of educational camps for children of all ages. JHS camps provide youth 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

Young animal enthusiasts in grades 3-8 are invited to spend part of their Winter Break “chilling” at the Jacksonville Humane Society! Campers will have fun learning all about animal shelters and how we can help pets in need. We’ll explore the world of animal behavior, complete projects to help JHS pets find new homes, create winter-themed crafts and treats for our four-legged friends, and even get to meet some JHS dogs and cats.

Please note that each session has the same schedule and content. We recommend registering your child for one session only.

Session 1: December 22 – December 23

Days: Monday, December 22, 2025 – Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day (extended care available from 7:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. for an additional $20)

Grades: Open to children in grades 3-8

Cost: $175 per camper

Snacks and Meals: Campers must bring a lunch and a water bottle. One snack will be provided to all campers each morning courtesy of Snackify. On the second day of each session, the Kona Ice truck will visit JHS during camp. If you would like your child to be able to purchase a shaved ice from the truck, please send them to camp with $3-$6 cash (depending on the size they would like to purchase).

Session 2: January 5 – January 6

Days: Monday, January 5, 2026 – Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day (extended care available from 7:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. for an additional $20)

Grades: Open to children in grades 3-8

Cost: $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 2024 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].