Camps teach kids proper animal care

Iguanas, cockatoos and sugar gliders are just some of the animals kids can get to know at camps dedicated to teaching about pets and wildlife this summer. Camps offered by the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA and the Phoenix Herpetological Society will be teaching kids about new animals, how to care for the pets they have, and how to protect animals in the wild.

Camp Ruffin' it is a day camp open to kids ages 6 to 12. Campers will be broken up into age groups of 6 to 8 and 9 to 12, and will be taught about responsible pet care. They will have the chance to interact with rare pets like iguanas, cockatoos and sugar gliders and will learn pet training tips and animal care and behavior.

Camp sessions begin the week of May 30 and go until Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day with half-day and after-care schedules available. Paws n' Claws Kids Club Members can take part in Camp Ruffin' it for $245 for the full day and $155 for half day while non-members will pay $275 for the full day and $175 for half day.

The AAWL and SPCA also offer Camp Vet for older campers who may want to learn more about being a veterinarian. The camp is for ages 12 to 14 and will explore a wide variety of animals and the care they require. Campers will be able to observe surgeries in AAWL's Pet MD veterinary clinic, dissect organs, learn anatomy, view specimens under a microscope, practice pet first aid, and explore animal diseases.

Advanced Camp Vet is also offered for campers who have already attended Camp Vet in the past. Campers in Advanced Camp Vet will work side-by-side with veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the clinic.

Camp Vet will be offered the weeks of June 6 through 10, July 11 through 15 and Aug. 1 through 5. Advanced classes will be offered June 20 through 24 and July 18 through 22. Each camp will cost $290 for club members and $325 for non-members.

A T-shirt and two snacks are included in all AAWL and SPCA camp prices but campers must bring their own lunch. For more information or to register, or call (602) 273-6852, ext. 122.

The Phoenix Herpetological Society offers a day camp for ages 9 to 14. Reptile Encounters will cover a different subject each day like snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, lizards and desert safety. Campers will learn how to care for the pets in captivity and also how to keep their natural habitat safe. Kids will have the chance to help with the everyday care of the animals at the Phoenix Herpetological Society's reptile sanctuary in Scottsdale.