Vet Camp 2023 Details
General Camp Model
Each camp week can be a bit different, depending on the cases and animals that we have at the hospital. For each type of camp, we provide spiraling educational lessons to best match the campers’ ages and understanding.
Activities during the days:
Our normal model is to have small table and rotation groups, with a total camp session being from 15 minimum to 21 maximum campers.
We normally break out into rotations throughout the hospital, so that each group can experience each area in a small setting to get more hands on. There will be activities that a tech or Doctor will come to visit with us for, and we will go visit animals in their areas of the hospital.
Alternate Special Activities:
The Returning Middle School group session will have special extended days Tues through Thurs, for we have extra labs planned and special casework and procedure videos that we will be doing.
Other details of our BASIC Day:
Rides IN -
We make our side parking lot into a Vet Camper car rider loop, so you will drive in and pull all the way through to be up by the big oak tree facing to head right back out (It is important for the first car to pull all the way up to avoid back-ups into Providence Rd.). Parents, please do not get out of the car, as we will only be taking campers out. It will be important for you to be on-time for drop-offs & pick-ups, as we will be practicing along the way for the sessions that are doubled. Please be sure to get here within the 10 minute time frame for both drop-off & pick-up. Thank you!
On the FIRST DAY of Elementary sessions, we will take a moment, however, to introduce ourselves to you and your child & get them going right away.
Your child will go to our Camp Classroom where a counselor will get them started on the beginning of the day activities. The first day there is a lot to prepare, and the other days there are warm-up activities while everyone is getting in.
Food, attire, sunscreen, water, etc…
We will take a snack break mid-way in the morning (or afternoon). We have make a snack available, or you may send your child with an appropriate snack. Nothing should require refrigeration or microwaving. Please be sure that they have a large refillable & tight water bottle clearly labeled with their name for their water.
Camp attire is casual, but CLOSED-TOE SHOES/Sneakers ARE REQUIRED.
Please do not send your campers with cell phones -- we as a staff will have phones, but do not want kids distracted, or taking their own pictures (we will be curating the best pictures to publicize & be considerate of the pets that are displayed).
Sunscreen and bug spray are always a good idea, as we will also be doing activities outside.
Health & Safety:
Handwashing is always stressed. We have sinks everywhere in the hospital! Kids learn every year about communicable diseases and
Of course, if your child has signs of illness, we need them not to attend camp.
Come get to know us! If you are in need of veterinary care for your pets & have not established with another veterinarian, or if you are interested in trying us out, please mention that you are a Vet Camp family & we would arrange a special complimentary New Client exam with one of your pets. Even before camp begins -- ANYTIME!
We also have a full boarding facility that the campers will get to know, You are welcome to plan a free day of doggie or kitty daycare with us while your camper is here, and they can show their pet to their small group! Contact our receptionists to arrange that day before the beginning of the week, if possible.
We also invite you to visit the pet boutique & grooming salon, Reigning Cats & Dogs, which is directly across Providence Road from our hospital. You are welcome to try out a professional groom there as well! Just call them at 704-243-1946, or stop by with your camper to pick out toys and treats for your pet, or great books about breeds and pet care!
We are very excited to work with your children this summer, and will make it a fun and safe experience!