Ages 6-8 – Critter Keepers: Animal Care Camp

Session 1: June 15 - 19

Get ready for a wild and wonderful week of Critter Keepers: Animal Care Camp, where kids spend their days outdoors, learning and playing alongside amazing animals. Campers will explore the farm and gardens while caring for our animal friends—feeding goats their favorite treats, cooling off with sprinkler fun alongside the alpacas, and playing animal detective to check on health and well-being of our flock of chickens.

Each day is filled with hands-on outdoor experiences, from brushing goats as part of their care routine to creating nature-inspired crafts using alpaca fiber and guinea feathers. Through play, exploration, and discovery, kids build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world and each other.

Critter Keepers is more than a camp—it’s a week-long outdoor adventure full of fresh air, muddy shoes, and unforgettable moments with feathered, furry, and fuzzy friends at the Eco-Justice Center. Come learn, explore, and grow outside with us! 🌿🐐🦙

Camp Hours: Monday-Friday

9:00am-3:00pm: Monday-Thursday
9:00am-1:00pm: Friday

Drop Off Time:

Early Care Option – 7:30-9:00am Monday - Friday
General Camp Drop Off - 8:50-9:00am Monday - Friday

Pick Up Time:

After Care Option - 3:00-4:00pm Monday -Thursday and 1:30pm Friday
General Camp Pick Up Time - 3:00-3:10pm Monday - Thursday and 1:00pm Friday

Friday Lead & Learn Event:

Families are invited to join campers at the Eco-Justice Center from 11:30am-1:00pm on Friday, the last day of camp for the Lead & Learn event. Campers will give tours of the Eco-Justice grounds stopping by activity stations for families and campers to learn together and share about the week’s adventures. Pack a picnic lunch to share as a family and sample produce from the gardens in the dish prepared by campers for families to try.

Early Care:

This is a program aimed at making mornings a breeze for busy parents or guardians and providing a seamless transition into our exciting camp activities. Available from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, this optional early drop-off service ensures a stress-free start to your child's day.

For just $55 for the entire camp week, "Early Care" provides a nurturing setting where campers can gather, play games, and connect with friends before the official start of camp. Whether you have multiple drop-offs or are heading to work, this program is designed to offer a convenient and engaging way to kickstart the day's adventures. Give your child the gift of a smooth morning routine with EJC’s Summer Camp Early Care by selecting this as an add on during check out!

After Care:

For just $30, this add on is available from 3:00-4:00pm for 4 days of camp: Monday-Thursday. (After care will not take place on Fridays of camp because of the family Lead and Learn event and the early end time of 1:00pm).

This optional extension is aimed at giving busy parents or guardians a bit more wiggle room at the end of the camp day for pick up. Campers will enjoy all the same benefits of our early care program in the last hour of their time at EJC relaxing and playing games with camp staff and fellow campers before it's time to go home for the day. A fun end to a day of camp adventures!

*Early and/or After Care can be selected as an add-on during check out.

Daily Schedule of Activities:

The week prior to the start of camp, families will receive an email with more information on the activities scheduled for each day of the week to help prepare for camp! Session 1 and Session 2 of this camp are identical and not designed for children to attend more than one of the sessions per summer.

Packing List:

Children should bring the following items with them each day:

Water bottle
Lunch and snack (these will not be provided)
Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and being outdoors
Durable, comfortable shoes, like tennis shoes (no flip flops)
Bug spray and/or sunscreen (if needed)
Hat and/or sunglasses (if needed)

About Our Summer Camp Team:

At Eco-J, we prioritize the safety and well-being of every child in our care, ensuring parents can rest easy knowing their children are in a secure environment. Under the leadership of our full time Education staff, our dedicated team of paid college interns undergoes an extensive two-week training program prior to camp, covering essential instructional skills like developmentally appropriate teaching practices, emergency procedures, and child management techniques.

Our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create a nurturing and engaging environment for campers. The training received prior to camp and continued supervision and mentorship by the Education staff throughout camp, ensures that each activity is not only fun but also tailored to meet the developmental needs of every child. Additionally, all staff are certified in first aid and CPR/AED, ready to respond swiftly and effectively in the rare event of an emergency.

Eco-J provides a secure space where your child can flourish, explore, and create lasting memories. We are committed to fostering an environment that encourages growth, friendship, and, most importantly, fun!

Tuition Help:

Eco-Justice is committed to making its programs available to all. Need-based tuition waivers are available while resources last, pending an application process. Contact Katie Flannery at (262)681-8527 x2 or katie@ecojusticecenter.org for more information.

Camp T-Shirts:

To order a camp t-shirt, please select the size and quantity desired during this camp registration check out. T-shirts should be available for take home during the week of camp. Grown ups and other family members are also welcome to order camp shirts. This year's design is featured at the link below!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ae_RFqfFU4jegd909HhlLm8RroxkvmlY/view?usp=drive_link

Critter Keepers: Animal Care Camp (Session 1)