At Humane Society of West Michigan, we believe kids can change the world for animals! Our youth programs are designed to inspire compassion, kindness, and advocacy while giving children hands-on opportunities to connect with animals in meaningful ways. From seasonal camps and Junior Volunteer Club to birthday parties and special events, kids of all ages can learn about animal care, build empathy, and discover the joy of giving back.​

Below is a description and schedule of all our upcoming youth programs and events!
Junior Volunteer Club | September 23rd & 30th from 4:30-6 PM

Audience: Children ages 5-12
Price: $20 per session

Kids ages 5–12 can join us every Tuesday from 4:30–6:00 PM for a hands-on, animal-loving adventure! Through fun activities, advocacy, and learning opportunities, kids will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to volunteer at HSWM and help animals in a BIG way. Spots are limited! Sign up today to give your child a chance to start their journey as an animal advocate!​
Winter Camp | December 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 29th, & January 2nd

Audience: Ages 5-12
Price: $60 a day, $150 for the three-day week.
Time: 9am-4pm

Keep the winter blues away with a week full of fun, friends, and furry faces! Join us for Winter Camp — a hands-on adventure where kids can enjoy animal time, games, crafts, and engaging activities that spark compassion and creativity.
Each day features new animal-themed experiences and plenty of opportunities to connect with our shelter pets while learning how to care for them.

Spots fill quickly, so bundle up and register today for a heartwarming holiday break your child won’t forget!
Bring Humane Education to Your Classroom!

Audience: Schools & Teachers
Price: Varies. Fee waived options for public schools are available. 

Teachers & Schools — want to make learning unforgettable this year? Check out the various program Humane Society of West Michigan offers for schools and classrooms!

  • Classroom Visits – We’ll come to you with engaging lessons on animals, kindness, and responsibility.
  • Field Trips to the Humane Society – Take a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for animals.
  • Various presentations available for all ages – From pet care to careers in animal welfare.
  • No More Bullying Program – A nationally recognized curriculum teaching empathy, respect, and kindness toward both people and animals.
  • Special Guests – An education dog can join the visit to give students a real-life connection!

To receive additional information and book your session, please email [email protected]
Scout Programs at the Humane Society

Audience: Girl Scouts & Scouts BSA
Price: Varies by program

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to earn your badges or complete a service project? We offer engaging programs for Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA that inspire compassion and teach animal welfare. Whether you’re earning a badge or completing a major award, we’ll help you build a meaningful experience that promotes kindness and responsibility toward animals.
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  • Daisy & Brownie Pet Care Badge Programs – Hands-on, 90-minute sessions where scouts learn how to keep pets happy and healthy through games, activities, and time with shelter animals.
  • Silver & Gold Awards – Work with our team to design a project that makes a lasting impact on the animals in our care and the community we serve.
  • Eagle Scout Projects – Partner with us to create a service project that improves the lives of shelter pets while meeting Eagle Scout requirements.

To receive additional information and book your program, please email [email protected]
Celebrate Your Birthday at the Humane Society!

Audience: Kids of all ages!
Price: Varies by program

Looking for a party that’s fun, unique, and full of heart? Our Birthday Party Celebrations are the purr-fect way to celebrate! Kids will step into the world of animal care with a mock adoption experience where every guest gets to do the following:
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  • Adopt a stuffed cat or dog to take home
  • Craft a matching collar & bracelet set
  • Build and decorates a special home for their new furry friend
  • Give their pet a “vet check-up”
  • Receive an official adoption certificate!

To receive additional information and book your party, please email [email protected]
Fall Youth & Family Programs at the Humane Society!

Audience: Kids of all ages!
Price: Varies by program

Looking for fun, animal-filled activities for your kids and family? We’ve got something for everyone! Each of the programs below blend education, fun, and real time with animals.
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  • Camp Caturday – Spend a Saturday with shelter cats! Crafts, games, and plenty of cat playtime. Click here to sign up
  • Pup Club – A dog-focused club with hands-on learning, training tips, and plenty of puppy love.
  • Junior Volunteer Club (Ages 5–12) – Kids can dive into advocacy, activities, and helping animals.
  • Tales to Tails – Families (up to 4, with one adult) can cozy up and read their favorite books to a shelter animal, helping kids build confidence while giving animals comfort.

To receive additional information and register for one of these programs, please email [email protected]
For any questions, email us at [email protected]​