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!

For information on our refund policy please click here
🌞🐾 SUMMER CAMPS ARE ON SALE NOW! 🐾🌞

Looking for a fun, meaningful summer for your child?
Our Humane Society summer camps are back with 12 unique themed weeks filled with animals, hands-on activities, creativity, and compassion.
🌟 PREVIEW WEEK: WELCOME TO CAMP
Monday–Thursday | June 1–4 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: varies by camp day 
Monday – Vet Camp & Junior Vet Camp Preview 
Tuesday – “Fun”draising for Animals Preview 
Wednesday – Media Mutts Preview 
Thursday – Humane Ed CSI Preview 
Cost: $75 per day 
Preview Week gives campers a fun introduction to Humane Society summer camps. Each day highlights one of our most popular and immersive camp themes through games, crafts, animal time, and special activities. Please see camp line-up below for descriptions and age requirements. 
🎨 ARTS & ANIMALS 
Week 2 | June 8–11 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 7–12 
Creative projects inspired by animals and empathy. Campers explore self-expression through art while learning how animals experience the world. 
Stimuli Level: 🟢 Low–Medium 
Noise Level: Low 
Movement Level: Low–Moderate 
Group Intensity: Calm, individual and small-group focused 
Notes: 
Great for campers who enjoy quiet creativity and gentle discussion. Ideal for sensitive, introverted, or easily overwhelmed campers. 
🩺 VET CAMP 
Week 3 | June 15–18 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 11–15 
Campers explore animal health, anatomy, preventative care, and enrichment. This camp is best for older or returning campers with strong interest in veterinary care. 
Stimuli Level: 🟡 Medium–High 
Noise Level: Moderate 
Movement Level: Moderate 
Group Intensity: Fast-paced, high focus 
Notes: 
Best for motivated campers who enjoy science, structure, and hands-on learning. Not ideal for campers who struggle with long focus periods or frequent transitions. 
💰 “FUN”DRAISING FOR ANIMALS 
Week 4 | June 22–25 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 7–15 
Campers learn how fundraising helps animals through hands-on projects. The week includes creative work and a mini public marketplace on the final day. This camp has lots of controlled chaos (noisy and busy). Campers spend the week making artisan items to sell on the final day. 
Stimuli Level: 🔴 High 
Noise Level: High 
Movement Level: High 
Group Intensity: Very busy and social 
Notes: 
This is one of our most energetic camps. Best for creative, outgoing campers who thrive in busy, collaborative environments. 
PAW PATROL: HOLIDAY & HEAT SAFETY 
Week 5 | June 29–July 2 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 5–12 
A safety-focused camp covering summer heat, travel, fireworks, and holiday pet care. Activities are designed to be informative, empowering, and age-appropriate. 
Stimuli Level: 🟡 Medium 
Noise Level: Moderate 
Movement Level: Moderate 
Group Intensity: Balanced 
Notes: 
A great fit for a wide range of campers. Structured, active, but not overwhelming. 
🎥 MEDIA MUTTS 
Week 6 | July 6–9 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 7–12 
Campers create animal-themed media while learning advocacy and positive storytelling. This is a high-energy camp with mixed media, movement, and creativity. There will be lots of singing and dancing for a publicly viewed music video. 
Stimuli Level: 🔴 High 
Noise Level: High 
Movement Level: High 
Group Intensity: Very expressive and social 
Notes: 
Best for campers who love performing, being silly, and working in loud, active groups. 
🐾 JUNIOR VET CAMP 
Week 7 | July 13–16 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 5–10 
A gentle introduction to animal care for younger campers. Focuses on kindness, empathy, daily care routines, fear-free handling, and STEM dramatic play. 
Stimuli Level: 🟡 Medium–High 
Noise Level: Moderate-High 
Movement Level: Moderate 
Group Intensity: Gentle and supportive 
Notes: 
Perfect for first-time campers or younger children who need structure and nurturing guidance. 
🕵️ HUMANE EDUCATION CSI 
Week 8 | July 20–23 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 7–12 
A mystery-themed camp where campers solve animal care cases through observation, teamwork, and humane education principles. 
Stimuli Level: 🟡 Medium–High 
Noise Level: Moderate 
Movement Le 
vel: Moderate–High 
Group Intensity: Fast-paced and collaborative 
Notes: 
Great for problem-solvers and kids who enjoy role-play and active teamwork. 
🌍 ANIMAL PLANET 
Week 9 | July 27–30 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 5–12 
Campers explore animals from around the world, their habitats, and adaptations.  
Stimuli Level: 🟢 Low–Medium 
Noise Level: Low 
Movement Level: Low–Moderate 
Group Intensity: Calm and flexible 
Notes: 
One of the best options for sensory-sensitive or shy campers. 
🌟 HUMANE HEROES 
Week 10 | August 3–6 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 5–12 
Campers learn about the people and animals who help every day — including service dogs, responders, trainers, and animal welfare professionals. 
Stimuli Level: 🟡 Medium 
Noise Level: Moderate 
Movement Level: Moderate 
Group Intensity: Balanced 
Notes: 
A strong all-around camp with engaging but not overwhelming activities. 
🧭 HUMANE EDUCATION EXPLORERS 
Week 11 | August 10–13 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 7–12 
Focused on empathy, responsibility, and making kind choices for animals at home and in the community. Calm, thoughtful activities with strong discussion elements. 
Stimuli Level: 🟢 Low 
Noise Level: Low 
Movement Level: Low 
Group Intensity: Reflective and discussion-based 
Notes: 
Best for campers who enjoy learning through action, teamwork, and real-world scenarios, and who can shift between calm focus and active participation. 
🎉 CAMP FINALE: BEST OF THE BEST 
Week 12 | August 17–20 | 9:00am–4:00pm 
Ages: 5–15 
A celebration week featuring favorite activities, games, crafts, and animal time throughout the summer. A joyful wrap-up to camp season. 
Junior Volunteer Club | 4:30-6 PM

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

Kids ages 5–12 can join us every Wednesday 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!​
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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  • Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes Pet Care Badges – Hands-on, 90-minute sessions where scouts learn how to keep pets happy and healthy through games, activities, and time with shelter animals.
  • Bronze, Silver, and Gold Project 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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  • 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]​