12 Amazing Summer Camps For Animal Lovers

Camp Kindness

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Where: Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, N.Y.

Age: 8-12

Experience: At this camp, kids get immediate access to the sanctuary's animals, helping to feed and care for the facility's horse, goats, cows and pigs. Along with spending time with the rescued animals, campers also learn about the issues affecting farm critters today and how they can help. Vegan cooking classes, crafts and more activities are also included.

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The Reptile Store Camp

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Where: Hamilton, Ontario

Ages: 5-16

Experience: This camp is dedicated to catering a hands-on experience with animals, especially reptiles, for any child interested. Campers attend interactive meet-ups with a variety of animals, expert advice presentations from zookeepers, professional animal shows and informative and fun sessions on how to care for a wide variety of reptiles. Kids will leave the camp with crafts, photos, journals and knowledge to help them remember the experience for the rest of their lives.

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Summer Sound Scientists Camp

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Where: The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Conn.

Ages: 6-15

Experience: This New England aquarium offers a series of different programs designed for a variety of ages and interests. These camps provide children the opportunity to touch sharks, identify birds, learn about marine mammals, take trips to the beach and much more. If you know a kid who loves marine animals, this summer destination is guaranteed fun.

MORE: Nature's Most Peaceful Animals

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Avian Adventure Summer Camp

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Where: Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah

Ages: 4-11

Experience: This accredited aviary is focused on giving children age-appropriate adventures among the birds. No matter what age, every child will leave the camp with up close bird experiences and expansive knowledge. Highlights from the programs include: avian art projects, private bird visits, habitat exploration, behind-the-scenes looks at the aviary and more.

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Big Cat Kids Camp

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Where: Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Fla.

Ages: 8-15

Experience: Always game to convert someone into a big cat lover, this camp allows Big Cat Rescue to start early. Kids will be allowed up-close access to over 100 big cats including tigers, lions, jaguars and leopards. Staff will give personal lessons on meal prep, rescue and training. Along with spending time with the animals, campers will also learn about the cats' habitats, diets, adaptations and need for conservation. If you have a teen who is outside the age range, Big Cat Rescue also offers summer counselor and internship positions.

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Canine Good Manners Camp

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Where: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Ages: 13-17

Experience: Participants will help shelter dogs find a loving forever home by teaching them a few simple tricks. Campers work with a series of eager adoptable canines to teach them how to sit, stay and other basic commands. Through the use of positive reinforcement teens will help these dogs become more mannerly and increase their chances of finding a permanent, loving home.

MORE: How to Train a Dog To…

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Fiji Shark Studies

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Where: Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu, Fiji

Ages: 13-18

Experience: Attention "Jaws" lovers, this is your chance to get up close to some of the ocean's top predators and earn college credit. This intensive program offers high school students the chance to observe three different kinds of sharks in a protected habitat at the beautiful Fiji Islands. Shark enthusiasts will get to study the animals' behavior, help with conservation efforts and dispel negative myths about sharks. As an added bonus, this program can be used for college credit and community service.

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International Riding Camp

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Where: Greenfield Park, N.Y.

Ages: 7-17

Experience: If you know a girl who begged for a pony as a present, this is the camp for them. This horse-intensive camp is focused on helping young ladies of all ages and experience levels learn more about horses and confidently increase their riding skills. Campers are offered 3 hours of riding lessons a day, which can include advanced techniques like jumping. For the rest of the day, campers are treated to a variety of sports and activities.

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Dino Ridge Summer Camp

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Where: Dino Ridge at Morrison, Colo.

Ages: 6-13

Experience: Want this summer to get prehistoric? Dino Ridge has the perfect program for fossil lovers. The facility has a series of different camps that allow participants to search for fossils, study dino artifacts, learn about geology and take part in a variety of hands-on experiments and outings that cater to the dino fanatic in us all.

MORE: 10 Cool Facts About Beagles

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Purdue Boiler Vet Camp

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Where: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in West Lafayette, Indiana

Ages: 13-18

Experience: This is a priceless program for animal lovers looking to turn their passion into their life's work. Campers are treated to a variety of hands-on activities that reveal the work and dedication it takes to be a veterinarian. The staff from one of the country's top vet schools will provide lessons, offer tours of the campus, give detailed demonstrations and leave participants with an unforgettable experience.

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Leaping Lemurs Science Camp

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Where: Duke Lemur Center in Durham, N.C.

Ages: 11-13

Experience: Get to know lemurs a whole lot better by enrolling in the this camp at the accredited Duke Lemur Center. Aspiring primatologists and long-time lemur fans will be treated to an array of hands-on experience with the animals and a mix of interesting classes. Topics covered in this program include evolution, husbandry, research, natural history and conservation.

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Animal Kingdom Camp

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Where: Bronx Zoo in Bronx, N.Y.

Ages: 8-12

Experience: Campers will get an up-close look at this renowned zoo. Activities include private tours of the zoo's attractions, designing your own zoo adventure, learning about conservation and numerous opportunities to meet and greet the zoo's array of animals. For older animal lovers, there is also a summer internship program that allows participants to assist and learn from zookeepers.

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