Teaching the next generation of animal advocates !
Camps & Workshops for Every Young Animal Friend!
Our programs are designed to spark curiosity, kindness, and compassion—through stories, hands-on activities, and furry friend adventures!
Grade Levels: Listed below to help you choose the perfect program for your child based on the grade they are attending. Please be sure to register for the camp or workshop that matches your child’s current grade.
Whether it’s a week-long camp full of animal adventures or a one-day workshop packed with fun learning, there’s something for every young animal lover!
Camp Photos
Is an Animal Friends camp or workshop right for your child?
Our programs could be a great option if your child:
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Loves Animals
All camps include interacting with animals in a safe and monitored environment.
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Enjoys Hands-On Activities
Our programs provide plenty of opportunities for animal handling while learning how to safely care for them in a supervised setting.
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Is Creative
If your child enjoys using their imagination and getting creative, our programs offers plenty of opportunities for artistic expression, whether it’s crafting, making animal-related art, or engaging in role-playing activities.
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Is Interested in an Animal Related Career
We provide valuable insights into various fields such as animal care, training and veterinary science.
Our programs may not be right for you if your child:
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Needs All-Day Childcare
We do not provide pre- or post- camp or workshop childcare.
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Has a Fear or Allergy of Animals
Our programs are not appropriate for those who are allergic or fearful of dogs, cats or rabbits.
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Struggles with Following Instruction
For the safety of the children and animals, all participants must be able to follow verbal directions or be accompanied by an adult assistant.
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Requires Constant Supervision
Animal Friends' Staff may not be equipped to provide individual accommodations for issues that could disrupt the learning environment or affect the safety of others.
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Has a Severe Nut Allergy
Animal Friends is not a nut-free facility.
Please Note: While we strive to provide meaningful and appropriate animal interactions, they are just one of many activities offered during each program. Interactions are dependent on the consent & well-being of the animals and are therefore not guaranteed.
Upcoming Camps & Workshops
Our programs sell out quickly!
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for a sold out camp or workshop, please provide your name, phone number and the specific name of the program you are interested in attending to AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
2026 Community Summer Camps
Registration Opens March 20
Community Voices for Animals Teen Apprenticeship (OFF CAMPUS)
For: Students going into Grades 7-12
At Community Voices for Animals, teens dive into animal welfare, advocacy and animal shelter care in ways that are creative, real and hands-on. Through art projects, group activities and interactive discussions, participants explore different topics affecting animals and how they can help. Teens also explore humane dietary options and how everyday choices can support animal well-being. This camp is all about using your voice, your creativity and your compassion to make a difference for animals in need — alongside other teens who care too.
This camp is offered in our partner communities, including Millvale, Sharpsburg, Mount Oliver/Hilltop and McKees Rocks.
Sharpsburg
Location: Roots of Faith, 800 Main St, Sharpsburg, PA 15215
Date: MONDAYS ONLY - June 15th, June 22, June 29 and July 6
Time: 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Tuition: Free!
Millvale
Location: Millvale Community Library 213 Grant Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Date: MONDAYS ONLY - June 15th, June 22, June 29 and July 6
Time: 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Tuition: Free!
McKees Rocks
Location: Focus on Renewal Sto Rocks Public Library - Father Ryan Art Center
420 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136
Date: MONDAYS ONLY - July 13, July 20, July 27 and August 3
Time: 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Tuition: Free!
Hilltop Communities
Location: Abiding Missions, 731 Excelsior Street Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Date: MONDAYS ONLY - July 13, July 20, July 27 and August 3
Time: 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Tuition: Free!
Applications open Friday, March 20. Spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis. Acceptance notifications only will be sent by June 5, 2026.
2026 Summer Camps
Registration Opens April 2
Littlest Animal Friends
For: Ages 3-5
Littlest Animal Friends helps young children learn that animals have feelings—and they show us how they feel with their bodies. Through movement, stories, sensory play, crafts and gentle observation, children explore how rabbits, cats and dogs communicate and what they need to feel safe and cared for. This calm, nurturing program builds empathy, curiosity and early caregiving skills in a developmentally appropriate way. Parental/Caregiver Supervision required during the program.
Camp Dates:
Date: July 14 - July 18
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Tuition: $40 per camper
Date: July 21 - July 24
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Tuition: $40 per camper
Critter Camp: Pet Heroes in Action!
For: Students going into Grades 1-2
Pet Heros in Action! lets kids explore the exciting world of animal community helpers! Through games, movement, stories, crafts and hands-on activities, campers learn about the people who help pets every day—like veterinary technicians, enrichment experts, trainers —all while learning how to care for a pet. It’s a fun way to spark curiosity, build empathy and help kids see how they can be helpers too.
Camp Dates:
Date: June 16 - June 19
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Date: July 14 - 17
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Date: July 28 - July 31
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Camp Animal Friends: Furry Friends Fun Camp
For: Students going into Grades 3-4
Furry Friends Fun Camp is a playful, hands-on experience where kids explore the world of animal care through creative challenges and engaging activities. Campers work together, make choices and participate in fun activities while learning age-appropriate ways to care for pets. Each day brings new games, crafts and surprises—keeping learning light, social and full of fun.
Camp Dates:
Date: July 7 - July 10
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Date: July 21 - July 24
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Date: Aug 4 - Aug 7
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Pets Plus: Pet Discovery Lab
For: Students going into Grades 5-6
Pet Discovery Lab gives campers the chance to explore the real science behind caring for dogs, cats and rabbits through hands-on experiments, creative activities, fun crafts and engaging humane animal education.
Campers learn how animals think, feel and communicate, while discovering what it takes to care for them in responsible and kind ways. This science lab blends learning and play to spark curiosity, build empathy and help young animal lovers become thoughtful, confident caregivers.
Camp Dates:
Date: June 16 - June 19
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Date: June 23 - June 26
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Date: July 14 - July 17
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
The Animal Advocacy Project: Teen Apprenticeship (On Campus)
For: Students going into Grades 7-12
Care about animals and want to actually do something about it? The Animal Advocacy Project: Teen Apprenticeship is for teens who want to learn how advocacy works while making a real impact. You’ll explore animal welfare through hands-on projects, creative work and collaborative activities.
The program focuses on using your voice to speak up for animals, learning how change happens and working with others who care about making a difference for animals in need.
Camp Dates:
Date: July 7 - July 10
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Date: July 21 - July 24
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $155 per camper
Alicia's Mini Apprenticeship
For: ages 13-17
Love animals? Like making things? Want to do something that actually matters and feels good?
This mini apprenticeship is open through an application process for those ready to connect with animals, collaborate with others and explore what it really means to care—for others and for yourself. You’ll take part in hands-on service, art and creative projects plus intentional time to slow down and recharge. It’s about helping animals, building connection and learning how to take care of yourself along the way.
Applications open Friday, March 20. Spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis. Acceptance notifications will be sent by June 12, 2026.
Questions? Contact HumaneEd@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
Camp Dates:
Date: Aug 4 - Aug 7
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.