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Welcome to the SPCA’s Safari Day Camp! We invite campers ages 6½ to 14 years of age to come and learn about the humane treatment of animals in a safe environment.

2022 Safari Camp Application Packet

Dates for Camp 2022

  • June 27-July 1:  Friends and family mixed age group (ages 6½-14)
  • July 11-15:   Ages 8½-10
  • July 18-22:   Ages 10½-12
  • July 25-29:   Ages 12½-14
  • August 1-5:  Friends and family mixed age group (ages 6½-14)
  • August 8-12:  Ages 6½-8

If you have a child who is more mature (or less) than their age, you may want them with older (or younger) children.

Location:

Lycoming County SPCA, 2805 Reach Road, Williamsport, PA

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Camper researching common companion animal “bugs.”

Covid Precautions:

If COVID cases should rise to substantial transmission rates by CDC reporting, we will be reinforcing the wearing of masks and COVID precautions for the safety of our campers and staff.

Camp Hours

Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Extended hours are available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The cost for extended hours is $50.00 for the week.

If your child cannot tolerate a six-hour day, please feel free to let us know that you would like an early pick-up.

Cost

$250.00 for the week.

This fee includes all camp activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., crafts, and a camp t-shirt! Extended hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. are an additional $50.00. This fee does not include lunch or snacks. Campers will be expected to provide their own lunch, snacks, and beverages.

This fee is to be paid in full in order to reserve your camper’s spot. There is a $25.00 cancellation fee and a $50.00 fee for returned checks.

How to Register

    • Via Mail
      • Mail in your Application Packet (includes: registration form, permission form, waiver, photograph agreement)
      • Include your $250.00 payment.
      • Our mailing address is: 2805 Reach Road, Williamsport, PA  17701
    • In-Person
      • Drop off your application at the SPCA.
    • Please make checks payable to the Lycoming County SPCA.
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Camper listening to a cat’s heartbeat.

Camp Activities

Children will learn about domestic animals, including birds, fish, horses, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, cats, and dogs. There will be hands-on activities with shelter animals, crafts, discussion, observations, speakers, and outdoor activities.

Examples include:

  • Examining animal x-rays
  • Q&A-time with a veterinarian
  • Learning to distinguish between wild and tame animals
  • Building an aquarium
  • Constructing enrichment toys for the shelter animals
  • Grooming a dog
  • Identifying safe ways to approach and be around animals
  • And much, much more!

Topics incorporate learning skills such as reading, writing, spelling, science, math, history, language, music, art, and geography. While the activities will focus on animals, we hope that parents will be pleased to know that we desire campers to do more than play with the animals all day. To that end, we have developed an extensive curriculum that engages campers’ learning styles in a variety of ways throughout the week. A copy of our camp curriculum is available for review.

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Camper constructing cat toys for animal enrichment.

FAQ

What is the class size?

Each week of camp is limited to twelve campers, with one adult teacher and one adult camp aide.

Who will be instructing my children?

Our Camp Director is a certified teacher in the State of Pennsylvania. In addition to the Director, a Camp Aide will lend a helping hand. Both the Camp Director and the Camp Aide, as well as any staff or volunteers assisting with the camp, have their documented background clearances as mandated by the State of Pennsylvania. Camp staff have been pouring a ton of time and effort into the camp preparations and are excited and ready to welcome your campers and give them a great week!

What safety measures will be instituted when my child is around the animals?

We take our responsibility as your child’s camp guardian very seriously. Campers will only interact with approved animals that have had temperament evaluations. Campers will not be permitted to interact with an animal on their own. All interactions will be supervised for the safety of the camper as well as the animal and staff.

What will the drop-off and pick-up procedures look like?

You will have the opportunity to list approved drop-off and pick-up individuals on your registration form. Your child will only be released to the individuals specifically authorized on the registration form.

What about snacks and lunch?

You will need to provide food for snack time and lunch. Make sure that you include a beverage.

My child has pet/food allergies and/or has a phobia of an animal. What do you recommend?

Due to the nature of the camp program and facility, we are unable to provide special accommodations for pet or food allergies or phobias. Your camper will be exposed to a wide range of animals. Campers will also be eating lunch in the same room as each other.

Can you accommodate campers with special needs?

Please contact the SPCA at 570-322-4646 or lycospca@lycomingspca.org in advance if your child requires accommodations for special needs.

What is your EIN number so I can apply the camp tuition as a childcare expense for tax purposes?

Our EIN # is 24-0857714.

Thank you for considering our SPCA Safari Camp. We look forward to meeting and interacting with your children!

Safari Camp Application Packet