The NHSPCA Humane Education department is excited to offer Farm Squad Camp 2024 for children ages 8-12 from April 22nd – 25th in 2 sessions.

This special two day experience will be a fun and educational mix of hands on animal time, farm work and crafts. Campers will participate in daily farm chores and be trained how to use shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows. Children will work in the stables mucking stalls and feeding animals. They will learn about equine health, proper grooming, nutrition and first aid. In the classroom, campers will explore natural fibers from sheep and alpaca, card raw wool and try their hand at needle felting. Our Farm Squad campers will also plant seeds for our Children’s Garden, become familiarized with sustainable farming practices, raising poultry and even bake yummy homemade bread.

Please note, farm work is often messy and takes a lot of energy! Children will need to be able to work independently, with calm bodies and voices, and have an awareness of their surroundings. Please consider whether your child would enjoy these types of tasks, or be able to comply with these needs before registering.

Session 1: Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23 – 9:00am-3:00pm

Session 2: Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25 – 9:00am-3:00pm

Important information:

At the NHSPCA, we provide care for animals with a wide variety of personalities, behavioral and medical needs. Although campers will see animals during their program, we cannot promise a certain amount of direct animal contact.

We welcome campers of all backgrounds and ability levels. We’d like to remind families that campers will be visiting a working animal shelter and are expected to follow directions and have calm bodies and quiet voices when around animals. Any campers engaging in unsafe or disruptive behaviors toward peers, staff, or the animals in our care may be dismissed from camp with no refund provided.

In addition to our required closed toe footwear, we highly recommend your child bring a pair of boots to wear while engaging in farm activities throughout the week.