Block
SIGN ME UP FOR E-NEWS!
Compelling animal stories, ways to get involved and more!
Image is not available

Inside This Section | Programs

Animal Kids Camp

Animal Kids Camp at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center is a hands-on animal summer camp for kids who love pets, science, and learning. Held in Riverside, California, our camp gives children the chance to spend time with animals, meet veterinary and animal care professionals, and explore how pets are cared for in shelters and clinics.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a veterinarian or simply loves animals, Animal Kids Camp offers a fun, educational experience filled with animal interactions, crafts, games, and STEM-based learning.

Why Families Love Animal Kids Camp

At Animal Kids Camp, kids do more than just learn about animals—they experience animal care up close in a safe, engaging environment. Campers enjoy interactive lessons, hands-on activities, guest speakers, and time with adoptable pets.

What Campers Will Experience

  • Hands-on time with cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens
  • Animal-themed crafts, games, and activities
  • Behind-the-scenes tour of our on-site veterinary clinic
  • Meet veterinarians and other animal care professionals
  • Learn about pet check-ups, medical tools, and treatments
  • Interactive STEM activities focused on animal health and wellness
  • Lessons on animal behavior, rescue, and responsible care
  • Opportunities to build empathy, kindness, and compassion for animals

Depending on availability, campers may also observe a live spay or neuter surgery and learn how veterinary teams care for animals.

2026 Summer Camp Information

  • Location: Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, Riverside, CA
  • Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $240 per week
  • Ages: 6–13
  • Registration: First come, first served

Each week includes new guest speakers, unique lessons, and different hands-on animal experiences, so kids can attend multiple sessions and enjoy something new each time.

2026 Summer Camp Dates

  • Week 1- June 8-12
  • Week 2- June 15-19
  • Week 3- June 22-26
  • Week 4- July 6-10
  • Week 5- July 13-17
  • Week 6- July 20-24

Who This Camp Is Perfect For

Animal Kids Camp is a great fit for kids who love animals, enjoy hands-on learning, and are curious about veterinary medicine, shelters, wildlife, and animal rescue. It is especially popular with aspiring veterinarians, animal lovers, and children who enjoy science-based summer programs.

Sign Up for Animal Kids Camp

Spaces are limited and registration is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions? For more information about Animal Kids Camp, email or call 951-344-1032.

TIPS AND EXPECTATIONS

Hello, MSRPAC Kid Campers and families! Are you ready for a hands-on humane adventure, teaching kindness, mindfulness, social responsibility, and compassion? To ensure that you have a fabulous, Animal Kids Camp experience this year, please read the tips and expectations below prior to attending camp.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ANIMAL KIDS CAMP

• Calm, appropriate behavior around animals; do not pursue an animal if they walk away or hide
• Soft voices around animals, or normal speaking voices both inside and outside
• Remain seated with a lap blanket during PAC Paws, either reading or listening
• Follow the directions of staff and Leaders
• Stay with your assigned group
• Treat others with kindness and respect
• Choose kind and appropriate words; no profanity
• Attempt all Camp activities to the best of your ability
• Hands are for helping, not hurting (and wash them thoroughly before lunch!)
• Walk at all times
• Pick up after yourself (supplies returned to bins, trash/recycling disposed of, chairs pushed in, etc.)
• Report any injuries (even a scratch) to the Humane Educator
• Follow the Kids Camp dress code every day

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Cancellations must be received and confirmed a minimum of two weeks before the first day of the registered camp session to receive a refund a $15 refund fee will be assessed for each cancellation.

ZERO TOLERANCE

We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding fighting, bullying, put-downs, theft or vandalism, or harmful treatment of animals. Acts of this nature are grounds for immediate dismissal from the Kids Camp session.

ANIMAL KIDS CAMP FAQs

What is the price of Kids Camp?

Each session of Animal Kids Camp is $240. People for Paws members save 10% - visit https://petsadoption.org/index.php/get-involved/people-for-paws to become a member today.

Where is Kids Camp?

Animal Kids Camp is held at 6165 Industrial Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. Drop-off and pick-up will be in our covered activity yard.

What should Campers wear?

All Campers must wear a Kids Camp T-shirt (provided on the first day of camp; Animal Kids Camp shirts from prior years also permitted), socks and closed-toe shoes with rubber soles (no sandals, Crocs, or dress shoes), and pants, leggings, or long shorts that end right above the knee. Depending on the day’s activities, Campers not wearing appropriate pants and footwear may not be able to participate or may be sent home. Campers should dress for active stretching and sometimes messy activities. Please apply sunscreen before Camp, as we will be both inside and outside during the day. For safety reasons, please do not wear dangling jewelry. Campers will put on their name tag each day upon arrival.

What should Campers bring?

We ask that all campers bring a labeled reusable water bottle and their lunch. Refrigeration is not available for lunches, so please pack with an ice pack. Please label all belongings and clothing with your Camper’s name or initials. Please DO NOT BRING anything of value to Camp (including cell phones, cameras, toys, video games, or iPods) or any large items (backpacks, coolers, anything bulky), since storage is very limited. Phones, lunches and other items campers bring will be stored in their own cubby. Campers are not permitted to use cell phones during Camp activities, except during lunch. MSRPAC is not responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen items.

When is Kids Camp?

Summer Animal Kids Camp sessions run Monday – Friday, 8am – 1pm. Hours and days of Spring and Winter camp may vary, please look out for information regarding those camp sessions’ times and dates. Before or aftercare is not available and there will not be supervision before camp starts or after camp concludes. Campers should be dropped off and picked up promptly for camp each morning and afternoon. The parent/guardian (of those individuals designated on your registration form) must sign your campers in and out each day and may be asked to show identification. If you know your camper will need to attend Animal Kids Camp for a shortened day, please make prior arrangements with the Humane Educator.

What about lunch?

Lunch is not included for camp session. Please have your child bring their own lunch.

Will Campers spend time with pet adoption center animals?

Yes. Camp includes interactions with our Center residents, but that is only one part of the camp experience. Kids Camp also includes lots of other animal-related activities, such as special guest speakers and visiting animals, critter crafts, learning activities, games, and service projects for the animals. Time in our Adoption Center is limited, closely monitored, and restricted as necessary to ensure the safety of all animals and Campers. Students will have daily opportunities for contact with a variety of animals, including shelter animals and visiting guests, but should not expect to spend significant time with animals waiting for adoption.

What are the behavior expectations for Camp?

While at Camp, all students are expected to treat other Campers, Volunteers, MSRPAC staff, and animals with respect and kindness. Behavior expectations for all participants will be reviewed with Campers on the first day of each Camp session, but please go over them at home first. Since Campers will be around animals, it is imperative that they listen to and follow all instructions given by staff and Volunteers. If your child has difficulty following verbal or written instructions, they may not be a good match for Kids Camp. Campers who are consistently unable to follow these guidelines may be asked to leave Camp for the day or may be dismissed for the remainder of the session. No refunds will be available to campers who are dismissed for behavioral reasons.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - Applications are closed for the 2026 summer session of  Animal Kids Camp. Schloarships are still available for one day events and our Helping Hounds Porgarm.  

We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn compassion, kindness, and responsibility through animals — regardless of financial circumstances.

Thanks to the generosity of Natale Sandgren, the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center now offers a Humane Education Scholarship Fund to help children participate in our education programs who may need financial assistance.

If your child dreams of joining our camps, workshops, or youth volunteer programs but cost is a concern, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship today.Please note that applications for the 2026 Animal Kids Camp are now closed. However, applications for Helping Hounds and our one-day events are still available.

Apply online or download, print and mail to

Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center
Attn:  Humane Education
6165 Industrial Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504

Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of animal advocates — one child at a time.

VOLUNTEER CAMP COUNSELOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Looking for a meaningful summer volunteer opportunity that builds real-world skills and looks great on college and job applications? Our Volunteer Camp Counselor program is a fun, hands-on way for high school and college students to gain experience in education, leadership, and animal welfare—while making a positive impact in your community.

If you’re interested in a future career in education, animal care, youth programs, nonprofit work, or public service, this is a great place to start.

What You’ll Do

As a Volunteer Camp Counselor, you’ll work alongside our Humane Education team to support engaging summer camp programs for children. You’ll help lead activities, encourage kindness and responsibility, and create a safe, welcoming environment for campers—all while learning valuable professional skills.

Who Can Apply

To qualify as a Volunteer Camp Counselor, students must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Commit to at least one full week-long summer camp session
  • Complete a one-time orientation that covers camp responsibilities, expectations, and safety guidelines
  • Participate in an interview process and required training
  • Complete a Live Scan background check at your own cost

Training & Support

No prior experience? No problem. We provide training and guidance, so you feel confident and prepared. Our orientation and training sessions are designed to help students succeed, grow, and gain meaningful experience in an educational setting.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity for Students

  • Gain hands-on experience working with children
  • Develop skills in teaching, communication, leadership, and teamwork
  • Strengthen college, scholarship, and job applications
  • Explore careers in education, animal welfare, and nonprofit work
  • Earn volunteer hours while making a real difference

Ready to Learn More?

For more information about becoming a Volunteer Camp Counselor, contact our Humane Education Department at 951-344-1032 or

YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (YPA)

The YPA position is a great opportunity for teens aged 15-17 looking to gain volunteer experience with children and animals! As a YPA, participants will assist our staff in leading engaging daily sessions of Helping Hounds Program, scouting and birthday parties.  YPAs will help to facilitate crafts, games, lessons, and animal meet-and-greets. 

APPLY TO BECOME A YPA