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Experience a full day as a junior vet at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, where kids learn veterinary skills and interact with animals. This camp is the perfect blend of education and adventure for young animal enthusiasts.
Experience a full day as a junior vet at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, where kids learn veterinary skills and interact with animals. This camp is the perfect blend of education and adventure for young animal enthusiasts.
Book with Helen Woodward Animal Center
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Helen Woodward Animal Center · Del Mar, California
easy.
6–7 hours.
Suitable for children with average fitness; minimal physical strain but requires ability to stand and move around for extended periods.
The camp is designed for children ages 8 to 12 who have an interest in veterinary science and animals.
Yes, campers will interact with various animals under close supervision and learn proper handling techniques.
Yes, lunch and snacks are typically provided, but campers may bring additional snacks if desired.
No previous experience is needed; the camp is structured to teach basic veterinary skills from the ground up.
Campers are supervised by trained staff at all times, with strict hygiene and safety protocols around animals and medical equipment.
Parents typically drop off and pick up their children but may be allowed in designated waiting areas depending on current facility policies.
Helen Woodward Animal Center has been a leader in animal care and education since 1972, focusing on community outreach and youth engagement.
The center promotes responsible animal stewardship and environmental sustainability through educational programs and habitat preservation efforts.
Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, California, is a hands-on animal education and events facility that hosts camps, field trips, parties, and interactive animal encounters. The Center offers structured programs for all ages, including the DogSmart dog-handling lessons, Full Day Veterinarian Camp with suturing and CPR practice, and school-ready Spring Tails and Trail Adventure field trips that emphasize STEM and outdoor skills. Birthday parties and family festivals combine private indoor spaces, themed playgrounds, animal interactions, crafts, face painting, and mini pumpkin patches to create memorable celebrations. Group-friendly experiences include customizable Interactive Animal Encounters and Crafting with Critters sessions that pair live animal ambassadors with guided art activities. Seasonal events such as Howl-O-Ween Harvest and the Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival feature haunted-house explorations, hands-on STEM stations, and rotating animal presentations. Programs mention expert guidance, age-appropriate instruction, and hands-on practice to build confidence and skills around animals. Many offerings are designed for schools, Scout troops, and families seeking educational enrichment, with options tailored to classroom goals or badge requirements. Activities focus on animal behavior, life cycles, veterinary skills, and responsible nature exploration. By combining practical instruction, live animal interaction, and customizable itineraries, Helen Woodward Animal Center supports engaging, educational experiences in Del Mar that cater to learners, families, groups, and event planners. Reservations and program details are available through the Center's event and education pages, allowing groups to select durations, customize presentations, and plan age-appropriate activities that meet learning objectives and create hands-on memories for schools, scouts, and families alike regularly.
Book with Helen Woodward Animal Center