Summer Camp Wayside
This summer, we are excited to offer five-fun filled weeks of Camp Wayside! Each week is open to campers entering 3rd through 8th grade, and two Teen Camp weeks for 9th and 10th graders! Whether your camper is interested in arts and crafts, exploring the great outdoors, completing projects to help the Waifs (shelter pets), playing games, or learning new skills – we have something for everyone. Camp runs Monday through Friday, from 9am – 4pm. For more information and to register, see below.
3rd - 8th graders
Camp weeks for 3rd – 8th graders:
- Week 1: June 8-12
- Week 2: June 22-26
- Week 3: July 6-10
- Week 4: July 20-24
- Week 5: August 3-7
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm. All camps are open to campers who are entering 3rd – 8th grade in Fall 2026. Each week will incorporate a variety of activities, including (but not limited to):
- An educational tour of Wayside Waifs and adoptable animals
- Dog and/or cat safety and behavior activity
- Completing volunteer projects for the animals
- Quality time with one or more Humane Education dogs
- Socialization with a puppy and/or kitten (when available)
9th - 10th graders
We are offering two Teen Camp weeks this summer! This camp is for students entering 9th and 10th grade in Fall 2026. Campers may register for one or both weeks.
Camp weeks for 9th – 10th graders:
- Week 1: June 22-26
- Week 2: August 3-7
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm. Each week will focus on the ins and outs of volunteering at Wayside Waifs and incorporate a variety of activities, including (but not limited to)
- Waif walks & kitten stroller walks
- Organizing and prepping pet food
- Creating enrichment for the animals
- Teambuilding games
- Quality time with one or more Humane Education dogs
- Socialization with a puppy and/or kitten (when available)
Single-Day Camp Wayside
Camp Wayside isn’t just for summer! Wayside Waifs is offering single-day camps throughout the school year. Each day, campers will participate in activities, such as: touring the shelter, learning all about Wayside Waifs, completing volunteer projects to help our animals, and more!
Single-day camp days run from 9am – 4pm. The cost is $75 per camper, per day. Campers may register for one or multiple days. Spots are limited, so register soon!
Single-Day Camp days are held throughout the year. Click the registration link below to view upcoming dates.
Click here for Single-Day Camp FAQ
The Waif Pack (Grades 6-8)
The Waif Pack is a four-week program for students in grades 6-8. Students will meet at Wayside Waifs, once a week and participate in various animal-themed activities, from learning all about dog and cat body language, completing volunteer activities, to even working together to solve real-world challenges at the shelter.
Registration is required. Drop-off is between 4:30-5pm, and pick-up is between 6:30-7pm.
The Waif Pack will be held throughout the year. Click the registration link below to view the available dates!

Wayside Waifs
3901 Martha Truman Road
Kansas City, MO 64137
816-761-8151

Adoption Hours:
Mon.: Closed
Tues.- Fri.: 11am - 7pm
Sat. & Sun.: 10am - 5pm
Our Programs and Services

Sign Up for Email
You’ll receive our newsletter, “The Fire Hydrant,” special features on our Waifs of the Week, info on events, and more.