CAMP WAYSIDE

From treat making for the animals to animal yoga, we’re sure that there will be something for everyone! Be aware, space is limited. 

Camp Weeks

Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, unless otherwise noted. All camps include the following traditional Camp Wayside activities at least one time during the week:

• An educational tour of Wayside Waifs and adoptable animals
• Socialization with a puppy and kitten (when available)
• Dog safety and behavior activity
• Cat safety and behavior activity
• Quality time with one or more Humane Education dogs

Week 5

July 22-26
Grades 3-5

PLEASE CONFIRM YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR THE APPROPRIATE GRADE LEVEL AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION. Campers should be registered according to the grade level they are entering in Fall 2024.

Week 1: May 28-31 (Grades 3-5)

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no camp on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024.

Plants and Animals Camp (Grades 3-5): Not only are there animals inside our shelter, but many animals and plants live outside our shelter, too! At this camp, we’ll be focusing on local wildlife and our impact on it. Come learn about local animals and plants through fun indoor and outdoor activities. We’ll check our trail cam, make pinecone treats for birds, grow veggies, learn about local plants, and more!

Dog and Cat Camp (Grades 3-5): If you love dogs and cats, then this is the camp for you! We will spend time touring the shelter, doing helpful projects for the animals, playing outdoor water games, going on scavenger hunts, taking dogs on walks, and even taking cats on stroller walks!

Week 2: June 10-14 (Grades 6-8)

Volunteer Camp (Grades 6-8): Do you love to help animals? Spend the week at Volunteer camp exploring different ways to help our Waifs! Through your help, we can make our Waifs’ time at Wayside comfortable and enjoyable, and even work to help them find their forever homes! Most projects will not involve direct contact with animals.

Art and Animals Camp (Grades 6-8): Discover the perfect blend of creativity and compassion at this week’s camp! Join us for a week of furry friends and fantastic art projects. Unleash your imagination as you paint, sculpt, and create alongside our adorable shelter animals, making unforgettable memories while giving back to shelter pets.

Week 3: June 24-28 (Grades 3-5 and 6-8)

Outdoor Habitat Camp (Grades 6-8): Spend a large part of the day outdoors, learning about the habitats of local wildlife. Spend the week working as a team, building helpful habitats for local woodland creatures, including butterflies and insects, as well as building human sized habitats (forts) in the woods. IMPORTANT NOTE: We will spend a large part of the day outdoors. We will be in the shade most of the day and play spontaneous water games to cool down! Campers must bring the following items to this camp in order to participate: closed-toe tennis shoes/hiking boots, long pants, long socks, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Art and Animals Camp (Grades 3-5): Discover the perfect blend of creativity and compassion at this week’s camp! Join us for a week of furry friends and fantastic art projects. Unleash your imagination as you paint, sculpt, and create alongside our adorable shelter animals, making unforgettable memories while giving back to shelter pets.

Week 4: July 8-12 (Grades 6-8)

Animal Careers Camp (Grades 6-8): If you’ve ever dreamed of a career working with animals, then this is the camp for you! Campers will shadow a different department each day to learn the ins and outs of what role they play at Wayside. Explore how the Canine and Feline Care team, the Vet Clinic, the Education team, the Canine Behavior team, and more, work together to care for our Waifs and help them find their forever homes!

Outdoor Habitat Camp (Grades 6-8): Spend a large part of the day outdoors, learning about the habitats of local wildlife. Spend the week working as a team, building helpful habitats for local woodland creatures, including butterflies and insects, as well as building human sized habitats (forts) in the woods. IMPORTANT NOTE: We will spend a large part of the day outdoors. We will be in the shade most of the day and play spontaneous water games to cool down! Campers must bring the following items to this camp in order to participate: closed-toe tennis shoes/hiking boots, long pants, long socks, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Week 5: July 22-26 (Grades 3-5)

Cat Camp (Grades 3-5): If you’re a cat lover then this camp is for you! Spend a large part of the day playing cat related games, learning about cat behavior, socializing with cats and kittens (when available), making enrichment for cats, and more!

Outdoor Adventure Camp (Grades 3-5): Spend a large part of the day outdoors, exploring nature, observing wildlife, doing service projects for woodland creatures and so much more! IMPORTANT NOTE: We will spend a large part of the day outdoors. We will be in the shade most of the day and play spontaneous water games to cool down! Campers must bring the following items to this camp in order to participate: closed-toe tennis shoes/hiking boots, long pants, long socks, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is camp located?

The camp is located at Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, MO  64137.

What are the age requirements?

Each grade level reflects the grade your child is entering in Fall 2024. Please pay close attention when registering that you are registering for the correct week based on your child’s grade.

What is the cost for camp?

Camp fees are $250/week per camper.

What if my child has an allergy?

Campers will be doing activities that require them to be in the Cat Adoption, Dog Adoption, and Small Mammal Adoption areas. Campers will not be required to handle or pet any animals at any time. Campers will be given the opportunity to wash their hands after touching an animal. Some service projects involve the use of peanut butter. Campers do not have to participate however, we cannot guarantee any area to be completely nut free at Wayside Waifs. If your child has an allergy of any kind, indicate that on their registration form. Contact Karen Wallace at [email protected]  with any questions or concerns.

What is the refund policy for camp?

Canceling enrollment one month from the start of enrolled camp date: full refund;
2 weeks from start of enrolled camp date: half refund;
less than 2 weeks from the start of enrolled camp date: non-refundable

To cancel – email [email protected]

What if I register for the incorrect age group?

If you register for the incorrect grade level you will need to contact us immediately. Please note there is limited availability and there is no guarantee of open spots for the correct grade level week you need.

What is included in the registration fee?

Registration fees include a camp t-shirt, all materials and activities, two daily snacks. Please note, each camper will need to bring their own lunch. No microwaves will be available for camper use.

What does a typical day at camp look like?

Sample Schedule – Full Day

9:00 – 9:30 – Arrival, Camper’s choice, and snack
9:30 – 10:00 – Opening Ceremony (all camp energizer, game, announcements)
10:00 – 11:00 – Outside Activities
11:00- 12:00 – Animal related activity (“shadowing” departments, behavior classes, training classes, guest speakers, etc.)
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 – Kids in Action service project(s)
2:00 – 3:00 – Camper’s Choice
3:00 – 3:30 – Closing Circle (Public Appreciation, Eagle Eye, final annoucements)
3:30 – 4:00 – Departure, Camper’s Choice, and snack

What should my camper wear?

Close toed shoes are required. Campers should plan to wear clothes that can get messy. Many activities will be outside, so something weather appropriate that campers can move around freely in is encouraged.

What should my camper bring?

• Lunch
• Backpack
• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Swim suit (for water games)
• Towel
• Change of clothes

We recommend including ice packs to ensure food stays at a safe temperature. Campers are also welcome to bring their own snacks from home. No microwaves will be available for camper use. We strongly encourage campers to leave anything of value at home (including money, toys, technology, etc.) Cell phones can be used in case of emergency to contact parents; however, cellphones need to remain in backpacks throughout the camp day. Wayside is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen items campers bring from home.

Will my camper be interacting with animals?

There will be opportunities each day to interact with shelter animals or Humane Education animals. However, campers should not expect significant time interacting directly with animals, as many activities planned do not involve direct contact with animals. All interactions are closely monitored.

Can I register my camper for more than one week?

Absolutely! While some activities will be similar throughout all weeks, each camp experience will be different and exciting. ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! REGISTER HERE!

What are the behavior expectations for my camper?

All campers are expected to treat each animal and person with compassion and respect while attending camp. Behavior guidelines will be discussed at the beginning of each week. Campers not following guidelines may be required to be picked up early from camp or may be dismissed for the remainder of the camp week. Refunds will not be applicable to campers who are unable to return to camp for behavioral reasons.