WILDLIFE CAMPS
INSPIRING & UNFORGETTABLE nature camps for kids
GO WILD with WILDCARE CAMPS!
Wildlife Camp provides campers with an unforgettable wildlife experience, including live animal visits from our rescued wildlife ambassadors, animal-themed games, nature crafts, nature excursions and much more!
Weekly camp programs are designed to captivate, engage and challenge young people, while building conservation knowledge and values.
Wildlife Camp is a fun way to stimulate learning about wildlife and instill a life-long respect for the environment. Our mission is to teach children to live well with wildlife.
REGISTER FOR WILDCARE'S CAMPS NOW - Camps fill up fast!
Scroll down to read further details about our Spring, Summer & Winter camps.
For questions, contact KATE LYNCH VIA EMAIL
Or call 415-453-1000 ext 190
RETURNING USER? Log in here
Click the button below to enroll for this year’s camps, fill out forms, apply for a scholarship and more!
Forgotten password? Click on “What’s my password” in the log in dialog box. Can’t recall which email you used? EMAIL US or call 415-453-1000 x 190.
Photo: Peter Mertz
¡AHORA PUEDE INSCRIBIRSE EN ESPAÑOL!
¡Haga clic aquí para ver toda la información sobre los campamentos de WildCare 2026 en español!
Haga clic aquí para solicitar una beca.
Haga clic aquí para nuestra inscripción regular a precio completo.
Las familias que ya han asistido a uno de nuestros campamentos pueden acceder a su cuenta en wildcare.campmanagement.com/
Si ha olvidado su contraseña, haga clic en «¿Cuál es mi contraseña?». Si no está seguro de qué correo electrónico está asociado a su cuenta, envíe un correo electrónico carlypucci@discoverwildcare.org o llame al 415-453-1000 ext. 300.
WILDCARE CAMP OFFERINGS
SPRING 2026 WILDLIFE CAMP
LITTE PAWS, LITTLE CLAWS (GRADES K-2, TK ok if 5)
Join us for a week of discovery dedicated to the fascinating world of little paws and little claws! Explore how tadpoles transform, discover why fawns are often left alone, and find out what a baby opossum is called. Dive into the adorable and diverse babies of our local wildlife and learn about the incredible ways they are adapted to survive.
Tuesday’s off-site location will be Stafford Lake Park and Thursday’s off-site location will start at a local park and end with a visit to WildCare.
On Thursday, families are invited to join us at pick up to explore the Wildlife Ambassador Zone and experience an exciting animal encounter. Bring the whole family!
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from the hike locations.
Dates: April 6-10, 2026
Session: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Age: For grades K-2
Cost: $415 nonmember, $395 member — scholarships available
Locations:
Miller Creek Middle School, 2255 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, CA
Off-site days: Stafford Lake Park (Tues) & local parks and WildCare (Thurs)
Scholarships available! APPLY HERE
SUMMER 2026 WILDLIFE CAMP
Dates: June 15 – August 14, 2026
Sessions: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grades: entering K-5th grade
Cost: $395 – $430. Scholarships and member discounts available
Location: Dominican University’s Angelico Hall at 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Scholarships available! APPLY HERE
CHECK OUT & REGISTER FOR OUR SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS BELOW ↓
SESSION 1: WONDERS OF THE WILD - JUNE 15-19, 2026 - Entering Grades K-1
Dates: June 15 – 19, 2026
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades K-1
Cost: $415 non member, $395 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Discover the marvels of the natural world with WildCare! Explore the fascinating creatures big and small that share our planet. Ever wondered how banana slugs help plants grow? Curious about how far an owl can actually turn its head? Dive into the amazing wonders of the wild and learn all about the incredible creatures that inhabit our planet.
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Phoenix Lake on Tuesday and McInnis Park on Thursday.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
SESSION 2: WILD SENSES - JUNE 22-26, 2026 - ENTERING GRADES 1-2
Dates: June 22-26, 2026
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades 1-2
Cost: $415 non member, $395 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Get ready to see the world in a whole new way! Discover how animals sense their surroundings—like pigeons using magnetic fields to navigate and bats “seeing” with sound. Learn about the incredible tricks animals use to experience the wild beyond just sight, and see nature’s secrets through their amazing senses!
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Phoenix Lake on Tuesday and Blackie’s Pasture on Thursday.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from the off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
SESSION 3: NATURE NAVIGATORS - JUNE 29-JULY 3, 2026 - ENTERING GRADES 2-3
Dates: June 29-July 3, 2026
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades 2-3
Cost: $430 non member, $410 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
INCLUDES SWIMMING!
Navigate the natural wonders of California’s ecosystems! California is biodiverse, with more unique plants, animals, and ecosystems than any other state! From the Mojave Desert to the Redwood Forest, learn about the diverse habitats of California plants and animals. Dive into the fascinating factors that allow the Golden State to support thousands of different species.
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Phoenix Lake on Tuesday and McNears Beach Park on Thursday. Thursday’s off-site excursion to McNears Beach Park will have an hour of swim time at the pool. Click here to read WildCare’s swim policy.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from the off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
SESSION 4: SCIENCE OF SURVIVAL - JULY 6-10, 2026, - ENTERING GRADES 3-5
Dates: July 6-10, 2026
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades 3-5
Cost: $430 non-member, $410 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Discover the science behind wildlife survival! Did you know newts have toxins, jackrabbits can run 25 miles per hour, and opossums have 50 sharp teeth? Even plants can have thorns and sharp leaves to fend off hungry herbivores. Every creature has adapted amazing ways to stay alive!
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Phoenix Lake on Tuesday and McNears Beach Park on Thursday. Thursday’s off-site excursion to McNears Beach Park will have an hour of swim time at the pool. Click here to read WildCare’s swim policy.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from the off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
SESSION 5: WONDERS OF THE WILD - JULY 20-24, 2026 - ENTERING GRADES K-1
Dates: July 20-24, 2026
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades K-1
Cost: $415 non-member, $395 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Discover the marvels of the natural world with WildCare! Explore the fascinating creatures big and small that share our planet. Ever wondered how banana slugs help plants grow? Curious about how far an owl can actually turn its head? Dive into the amazing wonders of the wild and learn all about the incredible creatures that inhabit our planet.
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Rodeo Beach on Tuesday and McInnis Park on Thursday.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
SESSION 6: WILD SENSES - JULY 27-31, 2026 - ENTERING GRADES 1-2
Dates: July 27 – 31
Session: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades 1-2
Cost: $415 nonmember, $395 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Get ready to see the world in a whole new way! Discover how animals sense their surroundings—like pigeons using magnetic fields to navigate and bats “seeing” with sound. Learn about the incredible tricks animals use to experience the wild beyond just sight, and see nature’s secrets through their amazing senses!
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Rodeo Beach on Tuesday and Blackie’s Pasture on Thursday.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from the off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
SESSION 7: NATURE NAVIGATORS - AUGUST 3-7, 2026 - ENTERING GRADES 2-3
Dates: August 3-7
Session: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades 2-3
Cost: $430 nonmember, $410 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
INCLUDES SWIMMING!
Navigate the natural wonders of California’s ecosystems! California is biodiverse, with more unique plants, animals, and ecosystems than any other state! From the Mojave Desert to the Redwood Forest, learn about the diverse habitats of California plants and animals. Dive into the fascinating factors that allow the Golden State to support thousands of different species.
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Rodeo Beach on Tuesday and McNears Beach Park on Thursday. Thursday’s off-site excursion to McNears Beach Park will have an hour of swim time at the pool. Click here to read WildCare’s swim policy.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from the off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
SESSION 8: SCIENCE OF SURVIVAL - AUGUST 10-14, 2026 - ENTERING GRADES 3-5
Dates: August 10-14
Session: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: Entering grades 3-5
Cost: $430 non-member, $410 member
Location: Angelico Hall at Dominican University of California, 20 Olive Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Discover the science behind wildlife survival! Did you know newts have toxins, jackrabbits can run 25 miles per hour, and opossums have 50 sharp teeth? Even plants can have thorns and sharp leaves to fend off hungry herbivores. Every creature has adapted amazing ways to stay alive!
Participants will experience visits from WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals on non-field trip days. Campers will go on off-site excursions to Rodeo Beach on Tuesday and McNears Beach Park on Thursday. Thursday’s off-site excursion to McNears Beach Park will have an hour of swim time at the pool. Click here to read WildCare’s swim policy.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from the off-site excursion locations.
Scholarships available: Apply here
WINTER 2026/2027 WILDLIFE CAMP
INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
Check back on this space – we will post information on our Winter Camp in fall 2026!
Photo: Peter Mertz
WILDCARE’S WILDLIFE HOSPITAL & AMBASSADOR ANIMALS will be located at our Interim site till the end pof 2026 while our new facility is being constructed at Albert Park Lane in San Rafael.
WILDCARE’S SPRING 2026 CAMP will be held at Miller Creek Middle School, 2255 Las Gallinas Ave in San Rafael.
WILDCARE’S 2026 WILDLIFE SUMMER CAMPS will be held at Dominican University’s Angelico Hall at 20 Olive Avenue in San Rafael.
Our live ambassador animals will come to visit camp so your camper won’t miss out on their amazing wildlife experiences.
COME VISIT!
If you are interested in visiting, WildCare’s Interim site is open for visitors! View our visiting hours and address at the bottom of the webpage.
We thank you for your understanding during this time of transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our education team at education@discoverwildcare.org or by calling 415-453-1000 ext. 190.
Small groups in a secure setting
Programs are taught by experienced teachers/naturalists who share their enthusiasm, knowledge and sense of wonder with children. The teacher is assisted by an adult teaching aide and a student assistant.
Group size ranges from 14-16 children.
“I love the size of the camp. Feels like the kids are able to engage more with group size.”
CAMP POLICIES
Wildlife Camp Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than five weeks prior to the session’s start date will incur a $75 administrative fee. Cancellations made less than five weeks prior to the session’s start date are non-refundable. There are no partial refunds for missed days.
Camp sessions are optimally designed for the stated grade ranges. Please do not register your camper in a session for which they are not eligible. If you register your camper for a session for which they are not grade-appropriate, WildCare reserves the right to cancel your camper’s enrollment and apply our cancellation policy.
Medication Policy
Our staff is not authorized to administer medications of any kind to campers. If your child requires medication during the day they must be able to self-administer with minimal supervision. Campers will carry their own emergency medications such as Epipens and inhalers and camp staff will instruct and support campers should an emergency arise.
COVID-19 and Contagious Illness
We do not require the COVID-19 vaccine for our program but we ask that a child showing signs or symptoms of any contagious illness stay home. All participants are welcome to wear a mask if they choose.
Behavior Policy
- WildCare campers and staff are expected to treat all people and animals with dignity and respect at all times.
- Children are expected to follow directions and actively participate.This allows for all campers to have fun.
- Electronics should be left at home. Any cell phones must be turned off and stored in your child’s backpack during camp hours.
- Campers may not: bully or harass (say mean things or hurt others), use foul language, run away from the camp group, steal or take things without asking, destroy property, engage in lewd behavior or speech, or bring weapons of any kind.
WildCare has great staff and volunteer support for our summer camps but we may not have the right support for all children, especially those requiring special medical, behavioral, or social support.
If you have questions about whether WildCare’s Wildlife Summer Camps will be a good fit for your child, please contact casey@discoverwildcare.org.
Participants who are unable to follow our rules may be asked to leave camp or not return in the future. Refunds will not be provided. Children who are asked to leave for behavioral reasons or whose illness prohibits participation must be picked up from camp within 60 minutes of notification.
Wildlife Camp Swim Policy
Any camp session visiting McNears Beach Park will have an hour of swim time near the end of the day on Thursday. Non-swimmers are welcome but will be asked to wear a life jacket if they are unable to keep their head above water in the shallow end (water wings, swim rings, and other flotation devices are not acceptable due to safety concerns). McNears Beach Park Pool will have a limited number of life jackets available, but we cannot guarantee availability.
At WildCare, we are committed to keeping your child safe while swimming. The McNears Beach Park Pool is staffed with professionally trained lifeguards to keep our swimmers safe. Our Camp Teacher and support staff have been trained in pool safety and will be present with campers during swim time. Campers are welcome to stick to the shallow end (three feet deep) if they are not confident swimmers.
If your child does not want to attend the swim portion, our Camp Teacher can help arrange for you to pick them up early or let them play on the pool deck without swimming. Please reach out to our camp teacher Casey directly with any questions by email at casey@discoverwildcare.org, or by phone, 415-453-1000 ext. 200. We are happy to discuss reasonable accommodations.
Campers will be asked to wear their swimsuits under their clothes as the McNears Beach Park Pool does not have a suitable space for children to change in.
A Typical Day At wildlife Camp
This is a sample of what many of our indoor days look like. On Tuesday and Thursday, campers will have a less structured experience that includes nature discovery, games, outdoor art, and more!
9:00 AM Journaling and activity books
9:15 AM Morning circle, introductions, and theme of the day
9:30 AM Free play and snack
10:30 AM Meet a wildlife ambassador
11:00 AM Wildlife craft time
11:30 AM Game time
12:00 PM Lunch and free play
1:00 PM Meet animal statues (taxidermy)
1:30 PM Game time
2:00 PM Choice time
2:45 PM Story time
Please reach out to casey@discoverwildcare.org if you have specific questions about our schedule!