Press Releases

Young Hearts, Big Impact: HBSPCA’s Rescue Rangers Summer Camp Inspires the Next Generation of Animal Advocates

Written By:

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA

Posted On:

August 4, 2025

Children ages 6–14 can now register for fun, hands-on activities, real animal interactions and inspiring lessons.

May 21, 2025 Hamilton, ON – Registration is officially open for the Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (HBSPCA) Summer Camp. More than just a day camp, this unique hands-on experience is a chance for kids to build compassion, confidence and connection—all while discovering what it means to care for animals and make a difference in their community. Each week of camp runs from Monday through Friday with specific weeks designated for different age groups. The weekly day camps begin July 14 and end on August29, 2025. Designed for young animal lovers ages 6 to 14, the Summer Camp will be held at the HBSPCA’s 245 Dartnall Road headquarters in Hamilton.

Through engaging activities, interactive lessons and real-life animal experiences, campers will explore themes like creature comforts, shelter medicine and its goals, critically evaluating welfare and animal advocacy—all guided by the HBSPCA’s team of educators and animal care experts.

“Children are naturally curious and compassionate,” says Ruby Newall, Youth Project Coordinator at the HBSPCA. “Our camp helps channel that energy into meaningful learning and action. Whether they’re meeting adoptable cats and dogs, learning how to read the animals’ body language or creating enrichment toys for shelter animals, campers walk away with skills and values that last a lifetime."

In addition to facts-packed workshops, field trips and outdoor games, campers will have the opportunity to interact with animals in a safe and supervised environment, fostering empathy, reducing fear and building self-confidence. Special guest visits—from Hamilton’s Mounted Police Unit and a K9 Officer to a veterinary neurologist, Toronto Zoo’s CEO Dolf DeJong, an animal trainer and more—will highlight important topics such as service animals, wildlife protection, animal rescue and volunteering.

Each week features a different theme, from insight into veterinary shelter medicine and its goals to animal advocacy, giving returning campers fresh opportunities to learn and grow. Campers also participate in creative projects that giveback, such as designing enrichment activities for a variety of pets’ personalities.

“When children connect with animals, something truly powerful happens,” adds John Gerrard, President and CEO of the HBSPCA. “Our camp helps build that connection in a way that’s inclusive, educational and joyful for both the kids and the animals in our care. These children are the future of animal welfare and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”

Additionally, all Summer Camp fees help support the HBSPCA’s mission of putting Pets First by directly funding the HBSPCA’s programs across both the Hamilton and Burlington communities. Registration is now open and spaces are limited.

For full details, weekly themes, dates, pricing and financial assistance options, visit this link.

About the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is always Pet First. Since 1887, we have advanced the humane treatment of animals through innovative education, services, and partnerships. Our programs support over one million animal interactions annually, providing vital resources that ensure the well-being of animals and the families who care for them. We take care of animals because they take care of us. Learn more at www.hbspca.com.