Humane Education Program

The Humane Education Program offers classes and workshops about pet care, advocacy, and animal welfare. Its offerings also include a Summer Camp with themed lessons, interactions with shelter animals, special guests, crafts, outdoor games, and hands-on activities. Other camp options include Positive Reinforcement Training, shelter animal care, cleaning, enrichment, socializing, sports and activities for dogs and cats, and lessons on animal careers, animal welfare, and medical care.

Programs

• Humane Education Program — Children · Ongoing educational opportunities; program lengths and times vary depending on the class · Offers classes and workshops about pet care, advocacy, and animal welfare.
• Summer Camp — 5-18 · Weekly sessions; Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-12:00 pm · Includes themed lessons, interactions with shelter animals, special guests, crafts, outdoor games, and hands-on activities.
• Friends for Life Camp — 6-8 years old · June 1 through June 5; July 13 through July 17 · $325 · Crafts, outdoor games, lessons on animals and pets, special guest visits, and hands-on activities.
• Animal Neighbors Camp — 9-11 years old · June 8 through June 12; July 20 through July 24 · $325 · Crafts, outdoor games, lessons on animals and pets, special guest visits, and hands-on activities.
• Active Animals Camp — 11-13 years old · June 15 through June 19; August 3 through August 7 · $325 · Focuses on keeping animals active and includes sports and activities dogs and cats at the shelter participate in.
• PAWsome Manners Camp — 12-14 years old · June 22 through June 26; July 27 through July 31 · $325 · Learn Positive Reinforcement Training and train shelter dogs and cats hands-on.
• Veterinary and Animal Careers Camp — 12-15 years old · July 6 through July 10 · $350 · Hands-on experience with animal careers, shelter animal care, cleaning, enrichment, socializing, and lessons on animal welfare and medical care.
• Birthday Party — Children age 5 and older · Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. · Guided shelter tour, interaction with adoptable pets, enrichment activities, and donations.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price range: $325–$350
• General schedule: Summer Camp is offered in weekly sessions by age. Program lengths and times vary depending on the class.
• Facility hours: Monday-Friday by appointment only for both cats and dogs; Saturday and Sunday cat walk-ins from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; dog walk-ins may be accommodated when staffing permits; animal interactions conclude 15 minutes prior to closing

About the provider

The program’s mission is to promote the humane treatment of companion animals and create lasting human-animal bonds. A testimonial from Candy and Ray Knippenberg says they have continued to be proud and active members of the Naperville Area Humane Society because of the care and compassion provided to thousands of animals.

Policies, dates and operations are subject to change. There is a $25 cancellation fee for cancellations 30+ days prior to a summer camp date. No refunds within 30 days of the summer camp start date. Camps fill up quickly. Pre-registration is required for classes. Some classes limit children under 10. Birthday parties are available for children celebrating their 5th birthday and older.

What families say

“In 1979, a small group of us gathered to make a reality come true for lost and unwanted animals who needed a safe and secure place while waiting for their chance at a “forever” home. Today, Ray and I continue to be proud and active members of the Naperville Area Humane Society because of the wonderful care and compassion provided to thousands of wonderful animals.” — Candy and Ray Knippenberg

Last updated August 26, 2026.