Special to Iredell Free News

Assisting parents and preschool to fifth-grade students with fun and educational opportunities during school breaks in 2020, Rescue Ranch is offering two mini-break and spring break Critter Camps.

Critter Camps take place at Rescue Ranch, an animal welfare organization located in Statesville that uses educational programs to promote respect for animals and responsible pet ownership, as well as agricultural, environmental and wildlife conservation.

Critter Camps are designed to be fun, educational camp experiences for children who love animals. All camps involve daily interaction with animals, completing service projects, hearing from guest speakers, and experiencing animal-related activities such as proper care for each type of animal. In addition, and weather depending, campers will explore the Ranch’s walking trails and have access to the 10,000-square-foot adaptable Earnhardt Family playground.

Assisting with each camp session are Rescue Ranch’s permanent residents and animal ambassadors, including steer, turkeys, sheep, a herd of Nubian/Tennessee fainting goats, a variety of parrots, rabbits, snakes, lizards, tortoises and more.

Mini-Break Critter Camps

Mini-Break Critter Camps will run January 2-3 and April 13-14 from 9 to 4 p.m. The cost is $40 per day. The focus is on animal survival. As weather changes, animals must adapt in order to survive. Some seek shelter in new habitats while others have special adaptations that allow them to thrive in their natural environment. Campers will learn about animal survival through changing seasons as they play games, complete activities, and spend time with the Ranch’s animal ambassadors. Extended care is available from 8 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. for $10 per child per day.

Spring Break Critter Camp

From March 9-13, Spring Break Critter Camp runs from 9 to 4 p.m. and is $40 per day. The focus is on different habitats. This week’s session will explain why you see polar bears in the arctic but not in the desert and why you don’t see reptiles playing in the snow. Campers will learn about different habitats and the animals that live there. Throughout the week campers will play games, complete crafts related to each habitat, and spend time with the Ranch’s animal ambassadors.

Discounts/Registration

For January/April Mini-Break Critter Camps, a $5 per day discount applies if registered for all four days. There is also a $5 discount for the Spring Break Critter Camp if registered for the full week. Extended care is available from 8 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. for $10 per day.

Registration will remain open as long as space is available. For more information on Rescue Ranch’s Critter Camps or to register, visit rescueranch.com/camps.

About Rescue Ranch

Located in Statesville, Rescue Ranch is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded by Krissie Newman and her husband, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. The 87-acre facility offers school, Scout and camp programs, birthday parties and private tours, which promote humane education through hands-on learning.