Youth Programs
Youth Programs
Today’s children are the companion animal guardians of tomorrow. Our humane education programs are a fun-filled way to help kids understand the importance of kindness, respect, and responsibility for all animals.
From community service projects to shelter tours, we offer a
variety of
opportunities – including new virtual programs! Join us.
Camp Kindness
Camp Kindness Dates & Information
Camp Kindness is an educational camp designed for children ages 7-9, 10-12, and 13-15 interested in learning about animal welfare and becoming future pet owners. During our camp sessions, children learn about proper pet care, pet safety, pet interaction and how these topics relate to the Sacramento community. Some examples of camp activities include shelter pet socialization, dog body language lesson, crafting, and educational presentations from different SSPCA departments and outside rescue organizations.
Resources & Activities
Here are some free resources and fun activities to help children learn about caring for their pets, staying safe around dogs and cats, and being compassionate members of the community.
- Our Family
- Happy Dog & Cat
- Be Kind & Safe
- What a Dog Needs
- What Every Dog or Cat Needs
- What a Cat Needs
- What's for Dinner?
- Speaking Dog
- Feline Feelings
- Dog Training Tips
- What is this Boy Asking His Dog?
- Making Cat Toys & Dog Treats
- Find the Cat Toys
- How to Draw Cats & Dogs
- There's a New Superhero in Town
- Message Decoder
- What Do I Eat
- DIY Pet First Aid Kit
- Pet Expressions
- Doggy Coloring Sheet
- How to Draw a Rabbit
- How to Draw a Cat
- How to Draw a Dog
- How to Draw a Parrot
- Secret Life of Pets Craft
- DIY Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
- Cupcake Turtle Craft
- Animal Craft Sticks
- People vs Pet Needs
- Word Search
- Read more
Guided Tours of the Sacramento SPCA Adoption Center
Virtual & in-person tours of the Sacramento SPCA Adoption Center are available for field trips, scout troops, and youth organizations. Ages 7-18 are welcome for a flat fee of $75. At the moment, our maximum group size for in person tours is 15 people. For virtual tours, our maximum group size is 30 people.
Tour Availability:
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm
*Last tour starting at 5pm*
Reservations are required and tour dates and times are subject to availability. Tours run approximately 60 minutes.
Classroom Visits
The Sacramento SPCA offers virtual and in person presentations for classrooms and after school programs for grades 2-12. We offer interactive presentations around the topics of dog safety, bite prevention, how to care for pets, responsible pet ownership, pet overpopulation, and careers with animals. These presentations are customized to meet the needs and interests of your group.
Classroom Presentation Availability:
Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm
*Latest presentation starts at 5pm*
Youth Volunteer & Community Service Opportunities
Students and scouts needing community service hours or wanting to volunteer to help out our shelter are encouraged to inquire about our projects listed below. Your hard work will make a difference in the lives of the animals in our care!
Hands-on, in-shelter volunteers must be at least 18 years old or older. We are unable to make exceptions to this policy.
Please note that the Sacramento SPCA does not have a program for court-ordered community service at this time.
