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Camps
Animal Camps for Kids in Greenville | Pet Care, Farm Fun & Wildlife Exploration
Where kids learn, laugh, and come home begging for a pet goat.🦄 🐶 🐱
🦄 Top Animal- Themed Camps 🐶
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🐾 Greenville Zoo Summer Camp (SC)
📍 Location: Greenville, SC — within city limits📏 Distance from Greenville: 0 miles
About: A perfect fit for young animal enthusiasts, this camp offers the chance to learn about the animals at the zoo, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal care, and fun nature crafts. Kids will love interacting with the zoo's residents!🌟 Highlights: Engaging activities including games, experiments, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes adventures
👧 Why It's Great for Kids: Provides an immersive experience into the animal kingdom, fostering curiosity and learning
💡 Helpful Tip: Register early as spots fill quickly; members receive discounted rates
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Clemson University’s Youth Animal Science Camps (SC)
🐄 Clemson University’s Youth Animal Science Camps (SC)
📍 Location: Clemson, SC — ~1 hour from Greenville📏 Distance from Greenville: Approximately 40 miles
About: For kids interested in the science behind animal care and farming, this camp provides hands-on learning with animals, ranging from cows to chickens. It’s a great way for kids to learn more about animal husbandry and agriculture🌟 Highlights: Hands-on experiences with various animals, learning about animal industries, and veterinary skills
👧 Why It's Great for Kids: Offers practical exposure to animal care and science, inspiring future careers in veterinary fields
💡 Helpful Tip: Limited to 80 participants; early registration is recommended
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Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Camps (SC)
🦁 Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Camps (SC)
📍 Location: Columbia, SC — ~1.5 hours from Greenville
📏 Distance from Greenville: Approximately 100 miles
About: This camp allows kids to explore the zoo and learn about different species, conservation efforts, and animal behavior. 🌟 Highlights: Themed camps like "ZOOlympics" and "Science of Ewww," with activities from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM
👧 Why It's Great for Kids: Combines fun and education, exploring animal behaviors and habitats
💡 Helpful Tip: Camps are grade-specific; ensure you select the appropriate program for your child's grade level
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Conestee Nature Preserve Conservation Camp
📍 Location: Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin Rd, Greenville, SC
🧭 Distance from Greenville: 4 milesℹ️ General Information:This nature-focused camp teaches kids (ages 8–12) about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and ecological preservation. Activities include hiking, bird watching, and exploring the preserve’s ecosystems.
✨ Highlights: Kids learn about birds, insects, and other wildlife through guided hikes. 🌳 Conservation education: The camp focuses on teaching kids about protecting local habitats and the environment. 🧭 Outdoor activities: Hands-on activities like nature crafts and scavenger hunts.
💡 Helpful Hints:👟 Bring sturdy shoes: 🍪 Pack a snack: While the camp provides plenty of activities, a small snack is recommended.
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Ballyhoo Petting Zoo Junior Keepers Camp
📍 Location: Ballyhoo Petting Zoo, 2000 Kistner Rd, Anderson, SC
🧭 Distance from Greenville: 35 milesℹ️ General Information:This camp is ideal for younger kids, ages 4–12, and focuses on hands-on experiences with domestic and exotic animals. Kids learn about animal care, grooming, and feeding while interacting with animals like goats, pigs, and llamas.
✨ Highlights:🦙 Interactive petting zoo: Kids can pet and feed animals, learning about their behaviors. 🐐 Animal care activities: Campers take part in feeding and cleaning up after the animals. 🎨 Fun crafts and games:💡 Helpful Hints: 👚 Wear old clothes 🧢 Bring sunscreen and a hat: Much of the camp is outdoors, so sun protection is important.
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🦊 Camp WILD Things – Carolina Wildlife Center
Location: Columbia, SC
What It Is: Nature-based day camp exploring wildlife habitats and field science.
Highlights:
Live animal meet-and-greets, habitat hikes, and hands-on science activities.
Helpful Hint:
Morning sessions mean it’s not too hot — plan a Columbia museum or splash pad trip after camp pick-up.
🧠 Emotional Development – Caring for animals teaches empathy, compassion, and responsibility.
🐾 Learning Through Play – Interacting with pets helps kids learn about biology, behavior, and care in a hands-on way.
💬 Social Skills Booster – Pets can help shy kids open up and even serve as a conversation starter with peers.
🧘♀️ Stress Relief – Petting animals can lower anxiety and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin.
🐕 Routine & Responsibility – Feeding, walking, and grooming pets helps kids learn structure and follow-through.
📚 Motivation to Learn – Reading aloud to pets is a popular strategy that boosts literacy and confidence.
🧡 Special Bonds – Kids often form deep, lasting bonds with animals that build emotional resilience.
🌎 Respect for Nature – Connecting with animals fosters a sense of stewardship for wildlife and the environment.