Less than an hour east of Madison – HAWS (Humane Animal Welfare Society) puts together amazing programming for kids of all ages! From summer camps to after-school programs to volunteer opportunities, HAWS is committed to creating environments where animals are well cared for and kids can learn how to interact with them in a way that benefits both the critters AND the kid.

HAWS utilizes character based education concepts to both introduce youth to animals and animal care and grow compassionate, kind future leaders.

When a child practices kindness, empathy and compassion they naturally build capacity for respect for themselves and others.

HAWS humane education offerings encourage kids to empathize with animals and people and use their decision making power for the good of all living beings. 

All of HAWS humane education programs are standards based to ensure learning and fun at the same time! 

Programs are offered at the HAWS main shelter facility in Waukesha and the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals in Delafield. 

View the full program guide and sign up for programs here! 

HAWS 2022 Fall Programming is Offering Several Unique Opportunities for Kids of a Variety of Ages!

Early Childhood Encounters at the Schallock Center for Animals

For 3-5 year olds ($20/program)

Critter Covers: 10/2 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. and 10/5 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Fur, feathers, skin and scales. These are all things that can cover an animal’s body. What covers your body? Take a close look to see how an animal’s body covering is cared for and helps it survive. 

Winter Wonders: 11/2 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. and 11/6 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. How do animals stay warm in the winter? Where do they find food when snow is covering the ground? Come learn how wild animals in Wisconsin survive in the winter months and how we keep our animals safe and warm as well. 

Family Adventures at the Schallock Center for Animals

For ages 2-adults ($20/program)

Fall: 9/25, 10/16, 11/13 Join us as we care for the horses and goats to ensure they are happy and healthy. Learn what it takes to make sure each animal has what it needs such as food, bedding, cleaning and exercise. You and your family can try your hand at taking care of our animal friends. 

Tales by the Fire at the Schallock Center for Animals

For ages 2-adult ($10/family)

Enjoy an evening outdoors with your family at the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals. Bring a picnic, hike the trails and listen to a story about animals around the campfire. 9/23, 10/14, 11/4 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 

Hannah’s Haven at the Schallock Center for Animals

For ages 6-10 ($10/reservation) 

Animals in shelters can be lonely and benefit from interaction. Reading to shelter animals can give them much needed one on one time with a companion in a calm setting.  9/24, 10/15, 11/12. Timeslots offered from 1:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m. 

School Day off Camps at the Main Shelter

For ages 7-14 ($75/day)

No school? No problem! Join us for a day of fun and hands on learning on 10/28 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 

Critter Club at the Main Shelter

For grades 6th-8th ($180/semester)

Critter Club is a unique education and volunteer opportunity for kids who have a passion to help and protect animals. Fall semester-Thursdays from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. and Saturday or Sunday from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. 

Tuesday Troops at the Main Shelter

For grades 6th-8th ($100/semester) 

Tuesday Troops is for animal loving kids in 6th-8th grade to volunteer at HAWS and socialize with many of our adoptable animals and help care for them. Fall semester-Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 

KHAWS at the Main Shelter

For ages 6-12 ($96/semester)

Kids learn about animal safety and pet care responsibilities while interacting with the shelter’s animals. Meetings are held two Fridays a month during the fall semester: 9/16, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/11, 12/2, 12/16 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 

Animal Advocates at the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals

For ages 7-14 ($40/semester) 

Animal advocates is for animal loving kids to learn about horses, goats and wildlife through hands on activities. Meetings are held one Saturday a month during the fall semester: 10/1, 10/22, 11/19, 12/10 

Equine Explorers at the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals

For 6th-9th graders ($250/semester)

Horse loving kids have the unique opportunity to learn about, care for and interact with the HAWS herd! Meetings are held on Tuesdays during the fall semester from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. beginning 10/4.

Skittles Book Club at the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals

For 3rd-5th graders ($180/semester) 

Elementary aged students at all phases in their reading journey will enjoy our book club! Reading to an animal can support readers at all levels and encourage them to build skills. Children will read the Misty of Chincotegue book to a real Chincoteague pony, Skittles! Children will have the opportunity to practice the themes discussed in the book through hands on care and equine encounters. Meetings are held on Mondays during the fall semester from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. beginning 9/19. 

Youth Agility Camp at the HAWS Schallock Center for Animals

For ages 10-18 ($200/semester)

For youth who love working with their family dog! Youth will attend with their own family dog and learn the sport of agility and learn training techniques that can be implemented at home. Fall semester camp: 9/17 & 9/18 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 

With so many options to choose from, there is bound to be the right fit for every family this fall at HAWS!