Big Cat Rescue Offers Big Summer Camp Fun

Is your kid a major animal lover?

If so, you might want to consider Big Cat Rescue’s summer camp for them, informally known as the Cool Cats program. It runs June 17 through Aug. 9.

“It’s all animals, all the time,” said Willow Hecht, Big Cat Rescue’s education director. “We’re animal freaks.”

The day camp runs Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no camp the week of July 4.

Hecht said activities include observing the giant cats, taking photos, exploring the sanctuary, hearing lessons on animal habitat and conservation, taking part in activities such as making treats for the felines — and “just learning cool stuff about the animals.”

The facility, which consists of 55 acres, sits on Easy Street in North Tampa's Citrus Park neighborhood. Its summer program is open to children ages 8 through 15. Campers are divided into two groups based on age. Cost is $263 ($245 if you register before June 1).

Campers will not be able to get up close and touch the animals, however, because Big Cat Rescue is a no-contact facility.

“The kids who come are really, really into cats,” Hecht said of the popular camp. “We have people who come back year after year.”

For more information and to register online, visit www.bigcatrescue.org/kids-camp on the web.