Future Vet Kids Camp, the school holiday program led by veterinarians Drs Audrey and Alison Shen, is coming to Melbourne this April.

The camp caters to children aged 9 to 16 years of age and introduces kids to the world of veterinary medicine, encouraging responsible pet ownership and to nurture the love and appreciation of all animals and their habitats.

Attendees will learn about genetic diseases, pet nutrition, dog behaviour and enrichment, exotic animals, surgery, animal rescue, wildlife conservation and much more. They will also visit state-of-the-art veterinary hospitals for exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences and other exciting excursions, including Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne University’s Veterinary School.

Dr Audrey Shen said it was always the plan to extend the camp beyond Sydney and Brisbane and due to the success and overwhelming interest, she said it was only fair to offer a program to Melbourne kids.

“We’ve had some kids who came from Melbourne to attend the Sydney camp, so we know they are super excited that we will be hosting a similar camp in their hometown! I’m excited to cement the program and develop new connections and relationships with vets, specialists, and other animal industry professionals in Melbourne.”

Running concurrently to the camp will be the Virtual Online Camp, which started during Covid in 2021, but now with the added bonus that online attendees will be able to ask questions in real time if they wish.

“What I love most about the program is to see so many kids with the same passion learning and enjoying camp together and the lifelong friendships that are made. The camp showcases all the opportunities available as veterinarians and other wonderful professions in the animal industry. Many campers return every year to learn more and progress through the camp groups,” said Dr Alison.

This year, the camp will be donating six spots to charities including Vets For Compassion, Beagle Freedom Australia, and Forever Friends Animal Rescue.

“As volunteers for Vets For Compassion, we’ve been working closely with them during the recent bushfire and flood disaster work. The charity continues to do great work in Melbourne for our native wildlife and dogs and cats.

 “We are also working with SavourLife by donating four camp places to them, which will go towards their supported charities; Beagle Freedom Australia and Forever Friends Animal Rescue in Melbourne. These charities will use the camp places to generate donations or gift them to supporters of their charity,” said Dr Audrey. 

The face-to-face camp runs from Tuesday 11 April to Saturday 15 April, from 9am-3:30pm, at St John Bosco Primary school in Niddrie, Vic, with a cost of $655.

The Virtual Online Camp will run from Sunday 2 April to Saturday 15 April at a cost of $240.

For more information, visit http://futurevetkidscamp.com.

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