Summer Camps for 10-15 year olds
Offered by Skyheart Sanctuary, a CA 501c3 non-profit, directed by Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodríguez
2026 Summer Camps have finished. Stay tuned for 2027 offerings!
Become an Animal Behavior Scientist for a Week! | Ages 10–15

Spend a week at Pine Trails Ranch stepping into the role of a real animal behavior biologist. Through hands-on activities and field-style investigations, campers discover how animal behavior science protects wildlife, improves animal welfare, and opens doors to exciting careers.​

During the week, students will:
  • Track and observe animal behavior
  • Collect and interpret real data
  • Explore science-based training techniques
  • Create enrichment that keeps animals curious and thriving
  • Study both captive and wild species
Program Leadership
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Developed by Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodriguez, neurobiologist, Professor of Animal Behavior at UC Davis, and founder of Skyheart Sanctuary, this independently operated program blends scientific expertise with humane education and hands-on discovery.

​She is joined by co-creator Claire Short, professional animal trainer and UC Davis graduate in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. Claire brings extensive experience in animal welfare, youth mentorship, and inclusive programming that supports neurodiverse learners.
Limited Spots Available! 
​To ensure personalized mentorship and maximize hands-on learning, each week is capped at 12 students. Participants will be grouped by age based on the age they will be at the time of camp:
  • Ages 10-12 (Weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7)
  • Ages 13-15 (Weeks 2, 4 and 6)
This small class size allows for one-on-one mentorship, deeper engagement with the animals and research projects, and a more enriching, interactive learning experience. ​
Activities may Include:
  • Caring for and getting to know our miniature horses, donkeys, goats, and pig
  • ​Learning how to "speak animal" by reading body language and behavior cues
  • Bird watching, wildlife spotting, and nature exploration around the ranch
  • ​Training animals using positive reinforcement, including clicker training and scent work
  • Creating toys, puzzles, and enrichment activities for animals—and then watching the animals test them out
  • ​Conducting real animal behavior observations and simple scientific experiments
  • Discovering how animals learn, solve problems, and perceive the world
  • ​​Playing animal-themed games, challenges, and interactive group activities
  • Investigating trail camera footage to uncover which wild animals visit the ranch after dark​
Junior Animal Behavior Scientist Certificate of Completion
​Upon completing this immersive research experience, students will be awarded a program-issued Junior Animal Behavior Scientist Certificate of Completion. This certificate highlights their commitment to scientific exploration and can enhance college applications and resumes.
Program Schedule & Location
All activities will be held on-site at Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodriguez’s Green Care Lab, located at Pine Trails Ranch in West Davis (35270 Co Rd 31, Davis, CA 95616).
Students should bring their own lunch and water bottle each day.

Each session runs Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
  • WEEK 1 | June 15 – 19 | Ages 10-12 
  • WEEK 2 | June 29 – July 3 | Ages 13-15
  • WEEK 3 | July 6 – 10 | Ages 10-12
  • WEEK 4 | July 13 – 17 | Ages 13-15  
  • WEEK 5 | July 27 – 31 | Ages 10-12 
  • WEEK 6 | August 3 – 7| Ages 13-15
  • WEEK 7 | August 10 – 14 | Ages 10-12
Registration: $435 for one week

Where Your Registration Fee Goes:
We are committed to providing an enriching, hands-on experience while keeping costs as low as possible. The $435/week registration fee is not for profit. It directly supports the bare minimum needed to run the sanctuary. Every dollar goes toward:
  • Supporting staff wages – Ensuring a safe and engaging experience for all campers.
  • Small class sizes – Allowing for a significantly better learning experience.
  • Animal care – Covering food, veterinary needs, and daily care for the horses, donkeys, pigs, and goats who are trained and actively participate in camp activities.
  • Camp materials – Providing hands-on learning supplies for interactive activities.
  • Facility costs – Contributing to the lease and maintenance of the space.
Non-Refundable Registration Policy:
Our summer camps are designed as an educational opportunity rather than a business venture. We keep registration costs as low as possible to cover only the essential expenses of running the program. Because staffing and resources are coordinated immediately after registration, we are unable to offer refunds.
​However, if you are unable to attend, you are welcome to find someone to take your spot. Any substitute participant must meet the age requirements for that week, and all financial exchanges must be handled privately between the original registrant and the replacement. Please notify us in advance if a substitution will be made so we can confirm eligibility.
We appreciate your understanding and support in making this program possible!
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2026 IS CLOSED

Already Registered?
​Here’s What to Expect

We’re excited to welcome your camper to Skyheart Sanctuary! Below are important details to help your week run smoothly.

Location & Schedule
Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Skyheart Sanctuary at Pine Trails Ranch
35270 County Road 31, Davis, CA 95616
Please park in the Pine Trails Ranch lot. Students should walk through the side gate and wait at the picnic tables near the entrance. At 9:00 AM sharp, we will walk the group to the sanctuary together.
Drop-Off
Drop-off window: 8:45–9:00 AM only
  • Students arriving before 8:45 AM must remain with a parent/guardian until staff is present.
  • If arriving after 9:00 AM, a parent/guardian must walk the student directly to the Skyheart classroom for handoff.
  • Students may not roam the ranch unattended.
Pick-Up
Promptly at 1:00 PM at the picnic tables
  • Please park and walk in to retrieve your child. No curbside pickup.
  • The adult picking up must be listed on your release form. ID will be checked.
  • We cannot guarantee supervision beyond 1:10 PM.
Facilities
A clean, well-maintained portable restroom is available near the entrance. A permanent restroom facility is currently under construction.

Animals In the Classroom
Please note that our Green Care Lab dogs, Leia and Luci, will be present in the classroom during camp activities. 
What to Bring (Daily)
Please send your camper with:
  • Snack and lunch (refrigerator available)
  • Large water bottle (there is no drinking fountain on site)
  • Sunscreen applied before arrival
  • Close-toed shoes required (boots preferred; sturdy sneakers acceptable)
  • Comfortable, washable clothing (long pants recommended for sitting in dirt)
  • Hat for sun protection
This is a working ranch. Expect heat, dust, water, and hands-on animal care. Campers may get dirty — that’s part of the experience!
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