Where and what time does camp take place?

Our sanctuary is located at 3201 Napa Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476. Camp activities will be primarily outdoors with some possibility for indoor activities depending on current local COVID-19 requirements. 

Camp activities start at 9:00 am and end at 1:30 pm. Please be prepared to drop off your child no earlier than 8:40 am and pick them up no later than 2:00 pm. Additional childcare is not available beyond these times.

Can I register my child for both sessions?

In order to allow this program to be available to as many children as possible, each child may only be registered for one session of our day camp. The activities and content will be the same for both sessions, so they will not be missing out on any experiences whether they sign up for one or the other.

What are your age requirements?

Children ages 8-12 are eligible to participate in our kids' summer camp. As our program will be tailored to this specific age group, exceptions to age requirements will not be made; however, we will be expanding this program in future years!

What are your safety protocols?

Our staff members will direct children on how to interact safely and respectfully with our rescued animal residents, and we will only be bringing campers in with kid-friendly animal ambassador groups. We will interact with larger animals safely from the other side of the fence. All assisting volunteers will be screened with background checks. The sanctuary is equipped with first-aid kits. A parent or legal guardian of each camper will be sent a release of liability for their child to be completed after registration.

Which potential allergens are present at Charlie's Acres?

Plan on having your child come into contact with animals such as goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese. We use hay and alfalfa on-site, and your child may come into contact with timothy grass hay while giving treats to animals. We will remain in the shade whenever possible, but many of our activities will take place outdoors in sunny areas. Bees and wildflowers are present throughout the sanctuary. Please bear in mind that, although campers will not come into direct contact with nuts during camp activities, we are NOT a nut-free facility. Gluten-free and nut-free options are available for your child's plant-based lunch and snack.

What should my child bring to camp?

We recommend your child bring a water bottle each day since Sonoma summers are hot! Sunscreen will be available for campers to use. We will be serving a catered plant-based lunch with several available menu options as well as a plant-based snack. For safety reasons, campers must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Boots are preferable if possible. Your child may bring a cellphone as long as they use it appropriately. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken devices.

How are you handling COVID19 protocols?

This summer, we will require campers and staff to be FULLY vaccinated against COVID-19 before camp begins. Proof of vaccination must be sent to jenny@charliesacres.org at least two weeks before the start date of camp.

What does “fully vaccinated” mean? Per the CDC, a person is considered “fully vaccinated” if they have received their primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna: x2 doses – J&J: 1 dose) AND are 2 weeks post-completion of that series. Campers are NOT required to have a booster to attend camp this summer.

Campers and staff with medical exemptions will be allowed at camp with verified documentation from their physician. Personal exemptions will not be accepted. 

What should my child leave behind?

We do not allow outside food to be brought to kids' camp. Additionally, guests are not permitted to bring companion animals onto the property; please leave your animals at home.

If my child has special requirements, how are they accommodated?

We will make every effort to accommodate any special requirements your child may have. Please contact jenny@charliesacres.org to discuss any of your needs or concerns. We are able to accommodate disabilities in many cases and ensure that your child has a positive and beneficial experience.

What is a sanctuary?

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit farmed animal sanctuary, our priority is the physical and emotional well being of the rescued animals who call Charlie's Acres home. Our animal residents always have a choice as to whether or not they want to interact with visitors and will reside at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives. In contrast, the goal of a petting zoo is profit and entertainment, meaning that animals may be forced to be handled regardless of what they want and are often discarded when they are no longer profitable. By sharing the stories of our rescued residents, they are able to serve as animal ambassadors to help teach about beings like them and promote kinder choices.

Is this a vegan camp?

We ask that any visitors to Charlie's Acres do not consume any animal products while on-site. All food served will be 100% vegan. While we are honest about the fact that many of our animal residents were destined for the dinner table before coming to the sanctuary, our educational goals for this camp include empathy, compassion, responsibility, justice, anti-bullying, conservation, and animal care rather than focusing on dietary changes. All content is positive and age-appropriate. 

Any additional questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to jenny@charliesacres.org.