People have a natural connection to creatures, and animals always add interest to any nature study program. Live animals are a natural focus of attention and an easy way of drawing kids into nature study. Animals also provide opportunities for discussion of adaptations and taxonomy. Of course, animals are also a lot of fun. Very few campers go home from Kirchenwald without telling their parents excitedly about my snakes and other critters.

However, a summer naturalist faces the problem of only needing animals for a few weeks out of the year. The best solution that I have found is to borrow animals from a local school. My miniature zoo is on loan every summer from the school where my mother teaches. If you are trying to talk someone into such an arrangement, remember that both you and the school benefit. You get access to animals and the school avoids the bother of caring for the animals over the summer. I have also borrowed animals from farmers and wildlife rehabilitators in the past for various lengths of time.

Inevitably, campers will bring toads and other animals as presents as the camping session goes on. While a naturalist should generally discourage campers from capturing wild creatures, a few wild caught specimens are acceptable as long as campers know that the animals will be released to the wild after a few days in captivity.

I have had success with a variety of animals in my nature study program: Corn snakes, Madagascar Giant Hissing Cockroaches, chickens and ducks (preferably raised with human contact), rabbits, and turtles. Amphibians are acceptable for viewing purposes but cannot be handled much by campers.

All of the animal enclosures must be kept clean and presentable, for the sake of both the campers and the animals. Unsanitary conditions can quickly lead to mites and other pests infecting campers.