Future Vet Kids Camp is preparing to hold its 2026 program in Waverley, offering face-to-face and online sessions for young people interested in animal care and veterinary pathways.
Long-Running Animal Program In Waverley
Future Vet Kids Camp will return to Waverley College in Waverley for two five-day face-to-face sessions from 5–9 January 2026 and 12–16 January 2026. A Virtual Online Camp will run from 4–16 January 2026, allowing participants across Australia and overseas to join the classroom live and take part in real time.
The camp has been running in Sydney for more than 17 years and has expanded to Brisbane and Melbourne. The program is designed and led by veterinarians, including Bondi Vet TV twin veterinarians Dr Audrey Shen and Dr Alison Shen, and is aimed at kids aged 9 to 16 years.
Programming at the January camp is split into three age groups running at the same time: Wombats for ages 9–11, Kookaburras for ages 12–14 and the Junior Vet program for ages 14–16.
Hands-On Activities At Waverley
The Waverley program introduces campers to a wide range of animal-related careers and skills, including ultrasound, acupuncture, reptile care, grooming, dog training, animal rehabilitation and marine biology. Campers also learn about pet nutrition, genetic disorders, exotic animals, rescue operations and wildlife conservation.
Excursions include behind-the-scenes tours of veterinary hospitals and a visit to Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in the Berowra Valley National Park at Dural, where participants see wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and threatened species work in practice. Back at camp headquarters, Dr Alison demonstrates veterinary acupuncture and laser therapy.
Other sessions feature certified canine scent detection handler Tiffany Chapple and her Labrador, Hera, with a live demonstration of scent work and training steps. Former camper Oliver Whetton, now a free flight bird keeper and working towards a career in zookeeping, leads a hands-on wildlife session with his birds.
Campers take part in practical activities such as baking pet treats, practising bandaging, drawing blood from models, dog training workshops and performing CPR on vet models. Junior Vets also work through real-life cases, imaging, blood results and observe surgeries to gain insight into veterinary practice.
Scholarship Opportunities Linked To Waverley Camp
PetSure is funding the registration fees for three face-to-face Future Vet Kids Camp participants in Sydney, each valued at $725, and three Virtual Online Camp participants, each valued at $295, for the January 2026 sessions. Applications close in December 2025.
Applicants must submit a 1–2 minute video explaining why they would like to attend, a 150–200 word written statement in the child’s own words outlining why they should receive the scholarship, and may include additional supporting documents. They also need to indicate whether they are applying for a face-to-face or online place.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 9 and 17 years of age as of January 2026. Recipients agree to the use of media posts or interviews, accept responsibility for any costs beyond the registration fee such as meals and transport, and complete the liability waiver, media release form and Code of Conduct. Applications are judged by the Future Vet Kids Camp organisers, with recipients notified one week after the application closing date. All documentation must be submitted by email to the camp’s official address.
Outcomes For Young Animal Enthusiasts
Future Vet Kids Camp provides a supervised environment that focuses on the human–animal bond, responsible pet ownership and an introduction to veterinary medicine and the wider animal industry. Over the years, some repeat campers have gone on to enrol in veterinary science at university and pursue related careers.
Campers meet like-minded animal lovers, connect with professionals across the animal industry and gain experience that can help them understand both the realities and opportunities of animal-related work. Former campers such as Oliver Whetton illustrate how early exposure at the camp can support a pathway into roles such as zookeeping and wildlife care.
Next Steps For Waverley And Beyond
Registrations for the January 2026 Waverley program are now open, and Christmas gift vouchers are available for families wanting to secure a place. Future Vet Kids Camp also plans additional face-to-face and virtual offerings in Melbourne and Brisbane during future school holidays, with specific dates still to be announced.
Updated 2-Dec-2025
