Registration for 2026 Zoo Camps begins February 1st
You can get a head start by completing your pre-registration process early!Pre-registration opens January 1.
2026 Zoo Camps for Ages 12-14 Schedule:
*Please note, while we try to keep this schedule and open/closed status as current as possible, there may be delays in website updates. Please see our registration portal (CivicRec) for current availability. If your desired session is full, you can join the wait list from the registration portal.
Camp Title
Dates
Times
Status
Who Wants To Be a Zookeeper?
June 22-26
9:00am-4:00pm
One Seat Left!
Zoo Camps for Ages 12-14 Fees:
$260 Non-Members (Members save 15%)
Important Info About This Camp Experience
Who Wants to Be a Zookeeper is a new version of an old favorite camp (previously titled A Week in the Life of a Zookeeper) but with updates to better achieve our educational goals while providing the best quality experience to our learners and animal residents. Kids who participated in the old version will notice significant differences in format, but the overall educational content is quite similar.
What to Expect:
This camp is unlike other Zoo Camps. A portion of each day will be spent in the classroom with Zoo Educators, learning about the zoo industry. Campers will also rotate through some opportunities to work alongside zookeepers on safe animal husbandry tasks such as enclosure cleaning, diet preparation, etc. Campers will also be expected to speak publicly to small groups of zoo visitors about the animals in our care.
Zookeepers work in all weather conditions and campers will be expected to complete outdoor activities unless a severe weather situation arises. Campers will get hot, sweaty and will be exposed to dirt, animal feces/urine, hay/straw, other allergens, and cleaning chemicals. Personal protective gear, such as gloves and masks, will be provided as appropriate and must be worn as directed. In addition, campers are expected to work cooperatively within small groups on various activities throughout the week.
What to Bring:
A reusable water bottle, packed lunch, a long pair of socks (to wear under provided rubber boots), and a great attitude!
Pre-registration is required for Zoo Camp
Pre-registration is required for all zoo youth programs in which a minor is dropped off at the zoo during program hours. This includes Zoo Camps, Critter Classes, Wildlife Workshops, Kids Night Out/Drop & Shop and some homeschool programs. Things to know before completing pre-registration:
There is no additional cost associated with pre-registration for Zoo programs.
During pre-registration you will be required to upload two important forms to share emergency contact info, pick-up permissions, and other info to help us set your child up for success!
Once you have completed pre-registration for the calendar year you are all set to register for your desired Zoo Camp and Youth Class sessions! You only need to complete pre-registration once per child.
You can review and update your forms in your CivicRec profile at any time.
Thanks for helping us make sure we have all the info needed to keep your child safe and successful while they are in our care.