Zoo Camp Week Session Fee (per child)
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5-13 year old: $125 (reusable water bottle and camp shirt included)
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Pick a Day: $ 30 per day session (no camp shirt included)
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Zoo Camps are limited to only two weeks of sessions per child since our space is limited.
For a copy of the application form please email: jhuss@emichigancity.com
Zoo Camp
Summer Zoo Camp is a fun-filled camp session geared toward specific age groups. At camp, kids participate in zoo tours, hands-on activities, games, and crafts and interact with animals. Zoo Camp offers your child a unique opportunity to experience all the Washington Park Zoo has to offer!
These are fun-filled camp experiences that will fill up quickly.
Message to Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for your interest in registering your child for the Zoo Camp program here at the Washington Park Zoo. We will be having a wild time full of animal encounters, activities, crafts, and games. Please review the following information prior to starting camp and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Theme: Class Act Week
Ages: 5-12 Years Old
This week campers will learn about the animal classification system and what characteristics belong to the different animal classes
Rad Reptiles—Monday, June 12, 2023
What makes a reptile different from a warm-blooded creature like a mammal? Slither around the Zoo with us and explore the wonderful world of turtles, tortoises, lizards, and snakes during this scaly fun adventure!
Animal Grossology—Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Spend the day learning about the slimly, creepy, and weird world of insects and amphibians. With crafts, games, and wild encounters this will be a day like no other!
Beautiful Birds—Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Get ready to soar into fun feathered facts about not only our ambassador birds but also about some majestic birds that live right around you, here in Indiana!
Marvelous Mammals—Thursday, June 15, 2023
Lions, tigers, and bears, Oh My! Did you know here at Washington Park Zoo we are home to some marvelous mammals, and we can’t wait to introduce you to them! Join us in the final day of Class Act Zoo Camp!
Theme: Wild Careers
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Ages: 5-8 Years Old
Have you ever thought about a future career working with animals? There are many different animal professionals that devote their lives to helping animals, join WPZ camp this week to learn about them. Campers will be provided the opportunity to explore a variety of creature careers. Discover how these professionals work together to save animal lives every day!
If I Ran The Zoo—Monday, June 19, 2023
From Zoo Directors and Veterinary Staff to Exhibit Designers and Horticulturists, discover what it takes to run Washington Park Zoo as you get up close and personal with some of our incredible animals. It takes more than just animal staff to keep the Zoo running smoothly. This class will introduce some of the lesser-known options found at the Zoo, from keeping track of animal records to creating a fun social media post with marketing, this camp will be a fun exploration for a variety of careers.
Animal Careers—Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Animal Control Officers, Park Rangers, & Wildlife Biologists- These professionals go above and beyond to save animals every day! Find out how they work with zoos.
Veterinary Careers & Wildlife Rehabbers—Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Just like family pets, animals at the zoo receive veterinary care to keep them active and healthy. A visit to the zoo’s Animal Care Clinic to highlight the top-notch care that the zoo’s animals receive and help campers take good care of pets at home.
Zookeeper Crew—Thursday, June 22, 2023
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about Zookeepers. They are responsible for specific types of animals assigned to them. See the ways Zookeepers clean the exhibits, feed the animals, and keep a good eye on the animals to make sure they are healthy. Try your hand at some zookeeping practices.
Theme: Zookeeper Boot Camp Week
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Ages: 9-13 Years Old
Did you know that most of the zookeepers who work here started their careers with domestic animals? Now you can, too! The skills learned in the contact barn working with animals such as goats and chickens apply across all departments in the zoo – from axolotl to zebra! Campers will spend a week in the red barn getting their hands dirty through general animal husbandry activities, trying out their training, enrichment skills, education interpreting, and interacting with the public on a daily basis just as our zookeepers do! This camp is a work experience and campers should expect to get dirty, hot, sweaty, and smelly as they face the challenges of being a zookeeper. This camp is specially designed for the older camper with an animal-related career in mind.
Keeper 101—Monday, June 26, 2023
Learn the rules we must all know to keep ourselves and the animals safe. Get introduced to the Red Barn animals and help care for them by cleaning, grooming, preparing diets, and feeding. Learn about zoo tools and enrichment.
Wild By Design—Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Learn about how to prepare an animal enclosure. Learn about the zoological organization and wildlife laws and regulations that the zoo must follow. Find out what the Zoo Crew must do when bringing new animals into the collection. Help refreshen some animal enclosures and prepare some diets.
All About Animal Behavior—Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Animals in captivity need ways to prevent boredom and encourage play. Campers create toys and treats for the animals and then experience the playtime fun.
The Art of Training—Thursday, June 29, 2023
From service animals to film performers, animal trainers work with individual animals to encourage the performance of specific behaviors. Campers will learn about training and conditioning and practice the steps of shaping new behavior. Have your own experience working on training with some of our barnyard animals.
Theme: Nature Class Week
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Ages: 5-8 Years Old
Marvelous Mammals—Monday, July 10, 2023
Monkeys, tigers, and bears, oh my! From the very small to the very tall, many marvelous mammals call the Zoo home. How do these animals differ from other types of animals like reptiles, amphibians, and birds? Find out why it's fantastic to be furry and wonderful to be warm-blooded!
Curious About the Cold-Blooded—Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Beat the heat with the cold-blooded creatures! What makes a reptile different from a warm-blooded creature like a mammal? Slither around the Zoo, and explore the wonderful world of turtles, lizards, and snakes with this scaly fun adventure!
Birds of a Feather—Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Do birds of a feather really flock together? Find out the answer and learn more interesting avian facts as we see penguins, parrots, and other fascinating feathered friends! From the colorful to the vocal to the majestic, we’ll explore different types of birds from around the world.
Weird, Wet, and Wiggle—Thursday, July 13, 2023
Spend a week learning about the wacky, wild, crazy, yucky, and gross biology of the animal kingdom! Campers will have fun learning about these animals, where kids will go from EWWW to COOL, in this hand on, engrossing week of delight!
Theme: Zookeeper Boot Camp Week
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Ages: 7-13 Years Old
*We are repeating this camp twice due to popularity
Did you know that most of the zookeepers who work here started their careers with domestic animals? Now you can, too! The skills learned in the contact barn working with animals such as goats and chickens apply across all departments in the zoo – from axolotl to zebra! Campers will spend a week in the red barn getting their hands dirty through general animal husbandry activities, trying out their training, enrichment skills, and education interpreting, just like zookeepers do! This camp is a work experience and campers should expect to get dirty, hot, sweaty, and smelly as they face the challenges of being a zookeeper.
Keeper 101—Monday, July 17, 2023
Learn the rules we must all know to keep ourselves and the animals safe. Get introduced to the Red Barn animals and help care for them by cleaning, grooming, preparing diets, and feeding. Learn about zoo tools and enrichment.
Wild By Design—Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Learn about how to prepare an animal enclosure. Learn about the zoological organization and wildlife laws and regulations that the zoo must follow. Find out what the Zoo Crew must do when bringing new animals into the collection. Help refreshen some animal enclosures and prepare some diets.
All About Animal Behavior—Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Animals in captivity need ways to prevent boredom and encourage play. Campers create toys and treats for the animals and then experience the playtime fun. From service animals to film performers, animal trainers work with individual animals to encourage the performance of specific behaviors. Campers will learn about training and conditioning and practice the steps of shaping new behavior. Have your own experience working on training with some of our barnyard animals.
The Art of Training—Thursday, July 20, 2023
From service animals to film performers, animal trainers work with individual animals to encourage the performance of specific behaviors. Campers will learn about training and conditioning and practice the steps of shaping new behavior. Have your own experience working on training with some of our barnyard animals.
Theme: Awesome Adventure Week
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Ages: 5-9 Years Old
Fantastic Beasts—Monday, July 24, 2023
Dragons, unicorns, and much more! We’ll explore the fascinating world of mythological creatures and take a look at the real-life animals that inspired them.
Pirate Adventure—Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Ahoy, matey! Join us on a swashbuckling adventure as we sail the Seven Seas of the Ocean Classroom! We'll discover treasure, meet some amazing Animal Ambassadors, and learn easy ways to protect our precious ocean and island habitats.
Citizen Science—Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Get hands-on with conservation at the Washington Park Zoo! Students learn how to identify birds, collect data on tortoises, learn frog calls, and experiment with some of the science projects.
SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction—Thursday, July 27, 2023
Animals need our help and “kid power” is an amazing force. SAFE is an international conservation initiative created by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Kids will learn what is being done to keep their favorite species SAFE right here at the Washington Park Zoo and what can be done at home.
Summer Camp FAQ's
What will my child do all day at Zoo Camp?
Zoo Camp is full of fun! Your child will be introduced to the world of animals and science. Zoo Camp has grade-themed programs including games, up-close animal encounters, hands-on science, along with crafts and songs. Since your camper doesn't tell you everything, we'll also distribute a parent letter on the first day that will go over the focus of each day, what exhibits we visit, what animals we met and some questions to test your camper's knowledge.
How much interaction do campers have with animals?
Each day the campers will experience a close encounter with an animal from our education animal collection. Other special activities might include seeing an exhibit animal up-close for feeding, enrichment, or training sessions. They will not be allowed to hold any animals but, will have the chance to touch some of our creatures.
Due to safety concerns and the availability of animal care staff, we are not able to offer behind the scenes tours for all camps but, animal contact experiences are provided for every camp session
What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
The counselor-to-camper ratio varies with age and registration. Our average group size is around seven campers to one counselor.
What should my child wear to camp?
Dress appropriately for the weather. We will go outside rain or shine, so rain gear is needed sometimes. For younger campers, please make sure their clothing is easy for them to remove while using the restroom (Zoo staff cannot assist campers in the restroom). On the first day of camp, your child will be given a special Zoo Camp t-shirt. We would like your child to wear this shirt every day of camp. It increases visibility while touring the zoo. Extra shirts can be purchased for $15 when you register and if we have extra available when camp begins. Close-toed shoes are required for your child's safety.
Will they be outside all day?
Many of our activities include outside time. Please make sure your camper is wearing sunscreen. Counselors are not allowed to apply sunscreen, so please make sure you put it on your camper each morning. We issue each child a Zoo water bottle, which is cleaned and filled by our concession staff each day.
Can I stay with my child during the day? May I eat lunch with my child?
For the safety of campers, we do not allow adults who are not camp staff to spend time with the camp group. This includes parents.
Who is this camp for?
Zoo Camp is perfect for youth who have an interest, love, or passion for animals and science. We offer a variety of activities that connect campers to nature but, it's great when our participants come to us with an initial interest in animals since we are Zoo Camp!
What about behavior management?
Behavior is managed to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all. Children are expected to behave appropriately. In the event a child is disruptive, time-out may be used. If disruptive behavior continues, the parent will be called to help find a solution. If improvement is not realized, the child may be asked to not return to camp
Should I pack a lunch for my camper?
Yes. Each camper will need a packed lunch each day with a NUT-FREE lunch. Please do not send any snacks or foods containing peanuts or tree nuts. Although the zoo is not nut free we try and limit direct contact with the campers since many children have allergies to different types of nuts. We hope to ease parents' concerns about allergic reactions. Sharing of lunch items is not permitted, except amongst siblings.
What about personal belonging?
Please leave all the toys, cameras, and other valuables at home. Cell phones, iPods, tablets, and other electronic devices are not allowed at Zoo Camp. The Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What if my child has special needs?
If your child has special needs (dietary, allergy, behavioral, physical, etc.), please notify us in advance by calling 219.873.1510. We want your child to have the best camp experience possible and can only do this if we know the unique needs of your child!
Medication cannot be administered or dispensed by Zoo staff. Campers must be able to take their own medication. However, staff can carry medications and help children remember to take them. Many of the Zoo's full-time staff are first aid and EpiPen trained. If your child is bringing an EpiPen or medication to camp, you may be asked to complete additional paperwork regarding its authorized use.
If your child has any food-specific allergies please pack your own snacks. We do not offer snacks that list nuts as an ingredient; however, box lunches may be packed in the same area as other foods posing allergy risks.
Payment & Registration
When will registration open?
Registration for Zoo Camp will open each April.
How do I know if my spot is confirmed?
Upon completion of registration, you will receive an email from the Zoo.
What is your cancellation policy?
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All cancellations must be submitted via email to jhuss@emichigancity.com. Please state the child's name, camp session, date, and the reason for the refund request. Refunds and exchanges are not guaranteed. We will make every effort to change your registration to another session if your camper is unable to attend their preregistered week, space permitting.
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Camp Registrations are non-transferrable.
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There are no refunds if your child is sick and misses camp during the program.
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If your child is dismissed from the program due to behavioral issues, you will be granted a refund and your child will not be allowed to return to camp.
Do I get a refund if my child is sick?
No. We are not give refunds for campers that are unable to attend camp because they are ill.
Will I receive a written confirmation?
Yes. You will receive an electronic confirmation once your registration and payment have been collected.
What do I need to complete to secure my camper's spot?
Program Waiver (mandatory for all participants, including parents)
Due to the limited spots available, tuition must be paid in full during registration.
What does the "waitlist" mean?
The waitlist means that we are currently full for that session. You are welcome to sign up for the waitlist, but a spot will only open up if someone else cancels their camp registration.
What happens if my child can't attend a day or if they'll be late?
Please notify our Registrar if your camper will be absent or late on any given day. Please call 219.873.1510 to do so.
First Day of Camp and Sign-In/Sign-out Procedures
Where should I go on the first day of camp?
We will provide you with plenty of information in your Zoo Camp Handbook but, all campers will meet at the Zoo entrance at 8:45 a.m.. Please arrive in time to sign your child in and have them ready to start camp at 9 a.m.!
What happens if I need to pick up my camper early?
If you would like to pick up your camper at a time other than the designated pick-up time, please notify your camper's counselor. Upon your arrival at the zoo, notify the front gate and they will radio to your camper's group so you can meet up with them.
Where can I park?
Parking is available in the Zoo Lot. Please make sure to notify the parking attendants that you are here to drop your camper off.
Who can sign out my camper?
People signing out campers must be listed on the Camper Release Form and have to be 18 and over. When completing the Camper Release Form, parents/guardians need to list themselves as well. All adults signing out a camper should bring a photo ID with them to verify their identity.