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.

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

The counselor-to-camper ratio varies with age and registration. Our average group size is around seven campers to one counselor.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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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.

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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.