Jr. Safari Summer Camp

Come and monkey around at Summer Camp 2024!

Make the Summer One to Remember

Registration will open to the general public, February 26th at 9am PST.

Jr. Safari is a weeklong, full day camp running form 8:30am to 4:00pm. It allows your child the unique opportunity to come up close and personal with the zoo's animal collection while participating in developmentally appropriate, science based learning experiences. All projects are designed not only to entertain, but also to educate the campers about the natural world of animals.

Camp is designed for campers entering grades 1st to 6th in Fall 2024. Campers are grouped grades 1st-3rd & 4th-6th. 

Designated weeks are designed exclusively for campers entering 7th and 8th in Fall 2024.
See all weeks and themes below. All Registration is completed online. See Refund Policy below.

Limited space in Counselor in Training Program available for 9th - 12th graders. If interested please email jennifer_hart2@vcccd.edu

Camps For Grades 1st thru 6th

Priority Registration will open for All Members starting February 19th at 9am PST.
Registration will open to the general public, February 26th at 9am PST.

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S.T.E.A.M. in the ZOO!

June 3rd - June 7th

A cockatoo can compete with a 747 jet engine on the decibel meter! And Velcro was “invented” by a plant! The zoo is full of amazing natural scientific wonders! Come explore the S.T.E.A.M side of The Teaching Zoo and its creatures with hands-on experiments emphasizing science, technology, engineering, art and math.

This theme also runs July 22nd - July 26th. Material is the same as this week.

 

Zookeeping 101

June 10th - June 14th

Come with us and spend the week learning about what it takes to be a zookeeper. Campers will be making diets, enrichment and yes, even cleaning enclosures!

This theme also runs July 15th - 19th. Material is the same as this week.

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Camper with Snake

Wildlife Allies

June 24th - June 28th

The only North American marsupial lives in your very own backyard!  Every day and night remarkable animals walk through your back yard and we can help them to survive! Become a Wildlife Ally and learn about actions we all can take to help animals in our very own backyard.

CritterQuest Camp

July 1st - July 3rd

Over three thrilling days, campers will embark on an educational journey to explore the incredible diversity of mammals, birds, and reptiles. From furry mammals to feathered fliers and scaly wonders, each day brings a new adventure. Learn what makes each type of animal unique.

Camp is a discounted rate, reflected when you register. 

 

Camper with Roach
Camp with Clarence

Animal Detectives

July 8th - July 12th

Come solve the puzzles of wildlife in this week full of clues and investigation. Perfect for the curious camper, let's solve some animal mysteries with the help of the animals themselves.

Zookeeping 101

July 15th - July 19th

Come with us and spend the week learning about what it takes to be a zookeeper. Campers will be making diets, enrichment and yes, even cleaning enclosures!

This theme also runs June 10th - 14th. Material is the same as this week.

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Egg Drop Summer Camp

S.T.E.A.M. in the ZOO!

July 22nd - July 26th

A cockatoo can compete with a 747 jet engine on the decibel meter! And Velcro was “invented” by a plant! The zoo is full of amazing natural scientific wonders! Come explore the S.T.E.A.M side of The Teaching Zoo and its creatures with hands-on experiments emphasizing science, technology, engineering, art and math.

This theme also runs June 3rd - 7th. Material is the same as this week.

Camps Open to Grades 7th and 8th

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YOU Run the Zoo!

June 17th- June 21st

Animal Care is just one part of running a Zoo. Social media, graphic creation, record keeping, training behaviors, landscaping, culinary design, sound production are just a few of the things that are part of running the Zoo! Join us as YOU Run the Zoo!

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Zookeeping 101

July 29th - August 2nd

Come with us and spend the week learning about what it takes to be a zookeeper. Campers will be making diets, enrichment and yes, even cleaning enclosures!

What Camp Includes!

Camp T-Shirt

Campers must wear their designated Jr. Safari Camp shirt daily. Shirts are provided on the first day of Camp and campers are allowed to add their own creative flair if desired.

Up close Animal Experiences

Camp activities include animal encounters, art projects, science projects and traditional amp songs and games. All activities have been developed by our professional zoo education staff with the campers age in mind. Activities occur within the safety of zoo grounds under direct supervision. The campers will have special access to the back area, barns, classrooms, zoo kitchen, and wildlife theater.

Although we have many touchable animals at the zoo, the campers' safety is always our first concern. Therefore; campers will not come in physical contact with all the animals at the zoo.

Family Fridays

Fridays are specials days here at the zoo. Campers will have the privilege of inviting their family and friends to attend an animal presentation that they have prepared and tour them around the Zoo. This is a special moment to see what your camper has learned during their week.

Memories That Will Last FOREVER!

Pricing

Zoo Camper

$395 / week
  • 5 Days, Full Time; Zoo Day Camp

See refund policy below.

Other Information: 

Camp Hours. A full day of camp runs from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Monday through Friday. Camp day begins with drop off/sign in with a camp counselor at the front of the zoo. Camper should arrive no later than 15 minutes before camp start time. Pick up begins at 4:00 pm. Late pick up beyond the 15 minute grace period will be charged at a rate of $1.00 per minute.

What to Bring: Campers are required to bring a lunch, 2 snacks and water bottle each day. Campers are also required to wear Camp T-Shirt daily.

Waitlist: Once a week is full, a waitlist will be started. When spots become available you will be contacted and will have 48 hours to secure the reservation before it becomes available for someone else.

Refund Policy. To address the issue of last minute cancellations resulting in other campers missing the opportunity to participate; please note our strict refund policy 

- Last day to drop or cancel with a full refund is one month before your camp start date. 

- Refunds will not be given within one month of camp start date.

Please contact us with questions regarding your camp registration. 805-378-1441

We Can't Wait to See You At the Zoo!