Make the Summer One to Remember
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 that will be entering grades 1st to 6th in Fall 2026. Campers are grouped grades 1st-3rd & 4th-6th.
Designated weeks are designed exclusively for campers that will be entering 7th and 8th in Fall 2026.
See all weeks and themes below. Camps listed with an ** are for 7th & 8th Grade ONLY, no exceptions. All Registration is completed online and must be completed by a Parent or Guardian. See Refund Policy below.
The Teaching Zoo cannot be held responsible for internet service disruptions. Once the payment screen is initiated, you will have a 6 minute & 30 second window to complete your payment.
Have a student entering 9th - 12th grade in Fall 2026 that is passionate about animals, great with younger kids, or looking for opportunities to build confidence and leadership skills? Learn more about our Counselor‑in‑Training (CIT) program below!
2026 Registration Dates
Priority Registration will open for Zoo Annual Members with Family Memberships starting Wednesday, February 25th at 9am PST.
Registration will open to the general public, Monday, March 2nd at 9am PST.
Waitlist
Once Summer Camp for each grade level group is full a waitlist will be started. When spots become available you will be contacted via email and 180 minutes to secure the reservation before it becomes available to the next camper.
Priority Registration will open for Zoo Annual Members with Family Memberships starting Wednesday, February 25th at 9am PST.
Registration will open to the general public, Monday, March 2nd at 9am PST.
Registration dates are subject to change.
Zookeeping 101
Week 1: June 1st - June 5th
1st - 6th Grade
CHECK YOUR SCHOOL SCHEDULES! GREAT FOR HOMESCHOOL!
Step behind the scenes and discover what it truly takes to care for animals like a real zookeeper. Throughout the week, campers will prepare diets, create enrichment, and yes—roll up their sleeves to help clean enclosures! They’ll learn about animal training, explore how keepers care for a variety of species, and build hands‑on skills through fun, interactive activities. Get ready to dig in, get messy, and experience the wild world of zookeeping!
This theme also runs Week 5: 6/29 - 7/3 & Week 8: 7/20 - 7/24. Material is the same as this week.
Wildlife Detectives
Week 2: June 8th - June 12th
1st - 6th Grade
Step into the role of a wildlife investigator as campers explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Throughout the week, campers will uncover clues, investigate habitats, and use real detective skills to solve mysteries hidden around the zoo. From tracking animal behaviors to unlocking secret adaptations, every day brings a new case to crack.
This theme also runs Week 6: 7/6 - 7/10 & Week 9: 7/27 - 7/31. Material is the same as this week.
S.T.E.A.M. in the Zoo
Week 3: June 15th - June 19th
1st - 6th Grade
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 Week 7: 7/13 - 7/17. Material is the same as this week.
Animal Dream Jobs**
Week 4: June 22nd - June 26th
7th & 8th Grade ONLY
Get an inside look at the exciting world of zookeeping and beyond. Throughout the week, campers will dive into real zookeeper tasks—preparing animal diets, creating enriching activities, and even cleaning enclosures. Campers will also get the chance to meet wildlife professionals from a variety of animal-related careers to discover what it takes to work hands‑on with amazing species. It’s the perfect adventure for any animal lover dreaming of their future in the wild!
Zookeeping 101
Week 5: June 29th - July 3rd
1st - 6th Grade
Step behind the scenes and discover what it truly takes to care for animals like a real zookeeper. Throughout the week, campers will prepare diets, create enrichment, and yes—roll up their sleeves to help clean enclosures! They’ll learn about animal training, explore how keepers care for a variety of species, and build hands‑on skills through fun, interactive activities. Get ready to dig in, get messy, and experience the wild world of zookeeping!
This theme also runs Week 1: 6/1 - 6/5 & Week 8: 7/20 - 7/24. Material is the same as this week.
Wildlife Detectives
Week 6: July 6th - July 10th
1st - 6th Grade
Step into the role of a wildlife investigator as campers explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Throughout the week, campers will uncover clues, investigate habitats, and use real detective skills to solve mysteries hidden around the zoo. From tracking animal behaviors to unlocking secret adaptations, every day brings a new case to crack.
This theme also runs Week 2: 6/8 - 6/12 & Week 9: 7/27 - 7/31. Material is the same as this week.
S.T.E.A.M. in the Zoo
Week 7: July 13th - July17th
1st - 6th Grade
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 Week 2: 6/15 - 6/19. Material is the same as this week.
Zookeeping 101
Week 8: July 20th - July 25th
1st - 6th Grade
Step behind the scenes and discover what it truly takes to care for animals like a real zookeeper. Throughout the week, campers will prepare diets, create enrichment, and yes—roll up their sleeves to help clean enclosures! They’ll learn about animal training, explore how keepers care for a variety of species, and build hands‑on skills through fun, interactive activities. Get ready to dig in, get messy, and experience the wild world of zookeeping!
This theme also runs Week 1: 6/1 - 6/5 & Week 5: 6/29 - 7/3. Material is the same as this week.
Wildlife Detectives
Week 9: July 27th - July 31st
1st - 6th Grade
Step into the role of a wildlife investigator as campers explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Throughout the week, campers will uncover clues, investigate habitats, and use real detective skills to solve mysteries hidden around the zoo. From tracking animal behaviors to unlocking secret adaptations, every day brings a new case to crack.
This theme also runs Week 2: 6/8 - 6/12 & Week 6: 7/6 - 7/10. Material is the same as this week.
What Camp Includes!
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.
Camp activities include animal encounters, art projects, science projects and traditional camp 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.
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.
Pricing
Zoo Camper
- 5 Days, Full Time; Zoo Day Camp
*4% Registration Fee per transaction added at checkout.
Other Information:
Camps listed with an ** are for 7th & 8th Grade ONLY, no exceptions.
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 after 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.
- Early Pickups: Early pick‑ups are available only at specific, pre‑scheduled times so we can coordinate safely with staffing, animal schedules, and ongoing camp activities throughout the zoo. If you anticipate needing an early pick‑up, please speak with camp staff during morning drop‑off. They’ll let you know the available times and help make a plan that keeps your camper’s day running smoothly. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and organized experience for all campers!
What to Bring: Campers are required to bring a lunch that does not require heating, 2 snacks and water bottle each day. Campers are also required to wear Camp T-Shirt daily.
Waitlist: Once Summer Camp for each grade level group is full a waitlist will be started. When spots become available you will be contacted via email and 180 minutes to secure the reservation before it becomes available to the next camper.
Camper Assistance: If your child has any special needs we should be aware of, please contact us. Campers must be able to participate independently in a group setting with a 10 to 1 camper to staff ratio. We happily work with parents/guardians to make Jr. Safari Camp accessible to children with varying needs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities act; however, we are unable to provide one-on- one or supplementary services. We strongly recommend non-familial para/aides in order to foster independence and self-exploration among our campers. However, if you are unable to provide a non-familial para/aide, please feel free to contact us to make other arrangements.
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
Counselor‑in‑Training (CIT) Program
Is your teen passionate about animals, great with younger kids, or looking for opportunities to build confidence and leadership skills? Our Counselor‑in‑Training (CIT) program at Jr. Safari Summer Camp offers teens entering 9th–12th grade in Fall 2026 a chance to develop responsibility, communication skills, and hands‑on experience in a supportive, structured environment.
CITs play an important part in camp operations. They assist counselors with supervising campers, helping lead activities, encouraging teamwork, and maintaining a safe and positive atmosphere. While they will spend time around animals, the focus of this program is leadership, professionalism, and camper engagement, not animal handling.
This is not a paid position, but we are happy to sign off on any volunteer or community service hours your teen needs for school, clubs, or organizations.
There is a small weekly fee, which includes training costs and a required CIT T‑shirt that your teen will wear during camp.
Because our CITs work closely with staff and campers, space is limited, and positions fill quickly each summer.
If your teen is motivated, responsible, and excited to be part of our camp team, we encourage them to apply!
Please have the student fill out the application below:
📧 Questions?
Please email Camp Director, Tianna Tapia at tianna_adams1@vcccd.edu. I’m happy to help!