Make the Summer One to Remember
Summer 2025 Camp Season has Officially Ended! We had SUCH a fun summer!
Thank you to everyone who chose to spend part of their summer with us. Stay tuned for our Summer 2026 dates.
Website will be updated as more information becomes available.
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.
Some weeks of camp are designed for campers entering grades 1st to 6th in Fall 2026. Campers are grouped grades 1st-3rd & 4th-6th.
We also offer designated weeks designed for campers entering 7th & 8th grade in Fall 2026.
Limited space in Counselor in Training Program available for 9th - 12th graders. If interested please email tianna_adams1@vcccd.edu
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.
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.
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