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 entering grades 1st to 6th in Fall 2025. Campers are grouped grades 1st-3rd & 4th-6th.
Designated weeks are designed exclusively for campers entering 7th and 8th in Fall 2025.
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.
2025 Registration Dates
Priority Registration will open for Zoo Annual Members with Family Memberships starting Wednesday, March 5th at 9am PST.
Registration will open to the general public, Monday, March 10th at 9am PST.
Limited space in Counselor in Training Program available for 9th - 12th graders. If interested please email jennifer_hart2@vcccd.edu
Priority Registration will open for Zoo Annual Members with Family Memberships starting Wednesday, March 5th at 9am PST.
Registration will open to the general public, Monday, March 10th at 9am PST.
Registration dates are subject to change.
Zookeeping 101
Week 1: June 2nd - June 6th
1st - 6th Grade
CHECK YOUR SCHOOL SCHEDULES! GREAT FOR HOMESCHOOL!
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 Week 3: 6/16 - 6/20 & Week 6: 7/7 - 7/11 & Week 9: 7/28 - 8/1. Material is the same as this week.
S.T.E.A.M in the Zoo
Week 2: June 9th - June 13th
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. Material is the same as this week.
Zookeeping 101
Week 3: June 16th - June 20th
1st - 6th Grade
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 Week 1 , Week 6, Week 9. Material is the same as this week.
YOU Run the Zoo!**
Week 4: June 23rd - June 27th
7th & 8th Grade ONLY
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!
CritterQuest Camp
Week 5: June 30th - July 3rd
1st - 6th Grade
Over four 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.
Zookeeping 101
Week 6: July 7th - July 11th
1st - 6th Grade
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 Week 1 , Week 3 & Week 9. Material is the same as this week.
S.T.E.A.M. in the Zoo
Week 7: July 14th - July18th
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. Material is the same as this week.
Zookeeping 101**
Week 8: July 21st - July 25th
7th & 8th Grade ONLY
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!
Zookeeping 101
Week 9: July 28th - August 1st
1st - 6th Grade
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 Week 1 , Week 3 & Week 6. 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 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.
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.
Week 5: 6/30 to 7/3 is a 4 day week. Discounted pricing reflected in registration. See refund policy below.
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