Make the Summer One to Remember
Thanks to you the buzz was strong. We're booked all summer long.
All camps are sold out and waitlists are closed.
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 2023. Campers are grouped grades 1st-3rd & 4th-6th.
Designated weeks are designed exclusively for campers entering 7th and 8th in Fall 2023.
See all weeks and themes below. All Registration is completed online. See Refund Policy below.
Camps For Grades 1st thru 6th
S.T.E.A.M. in the ZOO!
SOLD OUT
June 5th - June 9th
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 America's Teaching Zoo and its creatures with hands-on experiments emphasizing science, technology, engineering, art and math.
This theme also runs July 24th - July 28th. Material is the same as this week.
Zookeeping 101
SOLD OUT
June 12th - June 16th
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 17th - 21st. Material is the same as this week.
Wildlife Allies
SOLD OUT
June 26th - June 30th
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.
Animal Detectives
SOLD OUT
July 10th - July 14th
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
SOLD OUT
July 17th - July 21st
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 12th - 16th. Material is the same as this week.
S.T.E.A.M. in the ZOO!
SOLD OUT
July 24th - July 28th
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 America's Teaching Zoo and its creatures with hands-on experiments emphasizing science, technology, engineering, art and math.
This theme also runs June 5th - 9th. Material is the same as this week.
Camps Open to Grades 7th and 8th
YOU Run the Zoo!
SOLD OUT
June 19th- June 23rd
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!
Dream Jobs
SOLD OUT
July 3rd - July 7th
Explore some of the possibilities of careers in the animal industry. From training wild animals to becoming a vet to educating others about wildlife we will cover it all! Discover the fun side of these jobs and the path it takes to make your dreams come true!
Zookeeping 101
SOLD OUT
July 31st - August 4th
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!
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.
All campers will receive a zoo water bottle and backpack.
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
Members receive a 10% discount on registration fee. Members must sign in to receive automatic discount.
See refund policy below.
Limited space in Counselor in Training Program available for 9th - 12th graders. If interested please email kromero@vcccd.edu
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.
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