Zoo Camp at Brookfield Zoo Offers Animal Adventures for Kids
Camp Program is accredited by the American Camp Association
Brookfield, Ill.—Parents and caregivers who want to have their children explore the outdoors and journey into the animal kingdom this summer can now register them for Summer Camp at Brookfield Zoo. Each summer, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, hosts more than 1,500 campers ranging in ages from 4 to 14 years old. Campers explore science concepts in fun and engaging age-appropriate settings through hands-on experiences. Camp staff are experienced educators who connect campers with animals and the natural world through games, activities, animal encounters, nature hikes, and zoo explorations.
Weekly camp programs, which run from June 8 through August 14, include:
Pre-Zoo Camp
Pre-Zoo Camp takes 4- and 5-year-olds into the world of extreme animals as they learn which creatures are the biggest, smallest, fastest, and slowest through games, songs, stories, and treks through the zoo, including some behind-the-scene adventures. Morning (9:15 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (12:45 to 3:30 p.m.) sessions are available. Campers can choose from one of 10 weeks. The cost is $185 (zoo members pay $135).
Discovery Camp
Children who have finished kindergarten through 2nd grade will have a great time spending a week at Brookfield Zoo exploring why animals do what they do. Participants will learn the link between how animals behave and how they survive in their habitats. There will be hands-on activities, games, and creative projects along with visiting different areas of the zoo. Full- or half-day weekly zoo camp programs are available. Campers can choose from one of 10 weeks. The cost for a full day is $365 and a half day is $185 (zoo members pay $265 and $135 respectively).
Adventure Camp
Children completing 3rd through 5th grades can connect with their inner scientist as they journey into the world of conservation at Brookfield Zoo. During the week-long Adventure Camp, kids will investigate Species Survival Plans, which are special conservation programs for threatened wildlife. Activities, projects, and trips around the zoo, including some behind-the-scenes areas, will reveal how the zoo helps animals both at the zoo and in the wild. Campers can choose from one of 10 weeks. The cost is $365 ($265 for zoo members).
ZooLab: Animal Science
Designed for children completing 6th through 8th grades, ZooLab: Animal Science will give participants an inside look at how keepers feed some 3,000 animals each day at Brookfield Zoo. They will discover what happens when an animal gets sick, how zookeepers tell the penguins apart from one another, and more. The program also offers children the opportunity to meet zoo staff they would not normally see during a visit, explore some areas behind the scenes, and work on animal research projects. Campers can choose from one of eight weeks. The cost is $375 (zoo members pay $275).
To register and for more information, including to check what Zoo Camp weeks are still available, go to www.czs.org/summercamp, call (708) 688-8361, or email BZCAMP@czs.org.
The Society is one of only three zoological organizations in the country to earn accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA). ACA-accredited camps are evaluated for up to 300 health, safety, and program quality standards and have a demonstrated commitment to providing experiential education and learning opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. As a member of ACA Illinois, the Society is collaborating with other Chicago Metro area day and resident camps, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and the “Leave No Child Inside” nationwide initiative. Other camping programs will also gain knowledge and program ideas by networking with CZS staff.
Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information, visit www.CZS.org.
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