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Summer Camp 2008
   

New This Year!
At your request…

  • We have added a part two to the popular “A Day in the Life of A Zoo Keeper” with a combination of new and favorite activities.

At our request.

  • Please register campers for only one week of Zoo Camp per year.
  • We strongly encourage campers to attend “A Day in the Life of A Zoo Keeper” before attending the more advance program “Animal Research and Conservation.”


A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper I

Grades 3-4
Interested in a career working with animals? Participants experience a unique day camp that allows them to explore the natural world of animals and their habitats at the Zoo. See how some of the animals are cared for, what they eat and how their exhibits are maintained. Study how exhibits reflect natural habitats and meet animals’ needs.

Families are invited to attend a final presentation on the last day of camp. Camp is available for children in grades 3-4 as of fall 2008.

Camp activities may include:

  • Walking through the Zoo to observe animals on exhibit
  • Experiencing animal life through animal biofacts, guided tours
    through the Zoo, songs and stories, arts, crafts, science projects,
    games, videos and more!
  • Building an animal exhibit to take home
  • Learning about animal care and husbandry at the Zoo
  • Going behind the scenes at the Zoo
  • Visits with Animal Ambassadors
  • Keeper Encounters and interaction with zoo keepers and zoo staff

A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper II

Grades 5-7
Keeper II can be an introduction to Zoo careers or a continuation of exploring animal care. Participants experience a unique day camp that allows them to explore the natural world of animals and their habitats at the Zoo. Learn about how animals are cared for and how the Zoo runs. Compare how zoo exhibits have changed over time and why.

Families are invited to attend a final presentation on the last day of camp. Camp is available for children in grades 5-7 as of fall 2008.

Camp activities may include:

  • Walking through the Zoo to observe animals on exhibit
  • Experiencing animal life through animal biofacts, guided tours through the Zoo, songs and stories, arts, crafts, science projects, games, videos and more!
  • Creating enrichment for a zoo animal
  • Learning about animal care and husbandry at the Zoo
  • Going behind the scenes at the Zoo
  • Visits with Animal Ambassadors
  • Keeper Encounters and interaction with zoo keepers and zoo staff

Animal Research and Conservation Camp

Grades 6-9
There is so much more to managing animal populations than day-to-day animal husbandry.  This camp builds upon the “Day in a Life of a Zookeeper” camp.  Topics may include research, animal care, conservation programs and the role of the modern zoo, endangered species, animal training, enrichment and animal behavior.  Daily walks through the Zoo, games, animal demonstrations, activities and special behind-the-scenes tours will focus on animal care and conservation at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Families are invited to attend a final presentation on the last day of camp. Camp is available for children in grades 6-9 as of fall 2008.

Camp activities may include:

  • Walking through the Zoo to observe animals on exhibit
  • Experiencing animal life through animal biofacts, guided tours through the Zoo, stories, science projects, games, videos and more!
  • Creating enrichment for a zoo animal
  • Learning about research and conservation programs of the modern zoo
  • Complete a mini-research project at the Zoo and presentation to families
  • Going behind the scenes at the Zoo
  • Visits with Animal Ambassadors
  • Keeper Encounters and interaction with zoo keepers and zoo staff

General Zoo Camp Information
Drawing from almost 20 years of experience, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore provides a fun-filled and educational Zoo Camp to the public. Participants experience a unique, week-long day camp that allows them to explore the natural world of animals and their habitats, right here at the Zoo! Each camp is conducted by a professional teacher assisted by two college students, resulting in a ratio of 3 adults to 20 children. Parents/guardians must sign campers in and out each day. Afternoon snacks and a Camp T-shirt are provided. Campers must bring their own lunch. (Be aware that refrigeration is not available.) Our goal is to facilitate wonder-filled interactions between children and animals while maintaining a primary concern for the safety of campers, Zoo animals and staff.

Camp Fees:
Maryland Zoo Members $344
Zoo Members may not register non-custodial children except the Grandparents Membership which has benefits for grandchildren.
Non-Maryland Zoo Members $408

Ages:

Camp is available for children entering grades 3-9 in the fall of 2008. Please register each child within their age group only. A copy of each camper’s birth certificate or proof of age will be required with the registration form.  Please note:  A camp registration will not be completed without the proof of age included.  This may result in delay in processing and camp filling up.  Due to space limitations, only children registered for the camp may attend. See registration form for cancellation policy.


Dates/Times:

Week One:  June 23 – 27 
A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper @ for Grades 5/6

Camp is closed the week of June 30 for the July 4th holiday

Week Two:  July 7 – 11 
Animal Research and Conservation Camp for grades 6/7

Week Three:  July 14 – 18 
Animal Research and Conservation Camp for Grades 8/9

Week Four:  July 21 – 25 
A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper 1 for Grades 3/4

Week Five: July 28 – August 1
A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper 2 for Grades 5/6

Week Six:  August 4 – 8 
A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper 2  for Grades 6/7

Week Seven:  August 11 – 15 
A Day in the Life of a Zoo Keeper for Grades 1 3/4


Camp Registration Begins:

March 3, 2008
Zoo Hours from 8:30 - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday
Registrations must be postmarked March 3, 2008 or later. Registrations may be dropped off at the Mansion House after March 3, 2008 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday- Friday. (No early or late drop offs please).


Location

Camp takes place on Zoo grounds in the Discovery Den Classrooms. Building facilities are air-conditioned and near restrooms. Campers are required to dress for the outdoors. Campers must be signed in with their counselors near the drop-off point at the Penguin Gate between 9:00 a.m. and 9:10 p.m. and signed out between 3:50 and 4:00 p.m. at the same location.


Before/After Care
Before and after care is NOT available.

Registration Information

Advance registration is required and programs fill quickly, so please register early! Camp registration begins Monday, March 3, 2008. No registrations will be accepted before that time!

Registrations may be mailed in or dropped off in person. Camp fees must be paid in full at time of registration. A copy of each camper’s birth certificate or proof of age will be required with the registration form. Please note: A camp registration will not be completed without the proof of age included. This may result in delay in processing and camp filling up.

For information call 443-552-5300, Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. After your registration is processed, you will receive a conformation letter within 5 business days of registration. Further directions and forms will be provided in your camp orientation packet sent 2 weeks before the camp start date.


Cancellation/Change Policy:
A $30 non-refundable processing fee applies for any changes made to any confirmed registration. Cancellations received at least two weeks (or 10 business days) prior to the camp date receive a full refund less the $30 processing fee. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations received less than 10 business days prior to the program date or non-attendance on the date of the program. In the event the Zoo cancels a program, a full refund will be issued.

QUESTIONS?
Please call 443-552-5300, Monday through Friday between
8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
     The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is accredited by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums             .