ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP 2015
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is a typical day like at Zoo camp?
A. We have a great team of educators creating and implementing daily themed activities. Throughout the
week, children are exposed to an array of opportunities for fun and learning, enjoying activities packed with
animal fun facts and conservation messages. Activities include attending several interactive animal
presentations led by Zoo staff, walking tours, tram or monorail rides, making treats for animal enrichment, arts
& crafts, an animal feeding, water play time, and close encounters with animals from the Children’s Zoo
collection. The hours are from 9 am to 4 pm everyday, rain or shine.
Q. Which weeks have the most up-close animal encounters, and with which animals?
A. Weather permitting, a few animal encounters are included weekly, with roughly the same amount of
opportunities available for all groups on each week. The animals selected will depend on the theme of the
week/day and based upon animals’ availability, being a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians,
among others.
Q. What is the counselor to child ratio?
A. All age groups have two counselors/educators in charge, with 4-5 teen volunteers assisting them.
Q. How are the groups organized?
A. Children are grouped by age. Age groups are usually 4-5, 5-6 (with up to 25 children in each one), 7-8 and
9-10 (with up to 30 children in each one). Three weeks are offered for ages 11-12 (with up to 22 children per
group.)
Q. What are the counselors’ background?
A. Our Zoo Camp staff team includes certified school teachers, education major college students already
working in the field, and environmental sciences educators. Our volunteers are students selected and trained
by our Volunteer Department.
Q. Can I have my children placed together in the same camp group regardless of age?
A. Children are grouped by age, with usually no more than a 2 year age range in the same group. We want to
make sure that your children will fully benefit from the age appropriate activities planned for each group.
Q. My child will turn 4 in mid-July. Will he/she be able to attend camp in the beginning of the summer
or have to wait until his/her birthday?
A. Children must be at least 4 years old to attend camp, however you can register your child for his/her
birthday week at any time to secure your spot. .
Q. Can my child attend a partial week of camp?
A: Yes, registration, however, is on a weekly basis only. The cost of camp is not prorated for missed days.
There is no camp on July 3rd.
Q. Who qualifies for discounted prices?
A. Zoo/ZSF Members, MDC employees, and military personnel.
Q. What if I’m late for pick-up and my child is not registered for extended care?
A. Afternoon pick-up is from 4:00-4:30 pm. Extended care is available for an additional fee from 4:30-5:30 PM.
In case you had not pre-register your child for this service, payment in cash is due at the time of pick up.
Q. Is lunch provided?
A. Campers must bring their own lunches with beverages from home. Morning and afternoon snacks are
provided.
Q. My child has food allergies. Are alternate snack choices available?
A. We recommend for children with food allergies to bring their own snacks from home, for parents to remind
their children not to accept snacks from the other children in camp.
Q. How do I register my child in camp?
A. An online reservation system is available, just click on the link next to Zoofari Summer Camp
announcement.
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