Zoo Camps
When school’s out, Zoo Camp is IN! Nowhere else on the First Coast can your child spend all week nose-to-nose with an elephant, toe-to-toe with a flamingo, neck-to-neck with a giraffe, eye-to-eye with an anaconda or shoulder-to-shoulder with a gorilla! All of our programs include Zoo tours, activities & games, crafts and hands-on encounters with animals everyday. Members of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens receive discounts on Education Programs and FREE admission every time they visit. Become a Member today and take advantage of the discount right away!
Courtesy of Ichabod Ink, the first and only website for kids who want to be veterinarians. http://www.ichabodink.com.
Summer Adventure starts with Zoo Camp!
Don’t miss the excitement! It’s a roaring good time this summer at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens with eleven brand new camps for ages 5-15! Each day our adventure will include up-close and hands-on encounters with our Education Animal Ambassadors, Zoo tours, animal crafts and hands-on activities. Class size is limited to the first 24 children to register per age group.
June 10th – August 9th
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Extended Care available for additional fee; 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: $175/week/student - member;
$200/week/student - non-member
$50/week for extended care registration
5&6 Year-Old Camps
Best of the Best: Animal Champions (July 15-19, and August 5-9)
Jumping, lifting, running, swimming, diving, and more! Many animals take part in these activities, but only one species can be triumphant. During the week, we will seek out the victors of each of these beastly behaviors and compete in activities to see how well we fare against our animal counterparts. (This is a large-motor activity based camp experience. Prepare to be active!)
Say What?! Animal Communication (July 8-12, July 22-26)
Can you hoo like an owl? Ever tried bobbing your head like a bearded dragon? How about trying your hand at fanning your tail like a peacock? Animals have extremely remarkable ways of conversing with each other and we will examine the reasons behind their fascinating jargon. Join us as we squawk, hiss, and growl our way through the Zoo!
7-9 Year-Old Camps
Wildlife Warriors (July 15-19)
Without armor or weaponry, how have our animal friends protected themselves throughout their time on earth? The answer lies within each species’ diverse body composition. We’ll further explore these built-in, animal armories and how they may have even helped to shape some of our very own ‘man-made’ protective gear.
Animal Allies (June17-21, July 22-26)
How do so many different types of animals live together in one common space? We will take a closer look into symbiotic relationships our animals share with one another and how closely animals rely on the helpful (as well as the not so helpful) habits of other species to survive and thrive.
Mythbusters: Fact or Fiction (June 24-28, July 29-August 2)
Does a mouse have the ability to make an elephant cower in fear? Can an owl turn its head all the way around? Are bats really blind? We need you, super sleuths, to help us discover the truth! This week we will be delving deeper into the common myths that surround some of the world’s most interesting animals.
ICKYology (July 8-12, August 5-9)
Animals naturally do some pretty amazing things; however, sometimes animals can be pretty disgusting. Get down and dirty with us as we uncover the most repulsive habits of the animal kingdom. Throughout the week, we will get the scoop on poop, along with all those other necessary bodily functions, and try to investigate the purpose behind them.
10-12 Year-Old Camps
Destination Conservation (June 24-28, July 29-August 2)
There are many ways that organizations, especially zoos, help to protect and preserve the Earth. Many species of animal and plant life are only alive today through the help of institutions, such as the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Learn about these efforts and throughout the week, work to develop your own conservation endeavor. Do your part to make the world a better place…one camp at a time!
Troupes, Groups, and Herds (June 17-21, July 15-19)
What do zebras, wolves, and termites have in common? They all find strength in numbers. Whether they are referred to as zeals, packs, or colonies, these large groups aid in the survival of each one of their members. Join us as we learn exactly what purposes these assemblies serve to the individuals within them.
Evolutionary Scavenger Hunters: Survival of the Fittest (June 10-14, July 8-12, August 5-9)
Nature, although beautiful, can be a deadly place. Every day we will embark on a new evolutionary scavenger hunt around the Zoo to discover those animals that have been successfully able to evolve and adapt to their ever-changing environment, as well as those animals that have not been so prosperous. Race against the clock to learn exactly what it takes to not just survive in the wild, but to help your species flourish!
13-15 Year-Old Camps
Zoo U: Zoologic Designs (June 17-21, July 22-26)
Break ground with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in this all new vocational camp. Throughout the week we will explore exactly what an AZA facility has to do to prepare for a new animal. Get out of the classroom and onto your feet as we take a glimpse into the habitats of our animals both on exhibit and behind the scenes.
Zoo U: Animal Behavior and Husbandry (June 24-28, July 29-August 2)
As a visitor to a zoo or aquarium, one may think of animal exhibits and shows as being purely entertaining for the guests. However, the main reasons behind animal ‘training’ actually revolve more around the enrichment and overall health of our animals. Come explore the ins and outs of animal husbandry as we learn about the different training behaviors at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the benefits to the animals that reside here.
Please view our FAQ for more information or contact Education through (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 904-757-4463 x122.
Looking to extend your Zoo Camp experience? Take advantage of special add-ons only available to our Zoo Campers by clicking here!
