Sunny Weekend Alert
The Zoo anticipates high attendance on sunny weekends. Parking is limited, so arrive early, carpool, and check our site / social pages often for more updates!
Summer Camps
Summer Camps 2024 "50 Years At The Zoo" (Tickets go on sale February 1, 2024)
It's the Zoo's 50th anniversary! Help us celebrate "50 Years At The Zoo" by joining us for a great summer of fun and engaging weeklong and single day camps (in-person and virtual options) for rising 1st-8th graders! We continue to offer our Kidzu camps, geared toward rising 3rd-8th graders who need a smaller group size and a more guided, sensory-sensitive experience. New this year, we will also be offering a weeklong camp for rising 7th- 8th graders! Our single day camps will explore the art, technology, and conservation At The Zoo. Weeklong camps will investigate science At The Zoo in many ways, including the environment, animal adaptations, and science careers At The Zoo. This year’s weeklong middle school camp will look at the past, present, and future At The Zoo.
Please note updated medical policy: Zoo staff are not allowed to administer ANY medications except for an EpiPen. If your camper must take medications, they will have to be able to take them on their own. If your camper has to carry medications other than an EpiPen, in case of an emergency, staff will not be able to administer, and a parent or guardian will have to accompany the camper all during camp.
All in-person camps are from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., virtual camps are noted in the description. All camps are rain or shine.
Join us for a summer of fun they’ll always remember and don't forget to add on a camp t-shirt on the ticket page (scroll down to Add-ons Section).
Single Day Camps
In-Person Camps:
Price: $65/In-Person camps
Time: 9am-4pm
Maximum Number of Campers: 15 ( If a camp is sold out please see our waitlist procedure below.)
Art At The Zoo
Art is everywhere! Let’s explore the many statues, murals, and poems At The Zoo and some of nature's art, too. We will make our own art, and maybe even get to see some animal artists on this creative, adventurous day!
- Thursday, June 20th In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders
- Friday, June 21st In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders
Technology At The Zoo
There’s an app for that! With many people (even little ones) doing big work, technology is an important tool for conservation. Let’s learn how we track, identify, and help animals thrive At The Zoo and around the world!
- Wednesday, July 3rd In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders
- Friday, July 5th In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders
Action At The Zoo
Ready for some fast-paced conservation? Join us for a hands-on day of games and exploration as we learn how the Zoo is making a difference and how you can take action, too!
- Thursday, July 18th In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders
- Friday, July 19th In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders
KidZu In-Person Camps:
KidZu camps are designed for rising 3rd-8th graders who need a smaller group size and a more guided, sensory-sensitive experience!
Price: $65/In-Person camps
Time: 9am-4pm
Maximum Number of Campers: 8 ( If a camp is sold out please see our waitlist procedure below.)
Art At The Zoo
Art is everywhere! Let’s explore the many statues, murals, and poems At The Zoo and some of nature's art, too. We will make our own art, and maybe even get to see some animal artists on this creative, adventurous day!
- Wednesday, June 19th In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3rd-8th graders
Careers At The Zoo
Are you a future zookeeper? Botanist? Artist? Let’s spend the day exploring just how many jobs keep the zoo running, and which ones might interest you!
- Monday, July 1st In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3rd-8th graders
Technology At The Zoo
There’s an app for that! With many people (even little ones) doing big work, technology is an important tool for conservation. Let’s learn how we track, identify, and help animals thrive At The Zoo and around the world!
- Tuesday, July 2nd In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3rd-8th graders
Action At The Zoo
Ready for some fast-paced conservation? Join us for a hands-on day of games and exploration as we learn how the Zoo is making a difference and how you can take action, too!
- Wednesday, July 17th In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3rd-8th graders
Virtual Camps:
Price: $35/Virtual camp
Time: Rising 1-3 graders 9am-12pm; Rising 4-6 graders 1-4pm
Maximum Number of Campers: 10 ( If a camp is sold out please see our waitlist procedure below.)
Art and Action At The Zoo
Gather art supplies and join us virtually as we learn about the conservation of endangered species, show off our creativity, and meet some artistic animal ambassadors!
- Tuesday, June 18th Virtual Camp ($35)= 9am-12pm for rising 1-3 graders
- Tuesday, June 18th Virtual Camp ($35)= 1-4pm for rising 4-6 graders
Technology and Careers At The Zoo
Calling all future zoo workers! We will travel behind-the-scenes, talk to keepers, and practice some citizen science. Come see just how important technology is for our careers, learning about and protecting our natural world!
- Tuesday, July 16th Virtual Camp ($35)= 9am-12pm for rising 1-3 graders
- Tuesday, July 16th Virtual Camp ($35)= 1-4pm for rising 4-6 graders
Discounts: If 3 or more single day camps are purchased, enter the following code “3+camp” in the promotion box on the ticket page to receive a $5 discount on each camp!
1-Week Camp information found below.
Weeklong Camps
For rising 1-6 graders:
Price: $265
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Maximum Number of Campers: 15 ( If a camp is sold out please see our waitlist procedure below.)
Science At The Zoo
Calling all scientists! Come spend the week looking at science from all angles. How does blubber keep a polar bear warm? How does night vision work? How do cacti survive in the desert? Most importantly, let’s see how this understanding helps us protect animals and how you can be involved!
- Monday June 24th- Friday June 28th In-Person Camp ($265) = rising 1-3 graders
- Monday July 8th-Friday July 12th In-Person Camp ($265) = rising 4-6 graders
- Monday July 29th-Friday August 2nd In-Person Camp ($265) = rising 1-3 graders
- Monday August 5th-Friday August 9th In-Person Camp ($265)= rising 4-6 graders
**Note that this is the same camp for each week, please do not sign the same camper up for more than one week.**
For rising 7-8 graders:
Price: $265
Time: 9am-4pm
Maximum Number of Campers: 10 ( If a camp is sold out please see our waitlist procedure below.)
Life At The Zoo
Happy 50th Birthday to the North Carolina Zoo! This week we will dive into the past, present, and future At The Zoo. We'll get an exciting look at our upcoming Asia expansion and spend our last day focusing on careers At The Zoo. You're the future, too!
- Monday July 22nd-Friday July 26th In-Person Camp ($265) = rising 7th-8th graders
Buy Camps Now
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Please follow all COVID-19 safety precautions during this event. Guidelines are constantly updated based on the latest CDC recommendations.
- Face coverings are optional.
- Campers and groups are encouraged to practice frequent hand washing/sanitizing.
- Our camp staff will be regularly disinfecting commonly used items.
- Please, do not send camper to camp if showing symptoms of COVID.
Do virtual campers need to be supervised? Do parent's/guardian's need to attend?
Do virtual campers need to be supervised? Do parent's/guardian's need to attend?
We are designing the camps with the mindset that we are watching all campers for the 3-hours. We are taking into account things like having parents/guardians pack a snack or make sure any materials are ready for that day's camp activities. We double check these during that morning's or afternoon's camper check-in, so you have an opportunity to grab things if you forgot.
This being said because we are not there physically if the child leaves the space for any reason we can not control that. We are happy to notify you with a call or text if that happens. Parent's are welcome to watch if that is what you prefer.
How do you register for one of our camps?
How do you register for one of our camps?
Please register through Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/142530981001. If you have any questions you can contact Nikki Petersen at nicole.petersen@nczoo.org.
How much are the camps? Is there a Society or multiple camp discount for these?
How much are the camps? Is there a Society or multiple camp discount for these?
1-day in-person = $65
1-day virtual = $35
week-long camps = $265
SAVE $5 on each camp when you purchase 3 or more of our series or any day camps at the same time!
To get the discounted rate:
1- Register for 3 or more day camps (any combination)
2 - Enter the following code “3+camp” in the promotion box on the ticket page.
Current Society Members
If you don't have your Zoo Society promo code to get your discount, please call the NC Zoo Society office at: 336-879-7262
Refund Policy
Refund Policy
You will be refunded your entire camp registration fee if you cancel at least 2 weeks before the camp. If you cancel after that or fail to show for your camp, there will be no refund. You may only attend the camps you have registered for.
Is there a camp t-shirt?
Is there a camp t-shirt?
Yes, it can be purchased on the "Ticket Page" of Eventbrite. Scroll down to the "Add-ons" section found below all the camp tickets.
Waitlist Procedure
Waitlist Procedure
If a camp is sold out and you would like to be added to our waitlist please email Nikki (nicole.petersen@nczoo.org) with the camp title, age group, date, and number of tickets requested. As spots open we will notify you.
What is the camper to staff ratio?
What is the camper to staff ratio?
There is a total of 3-4 counselors plus additional teen volunteers. For the majority of our camps there is a 1 to 5 staff to camper ratio.
Maximums
In person
Rising 1-3 graders-15 campers max
Rising 4-6 graders- 15 campers max
Rising 7-8 graders- 10 campers max
Virtual
Rising 1-3 graders - 10 campers max
Rising 4-6 graders - 10 campers max
KidZu
Rising 3-8 graders - 8 campers max