Wild Animal Science Camps - North Carolina Zoo
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 09/12/2021
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Through carefully planned activities around the Zoo, campers will use various research methods used by our Zoo’s field biologists when working in the wild to save elephants, gorillas, vultures and more. Campers will use camera traps, solve human-wildlife conflict, identify footprints and bones, and study animal behavior. Campers will also have the unique and exciting experience of exploring the Zoo at night, where they will try out night-time research tools to observe and study Zoo animals and native wildlife.
All campers will have the opportunity to meet new friends, network with others who share their interests and experience the joys and challenges of working to help protect wildlife and their habitats.
CAMP HIGHLIGHTS
A hands-on, unique learning experience: During their stay, campers practice state-of-the-art conservation research techniques under the tutelage of our Zoo’s scientists, including field biologists, animal behaviorists, and wildlife conservationists. Throughout the camp, animal keepers, education staff, and university students serve as mentors and counselors. The camp is limited to 16 young people to ensure that everyone has plenty of time to interact with our staff and experiment with our technical equipment. Campers will leave this special educational experience with new insights into studying animals.
A once-in-a-lifetime camping experience: Campers gain special, supervised access to more than 500 acres of wildlands and wildlife living at the North Carolina Zoo, during the day and night! We explore the Zoo after hours, learning about nighttime research methods, as we observe our Zoo-housed animals and local wildlife in the dark. Campers will sleep in zoo-provided tents, listening to the chimpanzee’s chatter and the lion’s roar.
Amazing memories: Campers will meet and create memories with other age-mates from across the state and country. Each camper will leave with a camp t-shirt, ID badge, and new set of animal-enthusiast friends!
WHO CAN APPLY?
We offer two age-specific camps: juniors (rising 6th-8th graders) and seniors (rising 9th-first year undergrads).
Curriculum for the camps are tailored to meet the needs of each age group, aimed to engage and incite interest in wildlife research.
We ask that all campers have previous experience sleeping away from home!
Camp space is limited to 16 campers where campers are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis
CAMP INFORMATION
2021 DATES:
- April 10th-11th (junior)
- June 12th-13th (junior)
- June 26th-27th (senior)
- September 11th-12th (senior)
What to wear: Comfortable, weather appropriate clothes and closed-toed shoes . We will be outside for most of the camp.
What to bring: A sleeping bag, pillow, bug repellent, overnight toiletries, a change of clothes, a day pack, a bottle for water, at least two face coverings (masks) and a raincoat.
We provide the tent and all meals (lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday)!
Camp tuition: $449 for Zoo Society members and $499 for non-members. All fees cover food, lodging, and supplies.
The estimated cost of goods and services for this camp is $30. All or nearly all of the remaining cost should be tax-deductible as a donation to the NC Zoo Society. Donations help support the Zoo’s wildlife conservation projects.
Expectations from the families/campers:
- Compliance with all safety guidelines (see following section)
- If during the previous two weeks, the camper, or someone the camper has come into contact with, has: 1) been asked to self-quarantine, or 2) exhibited ANY COVID-19 related symptoms, we ask that the child not attend.
- In the event of a thunderstorm, while most daytime activities will be safe to conduct, we will not be able to host the campers overnight. If necessary, an early pick up (Saturday evening) may be required.
ON COVID SAFETY:
The camp curriculum has been specifically designed to reduce chances of transmission of COVID-19. The following clarifies how we strive to maintain hygiene and safety for all campers. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any further questions or concerns!
1. Camp is limited to 16 participants allowing for social distancing throughout.
2. Healthy hygiene practices will be encouraged
- Hand washing: extra time will be allotted for washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Alcohol based sanitizers will be available
3. Cloth face covering will be required at certain times when separation of greater than 6 ft isn’t possible or when we are indoors during the camp
4. Social distancing will be enforced during:
- activities, as well as walking to and from activities
- meal times; picnic tables will be set up 6 feet apart
- rest periods; chairs will be set up 6 feet apartment
- sleeping; Individual, sanitized tents will be dispensed (campers will provide their own sleeping bags)
5. Cleaning and disinfecting will be monitored
- All activities will be designed to minimize contact with frequently touched surfaces
- Most activities will be held outside to ensure ventilation and air flow (with exception of aviary)
- We will walk to all activities, rather than sit in an enclosed vehicle (with exception of Zoofari where open-air vehicle with spacing will be used)
- Bathrooms will be frequently cleaned, with no touch garbage bins and open doors for no touch access
- Individual water bottles will be offered (no water fountains)
TO REGISTER
To register, please call 336.879.7700.
For any questions about the camp, please contact program coordinator Dr. Emily Lynch: Emily.lynch@nczoo.org
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.