ADay atCamp
Summer Camp 2016
AT T H E H O U S T O N Z O O
Summer Camp
2016
A
Day at Camp Greetings
Snack
Games
Biofact Exploration
Zoo Tour
h Lunc
Touchable Animal
Zoo Tour
Games
Story & Craft
Snack Giraffe Feeding
Main Zoo Number 713-533-6500
Carousel
Education Fax 713-533-6783
See You tomorrow
Email
[email protected]
Summer Camp 2016
CAMP TOPICS & Descriptions
Camps for ages 4-5 are offered as both half-day and full-day camp options. Check the schedule on the next page for more details about camp dates and prices.
Ages 4-5 New! Eco-experiments: The natural world is full of wonders. Explore some of these wonders in a little more depth with Eco-Experiments! Is flight just for the birds? Are volcanoes the only thing that erupt? Each day tackles a new question with a hands-on approach that turns each participant into an investigative scientist!
New! scat Attack: Everybody does it! But why is it so important to researchers? Learn the ins and outs of poop and the clues it leaves as you become a junior scatologist. Discover what poop can tell us about the animals that produce it. Can you sniff out who “dung” it?
nature Play: Before jungle gyms and monkey bars existed, nature was the ultimate playground. Animals still use the outdoors to romp and play. In the animal kingdom, playing isn't just for fun, it's a learning tool. Join us as we get active and practice the skill of playing!
New! Animal Agendas: Have you ever been called a night owl? Are you an early bird? Do you ever wake up looking for that midnight snack? Animals keep some interesting hours; day, night, or anywhere in between. Join us as we discover when and why animals are their most active.
Ages 6-7 New! Dino Discovery: Over 65 million years in the making, dinosaurs are back! Journey through time to explore the prehistoric world and discover how these magnificent (and sometimes
fearsome) creatures measure up against the biggest and baddest animals of today.
Signing Safari: Trek through the animal kingdom as we use American Sign Language to explore various species and determine how they live, travel, and thrive in their habitats. No passports required for this language learning adventure.
NEW! superHeroes and villians: Look, in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's… superheroes and villains, as you have never seen them before! Superheroes and villains have been "borrowing" traits and POWers from the animal world for ages. Investigate which traits these characters share with their wild counterparts!
NEW! texas treasures: Can you name the two state mammals? What about the state bird? Did you know, that you could once find jaguars prowling in South Texas? Long before that, Quetzalcoatlus, a large pterodactyl, ruled the skies over this great state. Journey with us as we learn about the animals, past and present, that have called Texas home.
Ages 8-9
discount the ant. Delve into the champions of the animal world and the survival “games” animals play.
Ages 10-12 Comic Conservation: If you're as passionate about conservation awareness as we are, delve into your comic strip creativity. Utilize various animals in our collection as the main characters (with you making a guest appearance). The information you share in your comic strip will definitely be POW-erful! Includes a Thursday night overnight experience.
NEW! zoo careers: Who works at the zoo? Is it just zookeepers? Explore the various people and positions required to run a zoo and meet some of the faces around the world that the zoo works with to promote animal conservation in the wild. Includes a Thursday night overnight experience.
Keeper Camp: Think you have what it takes to be a zookeeper? Each day, discover more about the challenges faced by our keeper staff and the rewards their work can offer. Go behind the scenes and get an up close look into the world of zoo keeping!
New! wild together: Clownfish and sea anemones. Flowers and honey bees. Humans and mosquitoes? These three pairs are just a few of the unique partnerships that exist in the animal kingdom. Discover the ins and outs of animals that work together (and the ones that may not want to).
New! wildlife heroes: Dogs helping cats? Bees keeping elephants safe? Not all heroes wear capes. Investigate the ways animals are saving others and lending helping paws, claws, trunks and tails.
Wildlife photography Are you an amateur photographer or could your snapchats grace the cover of a famous wildlife magazine? From clicking to editing, we'll cover it all. We'll utilize the latest technology, including iPads and digital cameras to create a wild portfolio.
NEW! Wildlife Games: This summer, the Olympics will showcase the best athletes in the world. But what about in the animal kingdom? The cheetah may take the gold for speed, but in weight lifting, don’t
2
Camp Open House Thursday, May 19 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, May 24 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Summer Camp 2016
Registration
Dates and Prices Check out the registration schedule and mark your calendars for the must-have camp topics of 2016!
Registration Schedule
Camp Prices and Times
Zoo members receive priority registration according to membership level. To register earlier, upgrade your membership.
All camps are Monday – Friday. Half-day camps for ages 4 - 5 are from 9am – 12 pm or 1pm – 4 pm. Full-day camps are from 9 am – 4 pm.
Asante Society:
February 1
Conservator, Sustaining & Ambassador:
February 8
Supporting, Flock, Family Premium:
February 15
Grandparent, Family Plus, Family, & Individual:
February 22
Non-members:
February 29
Half-day camps: $155 Full-day camps (ages 4-9): $275 Comic Conservation/ Zoo Career: $410 Keeper Camp:
Week 1 and Week 6 (see below) and prices are as follows: Half-day $125 Full Day (4-9) $220 Comic Conservation $330
Age
TOPIC
5/31* 6/6
$450
Keeper Camp $360
6/13
6/20 6/27 7/5*
�
�
7/11
7/18
7/25 8/1
4-5
Eco-Experiments
�
4-5
Eco-Experiments AM/PM
�
4-5
Scat Attack
�
4-5
Scat Attack AM/PM
4-5
Nature Play
�
4-5
Nature Play AM/PM
�
4-5
Animal Agendas
�
4-5
Animal Agendas AM/PM
6-7
Dino Discovery
�
�
�
�
�
6-7
Signing Safari
�
�
�
�
�
6-7
Superheroes and Villains
�
�
�
�
�
6-7
Texas Treasures
�
�
�
�
�
8-9
Wild together
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�
�
�
�
8-9
Wild Heroes
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�
�
�
�
8-9
Wild photography
�
�
�
�
�
8-9
Wildlife games
�
�
�
�
�
10-12
Comic Conservation
10-12
zoo careers
10-12
Keeper Camp
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�
�
�
�
� �
�
�
�
�
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3
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Summer Camp 2016
Cancelations and Refunds
TIDBITS &
All sales are considered final. Patrons who provide a written cancellation notice to [email protected] on or before May 1st will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Helpful Hints
Rescheduling fee
There will be a $25 fee per camper per topic or date change. Patrons must submit a request in writing to education@houstonzoo. org and changes are subject to vailability.
Save the Date!
No Cell Phone Policy at Camp Zoofari
Use the “Add to Calendar” function on your receipt to add the Summer Camp Zoofari dates you purchased to your Outlook calendar.
Camp Zoofari is a high-energy experience filled with fun, interactive activities. We want your child to enjoy their experience connecting to nature and wildlife so we ask you to please refrain from sending your child to camp with a cell phone. If you need to speak with your child during camp hours, please call our Education Office at 713-533-6500. We will be happy to have your child speak with you. Should a situation arise at camp in which your child needs to speak with you or you need to be notified of a concern regarding your child such as an illness, we will contact you using the emergency contact information you provided. On Monday morning, please check your child’s roster to verify the emergency contact information provided during registration is correct.
Photo Identification
For the safety and protection of your campers, we require that a photo ID (name and photo BOTH on a plastic printed card i.e. Drivers license, school ID, credit card w/ photo, work ID, passport etc...) is presented to the camp teacher when signing your child out at the end of the day. This procedure will occur every day, every time you pick up your camper. Should you forget your identification, teachers are required to contact a principal to aid in the verification process. If you forget your identification in your vehicle, you will be asked to retrieve your ID before you can sign your camper out. For the safety of our campers, there are NO exceptions to this policy and we ask that you assist us in making check-out safe and seamless by carrying your ID at all times and passing this information along to anyone approved by you to pick up your camper. Thank you for your cooperation!
Immunizations or Affidavits o f Exemption
Camp Zoofari is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and as such requires immunization records/ affidavits of exemption for all campers. All parents/ guardians will be required to acknowledge our policy of providing an immunization record or affidavit of exemption from immunizations at the time of purchase of camp. You will not be able to advance any further in the check out process until you click the acknowledgement box. All campers must have updated documents on record each year in order to attend camp. No exceptions will be made for this policy. If a record or affidavit is not received by/on the first day of camp, the camper will not be permitted to participate. You can submit your immunization records/affidavits in the following manners: • Email: [email protected] • Fax: 713-533-6783
Emergency Contact Information
For registration purposes, if you are the parent/guardian of the camper and plan to pick up your child every day, you will still need to list your name in the emergency contact section despite being the registrant. If you are not picking up your child, you will need to add all those approved to pick up your child in the emergency contact section. If you’re not sure who will be picking up your child daily, you will have the opportunity to include additional names on the pick up list when you drop off your camper each day. If there is someone who is explicitly not allowed to pick up your child, please notify your camper’s teacher and the Camp Director.
• Bring them with you to Camp Open House on May 27 from 6pm- 8pm or on the first day of camp. If you will be submitting an affidavit, you can find more information at https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/
Got to camp late? Need to leave early?
Trouble with parking?
Coming with a friend?
Late arrivals or parents picking up early will enter through the main Zoo entrance. You’ll be directed to the Brown Education Center and will sign-in/ out your camper in the office. Please do not proceed to the classrooms unless escorted.
Parking is available in the Zoo’s main parking lot or across the street in the old golf course parking lot. Paid parking is available in the garage at the corner of Main and Cambridge or you can ride the Metro Rail. To ensure your children’s safety, a valid photo ID is required every day in order to pick up campers.
Requests to pair relatives or friends must be made in writing via email at least 1week in advance to the camp start date. Children must be the same age and registered for the same camp. Requests are not guaranteed; no exceptions to class sizes can be made. Roster changes WILL NOT be made on Monday morning.
4
Summer Camp 2016
Frequently Asked
Questions Can I get on a waiting list? We do not maintain waiting lists for Summer Camp Zoofari. When a cancellation is made for camps, we will make the space available for sale in our online purchasing system after we process the cancellation. As such, we recommend you periodically check the online system to see if the camp in which you are interested becomes available.
Can I stay with my child in camp? Camp Zoofari is a program designed for children who can remain in a group setting without parental involvement.
Do you have before and after care? Before and after care is not available.
May I enroll my child in a camp for an older age group? Age requirements are not negotiable and are strictly enforced. Campers must fall within the specified age category on the first day of the camp session they are attending.
How are campers supervised? Campers are supervised at all times and are escorted on restroom breaks. Teacher to camper ratios are 1:8.
Can I bring a backpack? Yes, cubbies are in each classroom for children to store their backpacks, or other items they don’t want to carry in the Zoo. See what your campers will learn each day on our Parent Page. Visit the site: www. houstonzoo.org/campparent
Do you provide snacks? Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon. We serve water during snack time. If your child has food allergies, please include this information on the registration form. Alternative snacks will not be provided; however, you may provide a small snack for your own child if you prefer.
What about lunch? Camp Zoofari is a “high energy” activity, so campers should eat a hearty breakfast before arrival. All full-day campers must bring a lunch. Campers may NOT purchase Zoo lunches. Due to safety concerns, glass
containers are prohibited. A microwave will NOT be available for use. Due to the heat and humidity of Texas summers, dairy products like milk and yogurt are not ideal forms of hydration. Please pack clear liquids or juices only for drinking.
Will my child get to touch Zoo animals or go behind the scenes? We have a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles that are safe for staff to handle. All campers will have the opportunity to meet these animals for an up close and personal experience. However, for the safety of our campers and our animals, most behind-thescenes activity is restricted to the oldest age group.
What are the sign-in and sign-out procedures? Sign-in and out will take place at Gate 8 for ALL campers. In order to provide a secure environment, you MUST sign your child in and out of camp. Photo IDs are required for sign-out and will be checked daily. Gate 8 is located to the left of the Zoo’s main entrance. You may park in the main parking lot or the old golf course parking lot across the street. Unauthorized vehicles parking in the handicapped spaces or loading zones in front of Gate 8 may be ticketed. The Houston Zoo is NOT responsible for paying fines received. Gate 8 will be unlocked at 8:45 am and locked again at 9:15 am. Gate 8 will open at 3:45 pm for sign-out. Please be prompt when picking up your child; he or she will not be allowed to remain in the Zoo without an adult. Campers not picked up by 4:15 pm will be charged a fee of $1 per minute per child. All half day camps will enter and exit through Gate 8. It will be unlocked from 11:45 am – 12:15 pm for morning camp to sign-out and 12:45 pm –1:15 pm for afternoon camp to sign-in.
Does my child need to wear their camp shirt every day? Yes, a camp t-shirt must be worn each day of Camp Zoofari. Each camper receives one t-shirt with each week of camp purchased. Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $10 apiece. Sizes are Youth S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), and Adult S, M, and L. If you are unsure of what size to order, please order a size larger to allow room for your camper to grow. Returning campers may wear either this year’s or last year’s orange shirt.
What are the camp rules? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Listen and follow instructions Participate in camp activities Respect others Respect property Have fun!
Should a camper forget the camp rules, one of our highly trained staff will remind them
5
of both the camp rules and the importance of each in order to make the camp day successful for all campers. If necessary, a phone call to the parents will be made to help find a solution. In the event improvement is not realized, a parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to pick up the camper. A return to camp the following day will be at our discretion.
Can I bring snacks for the group? Due to dietary restrictions of participants, please do not bring snacks (such as cupcakes) for your child’s class as we are unable to allow these to be shared with the group.
What are the camp hours? Full day camps are available for children ages 4-12 and run from 9 am-4 pm. Half day camps are available for children ages 4-5 only and run from 9 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm.
Camp
Checklist
Required Items Camp Zoofari T-shirt (provided) Closed-toe shoes Lunch
Provided Items Water Snacks Poncho
You may want to: Apply sunscreen Apply bug spray Bring a Hat Bring a Water Bottle Bring a kid-friendly camera (with a name on it)
AT T H E H O U S T O N Z O O
Summer Camp
2016
A
Day at Camp Greetings
Snack
Games
Biofact Exploration
Zoo Tour
h Lunc
Touchable Animal
Zoo Tour
Games
Story & Craft
Snack Giraffe Feeding
Main Zoo Number 713-533-6500
Carousel
Education Fax 713-533-6783
See You tomorrow
[email protected]
Summer Camp 2016
CAMP TOPICS & Descriptions
Camps for ages 4-5 are offered as both half-day and full-day camp options. Check the schedule on the next page for more details about camp dates and prices.
Ages 4-5 New! Eco-experiments: The natural world is full of wonders. Explore some of these wonders in a little more depth with Eco-Experiments! Is flight just for the birds? Are volcanoes the only thing that erupt? Each day tackles a new question with a hands-on approach that turns each participant into an investigative scientist!
New! scat Attack: Everybody does it! But why is it so important to researchers? Learn the ins and outs of poop and the clues it leaves as you become a junior scatologist. Discover what poop can tell us about the animals that produce it. Can you sniff out who “dung” it?
nature Play: Before jungle gyms and monkey bars existed, nature was the ultimate playground. Animals still use the outdoors to romp and play. In the animal kingdom, playing isn't just for fun, it's a learning tool. Join us as we get active and practice the skill of playing!
New! Animal Agendas: Have you ever been called a night owl? Are you an early bird? Do you ever wake up looking for that midnight snack? Animals keep some interesting hours; day, night, or anywhere in between. Join us as we discover when and why animals are their most active.
Ages 6-7 New! Dino Discovery: Over 65 million years in the making, dinosaurs are back! Journey through time to explore the prehistoric world and discover how these magnificent (and sometimes
fearsome) creatures measure up against the biggest and baddest animals of today.
Signing Safari: Trek through the animal kingdom as we use American Sign Language to explore various species and determine how they live, travel, and thrive in their habitats. No passports required for this language learning adventure.
NEW! superHeroes and villians: Look, in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's… superheroes and villains, as you have never seen them before! Superheroes and villains have been "borrowing" traits and POWers from the animal world for ages. Investigate which traits these characters share with their wild counterparts!
NEW! texas treasures: Can you name the two state mammals? What about the state bird? Did you know, that you could once find jaguars prowling in South Texas? Long before that, Quetzalcoatlus, a large pterodactyl, ruled the skies over this great state. Journey with us as we learn about the animals, past and present, that have called Texas home.
Ages 8-9
discount the ant. Delve into the champions of the animal world and the survival “games” animals play.
Ages 10-12 Comic Conservation: If you're as passionate about conservation awareness as we are, delve into your comic strip creativity. Utilize various animals in our collection as the main characters (with you making a guest appearance). The information you share in your comic strip will definitely be POW-erful! Includes a Thursday night overnight experience.
NEW! zoo careers: Who works at the zoo? Is it just zookeepers? Explore the various people and positions required to run a zoo and meet some of the faces around the world that the zoo works with to promote animal conservation in the wild. Includes a Thursday night overnight experience.
Keeper Camp: Think you have what it takes to be a zookeeper? Each day, discover more about the challenges faced by our keeper staff and the rewards their work can offer. Go behind the scenes and get an up close look into the world of zoo keeping!
New! wild together: Clownfish and sea anemones. Flowers and honey bees. Humans and mosquitoes? These three pairs are just a few of the unique partnerships that exist in the animal kingdom. Discover the ins and outs of animals that work together (and the ones that may not want to).
New! wildlife heroes: Dogs helping cats? Bees keeping elephants safe? Not all heroes wear capes. Investigate the ways animals are saving others and lending helping paws, claws, trunks and tails.
Wildlife photography Are you an amateur photographer or could your snapchats grace the cover of a famous wildlife magazine? From clicking to editing, we'll cover it all. We'll utilize the latest technology, including iPads and digital cameras to create a wild portfolio.
NEW! Wildlife Games: This summer, the Olympics will showcase the best athletes in the world. But what about in the animal kingdom? The cheetah may take the gold for speed, but in weight lifting, don’t
2
Camp Open House Thursday, May 19 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, May 24 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Summer Camp 2016
Registration
Dates and Prices Check out the registration schedule and mark your calendars for the must-have camp topics of 2016!
Registration Schedule
Camp Prices and Times
Zoo members receive priority registration according to membership level. To register earlier, upgrade your membership.
All camps are Monday – Friday. Half-day camps for ages 4 - 5 are from 9am – 12 pm or 1pm – 4 pm. Full-day camps are from 9 am – 4 pm.
Asante Society:
February 1
Conservator, Sustaining & Ambassador:
February 8
Supporting, Flock, Family Premium:
February 15
Grandparent, Family Plus, Family, & Individual:
February 22
Non-members:
February 29
Half-day camps: $155 Full-day camps (ages 4-9): $275 Comic Conservation/ Zoo Career: $410 Keeper Camp:
Week 1 and Week 6 (see below) and prices are as follows: Half-day $125 Full Day (4-9) $220 Comic Conservation $330
Age
TOPIC
5/31* 6/6
$450
Keeper Camp $360
6/13
6/20 6/27 7/5*
�
�
7/11
7/18
7/25 8/1
4-5
Eco-Experiments
�
4-5
Eco-Experiments AM/PM
�
4-5
Scat Attack
�
4-5
Scat Attack AM/PM
4-5
Nature Play
�
4-5
Nature Play AM/PM
�
4-5
Animal Agendas
�
4-5
Animal Agendas AM/PM
6-7
Dino Discovery
�
�
�
�
�
6-7
Signing Safari
�
�
�
�
�
6-7
Superheroes and Villains
�
�
�
�
�
6-7
Texas Treasures
�
�
�
�
�
8-9
Wild together
�
�
�
�
�
8-9
Wild Heroes
�
�
�
�
�
8-9
Wild photography
�
�
�
�
�
8-9
Wildlife games
�
�
�
�
�
10-12
Comic Conservation
10-12
zoo careers
10-12
Keeper Camp
�
�
� �
�
�
�
�
� �
�
�
�
�
�
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3
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Summer Camp 2016
Cancelations and Refunds
TIDBITS &
All sales are considered final. Patrons who provide a written cancellation notice to [email protected] on or before May 1st will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Helpful Hints
Rescheduling fee
There will be a $25 fee per camper per topic or date change. Patrons must submit a request in writing to education@houstonzoo. org and changes are subject to vailability.
Save the Date!
No Cell Phone Policy at Camp Zoofari
Use the “Add to Calendar” function on your receipt to add the Summer Camp Zoofari dates you purchased to your Outlook calendar.
Camp Zoofari is a high-energy experience filled with fun, interactive activities. We want your child to enjoy their experience connecting to nature and wildlife so we ask you to please refrain from sending your child to camp with a cell phone. If you need to speak with your child during camp hours, please call our Education Office at 713-533-6500. We will be happy to have your child speak with you. Should a situation arise at camp in which your child needs to speak with you or you need to be notified of a concern regarding your child such as an illness, we will contact you using the emergency contact information you provided. On Monday morning, please check your child’s roster to verify the emergency contact information provided during registration is correct.
Photo Identification
For the safety and protection of your campers, we require that a photo ID (name and photo BOTH on a plastic printed card i.e. Drivers license, school ID, credit card w/ photo, work ID, passport etc...) is presented to the camp teacher when signing your child out at the end of the day. This procedure will occur every day, every time you pick up your camper. Should you forget your identification, teachers are required to contact a principal to aid in the verification process. If you forget your identification in your vehicle, you will be asked to retrieve your ID before you can sign your camper out. For the safety of our campers, there are NO exceptions to this policy and we ask that you assist us in making check-out safe and seamless by carrying your ID at all times and passing this information along to anyone approved by you to pick up your camper. Thank you for your cooperation!
Immunizations or Affidavits o f Exemption
Camp Zoofari is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and as such requires immunization records/ affidavits of exemption for all campers. All parents/ guardians will be required to acknowledge our policy of providing an immunization record or affidavit of exemption from immunizations at the time of purchase of camp. You will not be able to advance any further in the check out process until you click the acknowledgement box. All campers must have updated documents on record each year in order to attend camp. No exceptions will be made for this policy. If a record or affidavit is not received by/on the first day of camp, the camper will not be permitted to participate. You can submit your immunization records/affidavits in the following manners: • Email: [email protected] • Fax: 713-533-6783
Emergency Contact Information
For registration purposes, if you are the parent/guardian of the camper and plan to pick up your child every day, you will still need to list your name in the emergency contact section despite being the registrant. If you are not picking up your child, you will need to add all those approved to pick up your child in the emergency contact section. If you’re not sure who will be picking up your child daily, you will have the opportunity to include additional names on the pick up list when you drop off your camper each day. If there is someone who is explicitly not allowed to pick up your child, please notify your camper’s teacher and the Camp Director.
• Bring them with you to Camp Open House on May 27 from 6pm- 8pm or on the first day of camp. If you will be submitting an affidavit, you can find more information at https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/
Got to camp late? Need to leave early?
Trouble with parking?
Coming with a friend?
Late arrivals or parents picking up early will enter through the main Zoo entrance. You’ll be directed to the Brown Education Center and will sign-in/ out your camper in the office. Please do not proceed to the classrooms unless escorted.
Parking is available in the Zoo’s main parking lot or across the street in the old golf course parking lot. Paid parking is available in the garage at the corner of Main and Cambridge or you can ride the Metro Rail. To ensure your children’s safety, a valid photo ID is required every day in order to pick up campers.
Requests to pair relatives or friends must be made in writing via email at least 1week in advance to the camp start date. Children must be the same age and registered for the same camp. Requests are not guaranteed; no exceptions to class sizes can be made. Roster changes WILL NOT be made on Monday morning.
4
Summer Camp 2016
Frequently Asked
Questions Can I get on a waiting list? We do not maintain waiting lists for Summer Camp Zoofari. When a cancellation is made for camps, we will make the space available for sale in our online purchasing system after we process the cancellation. As such, we recommend you periodically check the online system to see if the camp in which you are interested becomes available.
Can I stay with my child in camp? Camp Zoofari is a program designed for children who can remain in a group setting without parental involvement.
Do you have before and after care? Before and after care is not available.
May I enroll my child in a camp for an older age group? Age requirements are not negotiable and are strictly enforced. Campers must fall within the specified age category on the first day of the camp session they are attending.
How are campers supervised? Campers are supervised at all times and are escorted on restroom breaks. Teacher to camper ratios are 1:8.
Can I bring a backpack? Yes, cubbies are in each classroom for children to store their backpacks, or other items they don’t want to carry in the Zoo. See what your campers will learn each day on our Parent Page. Visit the site: www. houstonzoo.org/campparent
Do you provide snacks? Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon. We serve water during snack time. If your child has food allergies, please include this information on the registration form. Alternative snacks will not be provided; however, you may provide a small snack for your own child if you prefer.
What about lunch? Camp Zoofari is a “high energy” activity, so campers should eat a hearty breakfast before arrival. All full-day campers must bring a lunch. Campers may NOT purchase Zoo lunches. Due to safety concerns, glass
containers are prohibited. A microwave will NOT be available for use. Due to the heat and humidity of Texas summers, dairy products like milk and yogurt are not ideal forms of hydration. Please pack clear liquids or juices only for drinking.
Will my child get to touch Zoo animals or go behind the scenes? We have a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles that are safe for staff to handle. All campers will have the opportunity to meet these animals for an up close and personal experience. However, for the safety of our campers and our animals, most behind-thescenes activity is restricted to the oldest age group.
What are the sign-in and sign-out procedures? Sign-in and out will take place at Gate 8 for ALL campers. In order to provide a secure environment, you MUST sign your child in and out of camp. Photo IDs are required for sign-out and will be checked daily. Gate 8 is located to the left of the Zoo’s main entrance. You may park in the main parking lot or the old golf course parking lot across the street. Unauthorized vehicles parking in the handicapped spaces or loading zones in front of Gate 8 may be ticketed. The Houston Zoo is NOT responsible for paying fines received. Gate 8 will be unlocked at 8:45 am and locked again at 9:15 am. Gate 8 will open at 3:45 pm for sign-out. Please be prompt when picking up your child; he or she will not be allowed to remain in the Zoo without an adult. Campers not picked up by 4:15 pm will be charged a fee of $1 per minute per child. All half day camps will enter and exit through Gate 8. It will be unlocked from 11:45 am – 12:15 pm for morning camp to sign-out and 12:45 pm –1:15 pm for afternoon camp to sign-in.
Does my child need to wear their camp shirt every day? Yes, a camp t-shirt must be worn each day of Camp Zoofari. Each camper receives one t-shirt with each week of camp purchased. Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $10 apiece. Sizes are Youth S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), and Adult S, M, and L. If you are unsure of what size to order, please order a size larger to allow room for your camper to grow. Returning campers may wear either this year’s or last year’s orange shirt.
What are the camp rules? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Listen and follow instructions Participate in camp activities Respect others Respect property Have fun!
Should a camper forget the camp rules, one of our highly trained staff will remind them
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of both the camp rules and the importance of each in order to make the camp day successful for all campers. If necessary, a phone call to the parents will be made to help find a solution. In the event improvement is not realized, a parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to pick up the camper. A return to camp the following day will be at our discretion.
Can I bring snacks for the group? Due to dietary restrictions of participants, please do not bring snacks (such as cupcakes) for your child’s class as we are unable to allow these to be shared with the group.
What are the camp hours? Full day camps are available for children ages 4-12 and run from 9 am-4 pm. Half day camps are available for children ages 4-5 only and run from 9 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm.
Camp
Checklist
Required Items Camp Zoofari T-shirt (provided) Closed-toe shoes Lunch
Provided Items Water Snacks Poncho
You may want to: Apply sunscreen Apply bug spray Bring a Hat Bring a Water Bottle Bring a kid-friendly camera (with a name on it)
