Zoo Summer Day Camp

Details

Zoo Summer Day Camp Online Registration:

• Click the 'Register' button in the upper right hand corner of this page to begin online registration and to view current session availability in live time.
• Administer Meds Form and Release/Waiver Form – If registering online, a signed copy of these forms MUST be submitted to the Zoo Registration Office prior to the start of the earliest Camp session for which your child is registered.

Mail-In Registration:

• Registration Form

Mail in registration to:

ATTN: Education Registration Office
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, OH 44109

For more information, contact the Education Registration Staff at 216.635.3391 or email programregistration@clevelandmetroparks.com.

Limited individual Summer Day Camp Scholarships available for eligible recipients.

Apply starting February 15, 2019 for up to two (2) scholarships per family. You will be asked to provide your first and second choice of camp dates to determine availability. Click here to apply.

Scholarship Terms & Conditions:

Scholarship Eligibility:  Campers must reside in Ohio and attend a school that has >30% student body participation in the Federal free and reduced lunch program as verified by the Ohio Department of Education. Campers must be between ages 5-14 by June 3, 2019.

Transportation:  Campers must provide their own transportation to and from the Zoo to attend camp Monday-Friday of the selected camp week. Camp starts at 9am.

Extended Care Options:  Extended care options will be made available as part of the awarded scholarship for parents that need early/late accommodations. Before Care starts as early as 7:30am and After Care ends by 6pm.

Dates/Times

Time:                                            

• Full Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.                                      
• Half Day: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

2019 Camp Topics for Each Session

Session	Week of	Ages 5-6	Ages 7-8	Ages 9-10	Ages 11-12	Ages 13-14
1	June 3-7	Five Senses	Animal Defenses	Adaptations	No Camp	Counselor In Training
2	June 10-14	Shapes and Sizes	Habitats	ZSI: Habitats	Wildlife Biology	No Camp
3	June 17-21	Conservation	Conservation	Conservation	No Camp	No Camp
Jun 17-21 for Ages 10-14: Conservation Leadership Camp - click here for details
4	June 24-28	Five Senses	Animal Defenses	Adaptations	No Camp	Counselor in Training
5	July 1-3 & 5	Enrichment	Enrichment	Enrichment	Enrichment	No Camp
6	July 8-12	Shapes and Sizes	Habitats	ZSI: Habitats	Wildlife Biology	No Camp
July 8-12 for Ages 10-14: Conservation Leadership Camp - click here for details
7	July 15-19	Conservation	Conservation	Conservation	No Camp	Counselor In Training
8	July 22-26	Five Senses	Animal Defenses	Adaptations	Wildlife Biology	No Camp
July 22-26 for Ages 10-14: Conservation Leadership Camp - click here for details
9	July 29 - Aug 2	Shapes and Sizes	Habitats	ZSI: Habitats	Wildlife Biology	Counselor In Training
10	Aug 5-9	Conservation	Conservation	Conservation	No Camp	No Camp

Course Information

Age Groups

Ages 5-6 | Ages 7-8 | Ages 9-10 | Ages 11-12 | Ages 13-14

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Ages 5-6

Campers ages 5 & 6 can participate in any of four camps on alternating weeks, so they can spend more than one session at Summer Day Camp! All camps will explore the entire Zoo, but each week will focus on a new theme and provide a unique experience for your camper!

Five Senses
Sessions #1 (June 3-7), #4 (June 24-28), or #8 (July 22-26)
Campers will learn about each sense and how different animals use them in different ways.
 
Shapes and Sizes
Sessions #2 (June 10-14), #6 (July 8-12), or #9 (July 29 – August 2)
Campers will explore the Zoo for different shapes and sizes they can see among the animals in our care while learning about how their shape and size may help each animal survive in their chosen habitat.
 
Conservation
Sessions #3 (June 17-21), #7 (July 15-19), and #10 (August 5-9)
While exploring the Zoo, campers will learn what we do, and what they can do at home to help conserve the natural world. Campers will also learn about why conservation is so important to the animals that live throughout the world.
 
Enrichment
Session #5 (Discount Week July 1-3, 5)
During this holiday week, campers will learn what enrichment is, and how the Zoo provides mental stimulation to the animals in its collection.

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Ages 7-8

Campers ages 7 & 8 can participate in any of four camps on alternating weeks, so they can spend more than one session at Summer Day Camp! All camps will explore the entire Zoo, but each week will focus on a new theme and provide a unique experience for your camper!

Animal Defenses
Sessions #1 (June 3-7), #4 (June 24-28), or #8 (July 22-26)
Campers will learn how animals can use their senses for defense, and the unique ways they protect themselves from predators.
 
Habitats
Sessions #2 (June 10-14), #6 (July 8-12), or #9 (July 29 – August 2)
Campers will learn about different habitats and how each animal is designed specifically for the habitat in which they live.
 
Conservation
Sessions #3 (June 17-21), #7 (July 15-19), and #10 (August 5-9)
While exploring the Zoo, campers will learn what we do, and what they can do at home to help conserve the natural world. Campers will also learn about why conservation is so important to the animals that live throughout the world.
 
Enrichment
Session #5 (Discount Week July 1-3, 5)
During this holiday week, campers will learn what enrichment is, and how the Zoo provides mental stimulation to the animals in its collection.

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Ages 9-10

Campers ages 9 & 10 can participate in any of five camps on alternating weeks, so they can spend more than one session at Summer Day Camp! All camps will explore the entire Zoo, but each week will focus on a new theme and provide a unique experience for your camper!

Adaptations
Sessions #1 (June 3-7), #4 (June 24-28), or #8 (July 22-26)
Campers explore the differences of animals and how each adaptation is useful for survival within their ecosystem.
 
Zoo Scene Investigators: Habitats
Sessions #2 (June 10-14), #6 (July 8-12), or #9 (July 29 – August 2)
Campers will explore and investigate animal mysteries each day that illustrate the importance of habitats throughout the natural world.
 
Conservation
Sessions #3 (June 17-21), #7 (July 15-19), and #10 (August 5-9)
While exploring the Zoo, campers will learn what we do, and what they can do at home to help conserve the natural world. Campers will also learn about why conservation is so important to the animals that live throughout the world.
 
Enrichment
Session #5 (Discount Week July 1-3, 5)
During this holiday week, campers will learn what enrichment is, and how the Zoo provides mental stimulation to the animals in its collection.

Conservation Leadership Camp (must be at least 10 years old)
Sessions #3 (June 17-21), #6 (July 8-12), #8 (July 22-26) 
This camp includes one overnight stay.  Click here for more details.

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Ages 11-12

Campers ages 11 & 12 can participate in either of three camps on alternating weeks, so they can spend more than one session at Summer Day Camp! All camps will explore the entire Zoo, but each week will focus on a new theme and provide a unique experience for your camper!

Wildlife Biology
Sessions #2 (June 10-14), #6 (July 8-12), #8 (July 22-26) or #9 (July 29 – August 3)
Campers ages 11-12 will participate in our Wildlife Biology program. This program allows older campers to explore the Zoo and Brookside Reservation while learning about the importance of observation and exploration.
 
Enrichment
Session #5 (Discount Week July 1-3, 5)
During this holiday week, campers will learn what enrichment is, and how the Zoo provides mental stimulation to the animals in its collection.

Conservation Leadership Camp 
Sessions #3 (June 17-21), #6 (July 8-12), #8 (July 22-26) 
This camp includes one overnight stay.  Click here for more details.

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Ages 13-14

Campers ages 13 & 14 can participate in either of two camps on alternating weeks, so they can spend more than one session at Summer Day Camp! All camps will explore the entire Zoo, but each week will focus on a new theme and provide a unique experience for your camper!

Counselor in Training

Sessions #1 (June 3-7), #4 (June 24-28),  #7 (July 15-19), or #9 (July 29 – August 2)
Our “Counselor-In-Training” leadership camp for ages 13-14 allows participants to develop their leadership skills by working alongside our staff, partnering up with our teen “Zoo Crew” volunteers, and participating in team building and challenge activities!

Conservation Leadership Camp 
Sessions #3 (June 17-21), #6 (July 8-12), #8 (July 22-26) 
This camp includes one overnight stay.  Click here for more details.

Cost

All prices are for the full week:

• Half Day (Member): $125
• Half Day (Non-Member): $145
• Full Day (Member): $175
• Full Day (Non-Member): $200
• Before Camp care (begins at 7:30 am): $26
• After Camp care (ends at 6:00 pm): $30

Discount Week (July 1-3, 5)

• Half Day (Member): $100
• Half Day (Non-Member): $115
• Full Day (Member): $140
• Full Day (Non-Member): $160

FAQ

How big are your T-shirt sizes?

• Youth Small
• Youth Medium 
• Youth Large
• Adult Small
• Adult Medium
• Adult Large
• Adult XL

 

Will my camper have an opportunity to help an animal keeper?

For the safety of all, direct contact with exhibit animals is not possible. Please refer to the Activities section of the Parents’ Guide for additional information.
 

Can I come into camp with my camper on Monday morning?

Yes, you are welcome to accompany your camper into the Zoo. During drop-off and pick-up, we ask that you park your car in the designated Summer Day Camp Parking Area and escort your camper to the registration tables. Here you will be able to meet your camper’s camp counselor and ask any questions that you might have.
 

Can siblings and/or friends be registered in the same group?

Registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. As classes may fill quickly, the Zoo cannot guarantee that your camper and their same-aged friend will be placed together. If your registration is completed online, please indicate your preference when prompted. If your registration is completed on paper, please mail your camper’s forms together with their friend’s forms. We will do our best to accommodate you.
 

What is your refund policy?

No refunds will be issued for no-shows or after the start day of the session for which you are registered. Please refer to the Registration/Admissions Policy section of the Parents’ Guide for additional information.
 

Does my camper need to bring a lunch?

Full-day campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch and beverage. Half-day campers do not need to bring a lunch, as they leave camp prior to lunch time. Please refer to the Lunch Guidelines section of the Parents’ Guide for additional information.
 

Where do I find my Camp ID Number?

Your Camp ID Number is located on your confirmation page. You must have the Camp ID Number for any camper that you are picking up.

After registration, what information will I receive?

Your registration confirmation page will automatically be e-mailed to you. Please be sure to retain this page as it contains your Camp ID Number. If registering using a paper form, your confirmation page will be mailed to you.
 

My camper has special needs and has difficulty functioning at grade level. How should I register my camper for camp?

If you have a concern about your camper’s needs, please call the camp office (216-635-3391) prior to registration.
 

Can I send sunscreen and/or insect repellent with my camper to camp?
My camper will require medication during the day. Can the camp staff administer this medication on my behalf?

Yes. If you would like for camp staff to apply sunscreen and/or insect repellent or administer medication, you must complete the Request for Administration Form. Please refer to the Participant Health Records section of the Parents’ Guide.
 

Can my camper attend camp for more than one session?

Yes, your camper may attend for multiple sessions; however, each session is treated as a separate order. Please complete separate forms for each session that you are registering for.

Where should I drop off my camper if we arrive after 9:00am?

Up until 9:00 am, drop off takes place in the designated Summer Day Camp Parking Area of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. If you arrive after that time, please check in at the Reinberger Education Center (first building on the left when you drive into the Zoo).

Why must I park my car and escort my camper into camp?

• We ask that when arriving to or departing from camp, your car is parked in the designated Summer Day Camp Parking and your camper is walked to and from the registration tables. These policies have been made in an effort to ensure your camper’s safety and to make Summer Day Camp both more personable and more environmentally friendly. 

 

• Parking and turning off your car eliminates time spent idling, which reduces car emissions, making Summer Day Camp a greener place to be.

 

• By taking a moment to park your car, it will also help to alleviate the pressures of heavy traffic on Free Mondays throughout the summer.

 

• Escorting your camper to registration allows you, not only the opportunity to meet your camper’s camp counselor before Day Camp even begins, but to ask any lingering questions that you might have.

 

• For complete details, see the Arrival/Departure Procedures in the Parents’ Guide.

 

• Half Day and Full Day pick up locations are subject to change due to construction. You will receive the most up to date parking and pick up information in your camp reminder email. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we make improvements to the Zoo. 

What should I do if my camper will be absent?
My camper has a doctor’s appointment and needs to leave early. Is this possible?

If your camper will be absent or will need to leave early, please contact the camp office (216-635-3391).
 

Are there discounts available for registering multiple campers or registering for multiple sessions?

The only discount available is for Cleveland Zoological Society Members. Please refer to the Parents’ Guide for Summer Day Camp rates.
 

Can my camper bring a backpack, additional clothes, water bottle, or camera to camp?

Your camper will be responsible for carrying all items. Please refer to the Do’s and Don’ts section of the Parents’ Guide.
 

Is it possible for someone else to pick up my camper from camp?

For campers participating in car pools, the vehicle that picks up the campers must have the Camp ID Numbers for each camper to be picked up, or the campers will not be released. This is done to ensure the safety of your camper.
 

How do you select your camp counselors?

In addition to being the best of the applicant pool, camp counselors are subject to criminal background checks and drug screening. They are also required to submit three letters of recommendation. All camp groups consist of both Senior Counselors (ages 18 and above) and Junior Counselors (ages 16-18).