Looking for a Wild Job?
The North Carolina Zoo is now hiring for a variety of seasonal positions. Apply Today!
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Gorilla habitat closed
The gorilla habitat will be closed starting Jan. 18 for a few months due to habitat upgrades.
Summer Camps
2023 Summer Camps "Take a Bite out of Summer" (Registration Opens February 1, 2023)
Come “Take a Bite out of Summer” at the North Carolina Zoo’s Summer Camps! This year we are offering a variety of fun and engaging weeklong and single day camps (in-person and virtual options) for rising 1st-3rd graders and rising 4th-6th graders. We will continue to offer our Kidzu camps, geared toward 3rd-8th graders who need a smaller group size and a more guided, sensory-sensitive experience. New this year, we will also be offering single day camps for rising 7th- 8th graders! Our exciting single day camps will explore the different types of foods that animals eat and how they eat it. Weeklong camps will delve into all aspects of animal diets at the zoo, including preparing diets and how we feed our animals. Middle school day camps will further explore the relationships between food, animals, and humans.
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 never forget 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
Perfect Plant Eaters
Calling all fans of our gentle giants....and their smaller friends, too! Come learn about giraffes, elk, tortoises, and other happy herbivores!
- Wednesday, June 14 KidZu*** In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max
- Thursday, June 15 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Friday, June 16 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
Outstanding Omnivores
Can’t choose what’s for dinner? Have the best of both worlds while you learn about bears, chimps, turtles, and other om-nom-nom-nivores!
- Wednesday, June 21 KidZu*** In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max
- Thursday, June 22 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Friday June 23 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
Freaky Feeders
Even picky eaters deserve appreciation! Come learn about our animals that have a more specialized diet, like vampire bats, vultures, and butterflies!
- Wednesday, July 5 KidZu*** In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max
- Thursday, July 6 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Friday July 7 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
Magnificent Meat Eaters
Are you a fan of our charming carnivores? Whether it’s wild cats, snakes, or birds of prey, come join us in learning about the Zoo’s meat eaters!
- Wednesday, July 19 KidZu*** In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Thursday, July 20 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Friday July 21 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
***KidZu camps are geared toward rising 3rd-8th graders that need a smaller group size and a more guided, sensory-sensitive experience.
Virtual Camps:
Price: $35/Virtual Camp
Perfect Plant Eaters/Magnificent Meat Eaters Virtual Mash-Up
Join us for an action-packed virtual session exploring the zoo’s herbivores and carnivores! We’ll see gentle giants and pouncing predators while discussing their diets.
- Tuesday, June 13 Virtual Camp ($35) = 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. for rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max
- Tuesday, June 13 Virtual Camp ($35) = 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. for rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max
Outstanding Omnivores/Stupendous Specialists Virtual Mash-Up
Ready to travel along with us while we check out some hungry friends? Meet some unique animals and see a wide variety of food options!
- Monday, July 3 Virtual Camp ($35) = 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max
- Monday, July 3 Virtual Camp ($35) = 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. for rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max
Middle School Camps:
Price: $65/In-Person Camp
Food Chain Champions
Join us in learning all about the food chain as we travel full circle from the smallest decomposer to largest predator at the Zoo! We will examine how these animals interact and what affects predator/prey relationships!
- Tuesday, June 20 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 7-8 graders; 10 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
Coexistence Challengers
Come learn all about the relationships between animals, the good, the bad and the ugly! We’ll also delve into the relationships between wildlife and humans as we explore coexistence together!
- Tuesday, July 18 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 7-8 graders; 10 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
Weeklong Camps
Price: $265/week
Hungry Hungry Helpers
Spend a week as an honorary zookeeper, diving into all aspects of animal diets. What does an animal eat? How? When? You may even get the chance to help feed some of our friends!
- Monday June 26-Friday June 30 In-Person Camp ($265) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Monday July 10-Friday July 14 In-Person Camp ($265) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Monday July 24-Friday July 28 In-Person Camp ($265) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
- Monday July 31-Friday August 4 In-Person Camp ($265)= rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max SOLD OUT (see waitlist procedure below to be added to waitlist)
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.
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 she 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
Virtual
Rising 1-3 graders - 15 campers max
Rising 4-6 graders - 15 campers max
KidZu
Rising 3-8 graders - 8 campers max