Summer Camps

Is your child ready to become an Agent of the North Carolina Zoo Science Investigation (ZSI) team this summer? Campers will learn to be real wildlife heroes and be ‘otter-ly’ amazed by the hidden secrets of nature!

We are offering a variety of day camps for two age groups: rising 1st-3rd graders and rising 4th-6th graders. See dates and descriptions below.

All camps are from 9 am – 4 pm, rain or shine.

Don't forget to purchase you summer camp t-shirt! T-shirts are listed below the camp tickets so scroll down in Buy Now section.

Join us for a wild summer they’ll never forget.

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Hybrid Camps

Single day camps will be hybrid, offered both in-person and virtually for an accessible learning environment. Virtual campers will be sent an itinerary for the day of their camp and can choose their level of participation with counselors and fellow campers. These virtual camps will offer a structured morning session and then afternoon activities are optional based on your child's interest. There will be a dedicated counselor for each group (in-person and virtual) with additional staff working with both groups.

Single Day Camp Descriptions

ZSI Camp Series (Hybrid camps)

In this 3-part series, campers will be trained to become ZSI agents! Although the series builds on knowledge and skills gained across each camp, each camp can stand alone. Join us for one or all three.

• ZSI Animal Identification - Agents will learn to identify animal species and individual animals by using techniques such as camera traps and photography. This skill is important for researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. See dates above.

• ZSI Animal Behavior - Agents will use their knowledge of animal identification to observe animal behaviors and interactions. Do big cats really sleep all day, and do giraffes or elephants ever lay down? Find out with ZSI Part 2. See dates above.

• ZSI Crime Scene - Campers will use their identification and observation skills to investigate wildlife crime scenes! Reason through the facts and find out what types of animals were involved. See dates above.

Living Legends (Hybrid camps)

This day camp will investigate the tales of ancient times and how legendary creatures live on today in the wonderful wildlife we know and love. Find out how much truth is in these tales and where you can find living dragons and unicorns! See dates above.

Ani-Vision (Hybrid camps)

See the world through the eyes of an animal! Let’s investigate and find out just what makes a bird’s vision so special, or why some animals have spots and not stripes. We will compare our human vision with that of other animals to see how colors work together for camouflage to help animals survive. See dates above.

1-Week Camp Descriptions

Creature Challenge - Campers vs. Critters (In-person only)

This exciting weeklong camp will have our agents doing some scientific investigation into the many strengths and skills found in the animal kingdom! Bring your running shoes and make sure to stretch as we test your speed, agility, and many other traits to see if you have what it takes to compete with animals in the wild. Who knows we may even have a chess or puzzle competition to test your mind against that of an elephant! See dates above

Keeper for a Week (In-person only)

A good keeper knows there are many parts to making sure animals are well cared for. Come investigate the differences and similarities of pet ownership and zookeeping. Size is not as important as you might think! See dates above.