Summer Camps
Welcome to the North Carolina Zoo’s Jr. Zookeeper Camp! 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. In addition, we are bringing back our popular KidZu camps which are geared toward rising 3rd-8th graders with high functioning autism. During our immersive weeklong camps, Jr. Zookeepers will have the opportunity to discover many of the different aspects of taking care of animals here at the Zoo. Our exciting single day camps will provide Jr. Zookeepers the chance to focus on exploring a specific group of animals.
All In-Person Camps are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine; Virtual Camp times are noted in the description.
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).
All in-person single day and weeklong camps are sold out. Virtual and KidZu camps are currently the only available options.
Buy Camps Now
Single Day Camps
Keepers of the Unusual
Are you a fan of weird yet wonderful animals? Join us as we explore some our planet’s most unusual and often overlooked animals- fish and invertebrates (animals without backbones)!
- Tuesday, June 14 Virtual Camp ($35) = 9 a.m.-12 p.m. rising 1-3 graders, 15 campers max; 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. rising 4-6 graders, 20 campers max
- Wednesday, June 15 KidZu*** Camp ($65) = 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max
- Thursday, June 16 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
- Friday June 17 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
Keepers of the Slimy and Scaly
Love scaly and slimy critters? Then this camp is for you as we learn about all things reptilian and amphibian!
- Tuesday, June 21 Virtual Camp ($35) = 9 a.m.-12 p.m. rising 1-3 graders, 15 campers max; 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. rising 4-6 graders, 20 campers max
- Wednesday, June 22 KidZu*** Camp ($65) = 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max
- Thursday, June 23 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
- Friday June 24 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
Keepers of the Flock
Birds of a feather flock together! Calling all bird buffs to come and find out more about our amazing Aves.
- Tuesday, July 5 Virtual Camp ($35) = 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. rising 1-3 graders, 15 campers max; 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. rising 4-6 graders, 20 campers max
- Wednesday, July 6 KidZu*** Camp ($65) = 9am-4pm rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max
- Thursday, July 7 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
- Friday July 8 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
Keepers of the Furry
Prefer your animals furry? Come join us for a camp all about our magnificent mammals!
- Tuesday, July 19 Virtual Camp ($35) = 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. rising 1-3 graders, 15 campers max; 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. rising 4-6 graders, 20 campers max
- Wednesday, July 20 KidZu*** Camp ($65) = 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. rising 3-8 graders; 8 campers max
- Thursday, July 21 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
- Friday July 22 In-Person Camp ($65) = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
***KidZu camps are geared toward rising 3rd-8th graders with high functioning autism. Anyone registering for this camp will be sent a health form that needs to be completed and turned in at least 2 weeks before the start of their camp.
Weeklong Camps
Keeper for a Week ($265)
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Zookeeper? During this weeklong camp, Jr. Zookeeper campers will find out all the different ways keepers care for their animals to keep them happy and healthy!
* Please note that this is the same camp for each week, please do not sign your camper up for more than one week.
- Monday June 27- Friday July 1 In-Person Camp = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
- Monday July 11-Friday July 15 In-Person Camp = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
- Monday July 25-Friday July 29 In-Person Camp = rising 1-3 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
- Monday August 1-Friday August 5 In-Person Camp = rising 4-6 graders; 15 campers max - SOLD OUT
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 required throughout your visit - unless seated and actively eating or drinking - in accordance with the current Governor’s Order for all guests ages 5 and older.
- Campers will be asked to maintain at least 6’ distance from other campers, groups and 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
Virtual
Rising 1-3 graders - 15 campers max
Rising 4-6 graders - 20 campers max
KidZu
Rising 3-8 graders - 8 campers max