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.

Buy Camps Now

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 Dates

Price: $65 for in-person and $45 for virtual option.

Time: 9 am- 4 pm

Number of Campers: 15 camper max for in-person and 10 camper max for virtual. If a camp is sold out please see our waitlist procedure below.

6/15/2021 - ZSI Animal Identification for rising 1-3 graders (In-person sold out, Virtual spaces still available)
6/16/2021 - Living Legends for rising 1-3 graders
6/17/2021 - Living Legends for rising 4-6 graders (In-person sold out, Virtual spaces still available)
6/29/2021 - ZSI Animal Identification for rising 4-6 graders (In-person sold out, Virtual spaces still available)
6/30/2021 - Ani-Vision for rising 1-3 graders (In-person sold out, Virtual spaces still available)
7/1/2021 - Ani-Vision for rising 4-6 graders
7/8/2021 - ZSI Animal Behavior for rising 1-3 graders
7/9/2021 - ZSI Animal Behavior for rising 4-6 graders
7/21/2021 - ZSI Crime Scene for rising 1-3 graders
7/22/2021 - ZSI Crime Scene for rising 4-6 graders (In-person sold out, Virtual spaces still available)

1-Week Camp information and 1-Day Camp Descriptions are found below.

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 Dates

Price: $265

Time: 9 am - 4 pm

Number of Campers: 15 camper max for in-person and 10 camper max for virtual. If a camp is sold out please see our waitlist procedure below.

6/21/2021 - 6/25/2021 Creature Challenge rising 1-3 graders SOLD OUT
7/12/2021 - 7/16/2021 Creature Challenge rising 4-6 graders
7/26/2021 - 7/30/2021 Keeper for a Week rising 1-3 graders SOLD OUT
8/2/2021 - 8/6/2021 Keeper for a Week rising 4-6 graders SOLD OUT

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.

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?

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?

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?

1-day in-person = $65

1-day virtual = $45

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

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?

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

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?

There is a total of 3-4 counselors plus additional teen volunteers. There will be two counselors dedicated to onsite campers, one dedicated to virtual campers, and 1-2 others that will be working with both groups.

There will be a maximum of 25 campers - 15 in-person and 10 virtual.

Plan Your Visit

Experience the Zoo

Our Wildlife

Education

Conservation