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Summer Safari Camp

Experience the amazing world of animals with Summer Safari Camps at the Virginia Zoo! Safari camps are an exciting opportunity for rising K-8 students to dive into nature in a safe, hands-on, and age-appropriate setting. Campers of all abilities and learning styles can enjoy a fun, action-packed week where they will encounter animals up close, express their creativity, and explore the entire Zoo. With behind-the-scenes adventures and games galore, Safari Camp is a new way to discover the natural world.

All Safari Camp programs support Virginia Standards of Learning and Next Generation Science Standards. A summary of learning topics for each program is available upon request.

Registration for Virginia Zoo Summer Safari Camp is currently on hold. The safety and well-being of our Safari Camp participants, staff, and their families is our highest priority. We are evaluating our plans for Summer Camp following the guidance of the CDC and local government. If you would like to be notified about camp details and registration, please email the Education Department. 

 

Can't wait for more fun? Check out Virtual Safari Camp!

For additional information on Safari Camp, email the Education Department or call 757.441.2374 (229).


A Typical Camp Day Includes:

 

  • Hikes through the Zoo

  • Meet and greets with animal ambassadors

  • Crafts

  • Games

  • Behind the scenes experiences

  • Learning activities

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Safari Camp instructors are thoroughly prepared to provide your campers with an awesome day of camp! They are excited to share animals and nature with kids of all ages, and are trained in conservation education, classroom management, special needs, and First Aid/CPR.

Our camp programs are inclusive and encourage campers of all abilities and learning styles to learn at their own pace. A few activities may be overstimulating for campers who are sensory-sensitive. If you have concerns about whether Safari Camp is a good fit for your camper, please contact the Safari Camp Coordinator.

After Camp Care

After Camp

The Virginia Zoo offers after camp care for 1st-8th grade camps until 5:00 pm daily. This time offers more Zoo learning and hanging out with your favorite instructors!

Prices and Registration: 

Full week: $75/members & $100/non-members.

Per day: $25/member & $30/non-members.

 


Prices range from $25.00 to $100.00

Early Explorers Kindergarten Camp

Alphabet Zoop

From apes to zebras, learn the ABCs of zoo life. We’ll B sure to have lots of fun and C lots of animals as we learn our letters and numbers!

Alphabet Zoop is a half-day program for kindergarten-aged children. For purposes of this program, “kindergarten-aged” is defined as no younger than four and entering kindergarten in the Fall of 2020. 

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm. 

Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 12:15pm.

After Care is not available for Early Explorers Kindergarten Camp.

Date: July 13-17*

PRICES

$180/members and $210/non-members.

*Military Appreciation Week: 20% off the week of July 13-17 for active duty and retired military and first responder personnel with valid government-issued ID. Valid ID must be presented on first day of camp to verify discount. Enter promo code "MILITARY" at check out. 

Furry Tails

Bibbidi bobbidi ZOO! Join us on a magical journey as we explore the animals in our favorite fairy tales. Stories will come to life as campers meet charming frog princes and delightful dragons in their adventures through the zoo. 

Furry Tails is a half-day program for kindergarten-aged children. For purposes of this program, “kindergarten-aged” is defined as no younger than four and entering kindergarten in the Fall of 2020. 

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm. 

Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 12:15pm.

After Care is not available for Early Explorers Kindergarten Camp.

Date: June 29 - July 3

PRICES

$180/members and $210/non-members.

1st & 2nd Grade Camps

Zoo Detectives

Zoodunnit? Campers will use their detective skills as they follow the trail to solve the mysteries of the animal kingdom. Work with the Director of the ZIA (Zoo Intelligence Agency) to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack the case to earn your Virginia Zoo Detective Badge!

Sessions: 

(Session 3) July 6-10

(Session 5) July 20-24

(Session 7) August 3-7*

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm. Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 4:15pm

PRICES

$300/members and $350/non-members.

*Military Appreciation Weeks: 20% off the week of August 3-7 for active duty and retired military and first responder personnel with valid government-issued ID. Valid ID must be presented on first day of camp. Enter promo code "MILITARY" at check out. 

Artsy Animals

Creativity runs wild at the Virginia Zoo! Be inspired by our animals and use your animal instincts to create art, music, dance, and drama. For nature enthusiasts, animal lovers, and budding artists, this camp offers the perfect opportunity to explore your artistic side!

Sessions: 

(Session 4) July 13-17*

(Session 6) July 27-31

(Session 8) August 10-14

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm. Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 4:15pm

PRICES

$300/members and $350/non-members.

*Military Appreciation Weeks: 20% off the week of July 13-17 for active duty and retired military and first responder personnel with valid government-issued ID. Valid ID must be presented on first day of camp. Enter promo code "MILITARY" at check out. 

3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Camps

Myths & Monsters

Bigfoot, dragons, megalodons, and dinosaurs: need I say more? Travel back in time or deep into your imagination to meet notorious beasts in history and folklore. Discover the science behind fantastic myths and investigate real monsters that went extinct long ago. Over the course of the week, campers will become cryptozoologists, storytellers, and myth-busters as they explore some of the most impressive species that ever lived

 

Sessions: 

(Session 1) June 22-26

(Session 3) July 6-10

(Session 7) August 3-7*

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm. Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 4:15pm

PRICES

$300/members and $350/non-members.

*Military Appreciation Weeks: 20% off the week of August 3-7 for active duty and retired military and first responder personnel with valid government-issued ID. Valid ID must be presented on first day of camp. Enter promo code "MILITARY" at check out. 

Epoch Adventures

Do you have a future in time travel? Join the Time Voyagers on their adventures through the Virginia Zoo to discover animals throughout time. Journeying from the beginning of life on Earth to the distant future, time travelers will explore animal adaptations, Earth patterns and change, and the depths of their imaginations. It’s going to be epoch! 

Sessions: 

(Session 2) June 29- July 3

(Session 6) July 27-31

(Session 9) August 17-21

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm. Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 4:15pm

PRICES

$300/members and $350/non-members.

6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Camps

Junior Zookeepers

Have you ever wanted to know if you have what it takes to be a zookeeper? Come find out in this in-depth look at everything zookeepers do: from feeding animals and cleaning exhibits, to conservation and animal research. Campers will get down and dirty as we scoop poop and take care of our animals here at the Virginia Zoo.

Sessions: 

(Session 1) June 22 - 26     

(Session 2) June 29 - July 3        

(Session 9) August 17-22    

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm. Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 4:15pm

PRICES

$300/members and $350/non-members.

Tech Trek

Did you know your smartphone could be a command center for conservation? Explore the impact of technology on animal care and conservation at the Zoo, in your neighborhood, and around the world. We’ll dive into radio tagging, robot animal cams, augmented reality, community science and more in this dynamic, hands-on STEM program.

Sessions: 

(Session 4) July 13-17*  

(Session 8) August 10-14    

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm. Drop off starts at 8:45am. Pick up ends at 4:15pm

PRICES

$300/members and $350/non-members.

*Military Appreciation Weeks: 20% off the week of July 13-17 for active duty and retired military and first responder personnel with valid government-issued ID. Valid ID must be presented on first day of camp. Enter promo code "MILITARY" at check out. 

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