Summer ZooCamp 2023

Attention All Animal Adventurers! It's time to register for the best camp of the summer. At Franklin Park Zoo’s ZooCamp, go wild for wildlife as you meet animal ambassadors, visit behind-the-scenes areas and learn all about our Zoo’s animals. We’ll also engage in discussion-style lessons, make crafts and play fun games like Rhino Run, Tarantula Trap Tag and more! By the time Friday rolls around, you'll have learned a whale's worth of knowledge about animals and how we can help them!

Registration Process

Register

Please use our online registration system, as registrations will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis through that system. If you have questions, during registration, please email us at FPZcamp@zoonewengland.org

We’ve heard from families that there is interest in a ZooCamp for 4-5-year-olds. So, we’re going to try Junior ZooCampers for that age group at the end of the summer. This special session will be a half-day program (9:00AM-12:00PM) with no extended care. Franklin Park Zoo ZooCamp offers needs-based scholarships. To apply for a scholarship, please complete a ZooCamp Scholarship form. Please note that scholarships and slots at camp will be given on a first come first serve basis and there is a limited number we may give out.

ZooCamp Themes

Ages 6-8:

It’s a Wild World
This week is going to be absolutely wild as campers learn about the big, wide, wonderful world we live in. We’ll start off focusing on what are habitats and then travel around the world learning about aquatic ecosystems, African savannas, Antarctic tundra, rainy rainforests, and more!
Sessions: 1,3,5,7

Animal Adventures
What’s the difference between a dolphin and a shark? What about a frog and gecko? In this week of camp, we’re going to explore and learn about the many types of animals, how they’re similar and different and what makes them so special. This will include feathered friends' day, insect investigators, mammal mania, fish fun and cold-blooded creatures!
Sessions: 2,4,6,8

Ages 9-11:

It’s a Wonderful (wild) Life
This week we’ll explore all aspects of wild life! We'll examine overarching concepts like the web of life and life cycle, and then dive into more focused subjects such as endangered species, urban wildlife and invasive species. Your camper will leave this week of camp an expert on animals!
Sessions: 1,3,5,7

Feeding Frenzy Fun
They say nature is "eat or be eaten," so this week at camp we’re diving fully into eating! We’ll learn about different types of eaters, the senses and adaptions developed for eating (and avoiding being eaten), and what it’s like to be a predator and prey!
Sessions: 2,4,6,8

Ages 12-13: ZooKeeper Camp

Want to be a zookeeper, biologist, or vet? This is the camp session for you. You will shadow zookeepers, meet different animals and see special behind the scenes areas. Campers will help prepare animal’s food, clean stalls, and even see training important for animal health. The program also includes a fun and high-level curriculum consisting of games, activities and discussion. Some of the topics covered are predator vs prey populations, exhibit design, species survival plans, biology and surgery, behavioral analysis and so much more!
Sessions: 7 & 8

Ages 4-5: Junior ZooCampers: Senses Safari

It’s never too early to start learning about animals and their amazing abilities! At this week-long, half day program, your campers will explore animals’ senses. Each day they’ll meet one of our ambassador animals and participate in games and activities to see as well as a hawk and smell as well as a ferret!
Session: 9

2023 ZooCamp Sessions:

Each session option is for a full day of camp, 9 am – 3 pm.

• Session 1: June 26 –June 30
• Session 2: July 3 – July 7 (Please note, camp will not be held on 7/4)
• Session 3: July 10 – July 14
• Session 4: July 17 – July 21
• Session 5: July 24 – July 28
• Session 6: July 31 – August 4
• Session 7: August 7 – August 11
• Session 8: August 14- August 18
• Session 9 (4-5 Year olds): August 21-25 (This is a half-day program from 9am - 12pm)

Cost

The cost of ZooCamp is based on a sliding scale of annual income. Levels 1 and 2 of payment are required to send some income information to Zoo New England to confirm their status and payment. Level 3 of payment does not require any information provided. Before you begin registration, please read through our sliding scale information. Income verification is due by May 12, 2023.

If costs are a limiting factor to your camper attending ZooCamp, please apply for a ZooCamp scholarship by filling out a ZooCamp Scholarship form.

(NEW!) Extended Care

We will be offering extended care for ZooCamp 2023!

• Morning care: 7:45am-8:40am. Purchase of morning-care-only for the full week is $70.
• After care: 3:15pm-4:15pm. Purchase of after-care-only for the full week is $70.
• Purchase of before and after-care for the entire week is $140.

Please note: A late fee will apply for late pick-up from extended care. Please see our FAQ page for more information regarding this policy.

Required Health Forms

In order to complete your registration, Stone Zoo must receive a Certificate of Immunization for each child registered by May 12, 2023.

-By mail to:
Franklin Park Zoo
Attn: Education Department
1 Franklin Park Rd
Boston, MA 02121

-By fax to: 1-617-989-2025, Attn: Education Department

-By email (a scanned copy – please no photographs) to: FPZcamp@zoonewengland.org

More information about the Certificate of Immunization and Physical Report.

Medication Information

If your child requires medication to be administered during the camp day, you will be required to fill out a Parent/Guardian Authorization to Administer Medication form.

Please note: This form needs to be filled out only if your child may need medication administered during the camp day. If you are not sending your camper with any type of medication to Camp, this form is not required.

COVID-19 Policies

We remain attentive to the COVID pandemic, and we will update our health policies in the spring, based on the best available information and guidelines from public health officials. We will be sure to share updated health policies with all families who register a child for camp. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding ZooCamp and COVID-19 in the meantime.

FAQ’S

You can find a list of Frequently Asked Questions here.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your registration more than 6 weeks before the date of your camp week, 75% of your camp cost will be refunded, minus a $10 service fee. If you need to cancel three weeks or more before the start of your camp week, 25% of your camp cost will be refunded, minus a $10 service fee. If you are cancelling three weeks or less before the start of your camp session, no refunds will be issued.  

Contact Us

Please email FPZcamp@zoonewengland.org with any questions.

 

Parents/guardians may request copies of background check, health care and discipline policies as well as procedures for filing grievances.

This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.

Please note, all sessions of ZooCamp at Stone Zoo are sold out and waitlist only.

Tap into your wild side and learn about animals while spending summer days at the Zoo! Campers will explore the Zoo, learning about animals from all over the world and even meeting some up-close to discover their unique adaptations. Zoo educators will lead campers through an adventurous week of learning about their favorite animals, engaging in hands-on activities, playing animal-related games, and making crafts. Whether you're already an animal expert or interested in becoming one, this camp is for you!

Registration Process

Registration will open between 12-12:15 p.m. on each designated registration day. The link to register will be found here during that time.

During registration, please refrain from calling. Due to the volume of inquiries, we will be much better equipped to answer those via email so we can best keep track of each conversation. Please allow 1-3 business days for responses to emails regarding ZooCamp.

Please note, as a way to reach more ZooCamp participants, we will be offering one week of ZooCamp to 4-5 year old participants at the end of the summer. This session will be half-day only (9:00AM-12:00PM) and no extended care will be offered.

2023 Registration Dates

• Ages 4-7: Wednesday, January 18: Register (Waitlist Only)
• Ages 8-10: Thursday, January 19: Register (Waitlist Only)
• Ages 11-13: Friday, January 20: Register (Waitlist Only)

ZooCamp Sessions

Each session option (except session 10) is for a full day of camp, 9 am – 3 pm.*

Ages 6-7

• Session 1: June 19-June 23
• Session 2: June 26-June 30
• Session 3: July 03-July 07 (Please note, camp will not be held on 7/4)

Ages 8-10

• Session 4: July 10-July 14
• Session 5: July 17-July 21
• Session 6: July 24-July 28

Ages 11-13

• Session 7 Jr. Zookeepers: July 31-August 04
• Session 8 Jr. Zookeepers: August 07-August 11
• Session 9 Jr. Zookeepers: August 14-August 18

Ages 4-5

• Session 10 (Half Day): August 21- August 25
  Session 10 is a half day of camp, 9 am – 12 pm. Please note, no extended care is offered for this age group.

Daily Descriptions

Monday: Herbivores, Carnivores & Omnivores
What does an animal’s teeth tell us about its diet? Today we’re going to investigate animal teeth and how they pair with diet. You may even be surprised about some animals who don’t have teeth at all!

Tuesday: Feathers, Fur & Scales
Body coverings can tell us a lot about an animal, like whether it’s a mammal, bird or reptile. Body coverings can also tell us about what type of habitat an animal is native to. Today we’re going to learn all about the feathers, fur and scales that cover animals!

Wednesday: Super-duper Defenses
Now that we have an understanding of teeth and body coverings, let’s take a look at how these animals protect themselves against predators with their daring defenses!

Thursday: Animal Helpers
Animals inspire us each and every day! Today we'll chat all about the unique animal adaptations and creations that have inspired people to create new things!

Friday: Endangered Species
During our week together, we’ve learned about some amazing animal adaptations and how animals help people. During our final day together, we'll learn about some of the animals who need our help, what we can do to help, and highlight some of the ways that you are already helping them!

*Please note that our ZooCamp curriculum repeats each week.

Session Description for Sessions 7, 8 and 9: Jr. Zookeepers

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life for a zookeeper is like? In this week-long session we'll have the opportunity to shadow zookeepers and see Stone Zoo’s different animal and behind-the-scenes areas. Some tasks Jr. Zookeepers will help with include prepping animal diets and feeding, cleaning stalls, or observing animal training. This program includes a more challenging curriculum and hands-on experiences to give Jr. Zookeepers a feel for what it's like to have a profession in a zoo or animal and science related field. Some topics that may be included in the curriculum are animal behavior and training, exhibit design, zoo careers, local species, animal handling, and endangered species (and how to help them!)

Cost

The cost of ZooCamp is based on a sliding scale of annual income. Levels 1 and 2 of payment are required to send some income information to Zoo New England to confirm their status and payment. Level 3 of payment does not require any information provided. Before you begin registration, please read through our sliding scale information. Income verification is due by May 12th, 2023.

Extended Care

We are offering extended care for ZooCamp 2023!

• Morning care: 7:45am-8:40am. Purchase of morning-care-only for the full week is $70.
• After care: 3:15pm-4:15pm. Purchase of after-care-only for the full week is $70.
• Purchase of before and after-care for the entire week is $140.

Please note: A late fee will apply for late pick-up from extended care. Please see our FAQ page for more information regarding this policy.

Required Health Forms

In order to complete your registration, Stone Zoo must receive a Certificate of Immunization for each child registered by May 12th, 2023.

Required health forms can be uploaded to the registration site or sent:

-By mail to:

Stone Zoo
Attn: Education Department
149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

-By fax to: 1-781-438-9517, Attn: Education Department

-By email (a scanned copy – please no photographs) to: SZcamp@zoonewengland.org

More information about the Certificate of Immunization and Physical Report.

Medication Information

If your child requires medication to be administered during the camp day, you will be required to fill out a Parent/Guardian Authorization to Administer Medication form.

Please note: This form needs to be filled out only if your child may need medication administered during the camp day. If you are not sending your camper with any type of medication to Camp, this form is not required.

COVID-19 Policies

We remain attentive to the COVID pandemic, and we will update our health policies in the spring, based on the best available information and guidelines from public health officials. We will be sure to share updated health policies with all families who register a child for camp. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding ZooCamp and COVID-19 in the meantime.

Health Care Policy

Stone Zoo’s ZooCamp Health Care Policy, found here, includes our policies on treating a mildly ill camper, plan for administering medication (prescription and nonprescription) and our emergency health care procedures. A complete copy of the policy shall be furnished to parents/guardians upon request.

FAQ’S

You can find a list of Frequently Asked Questions here.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your registration more than 6 weeks before the date of your camp week, 75% of your camp cost will be refunded, minus a $10 service fee. If you need to cancel three weeks or more before the start of your camp week, 25% of your camp cost will be refunded, minus a $10 service fee. If you are cancelling three weeks or less before the start of your camp session, no refunds will be issued.  

Contact Us

Please email SZcamp@zoonewengland.org with any questions.

 

Parents/guardians may request copies of background check, health care and discipline policies as well as procedures for filing grievances.

This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.

ZooCamp 2023 is looking for Counselors in Training!

If you're a former ZooCamp participant aged 15-17, you're eligible to apply for the CIT program at Stone Zoo!

CITs will be supervised by the ZooCamp staff and are responsible for assisting staff with maintaining a fun, safe, and educational environment for campers. This is done by modeling ZooCamp expectations, assisting campers with activities, and encouraging participation throughout the week. The CIT program will provide teen volunteers with experience in conservation, education, working with children within a camp setting, classroom management, and working as part of a team.

Applications are due March 31, 2023

Job Description

Application

Qualifications: An applicant must:

• Be a student aged 15-17. Grade/age verification may be required.
• Have completed at least one session of ZooCamp at Stone Zoo as a camper.
• Commit to one full week of summer ZooCamp, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday.
• Commit to three mandatory trainings in the spring.
  • Thursday, June 1st from 4:30 pm-5:30 pm (parent/guardian attendance required)
  • Saturday, June 3rd from 10:00 am-2:00 pm
  • Wednesday, June 14th from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
• Arrive on time and stay for their entire shift, each day, with reliable transportation to and from the zoo.
• Enjoy interacting with children.
• Have interest in conservation and zoos.
• Have a strong desire to uphold Zoo New England’s messages, mission, and goals.
• Adhere to all ZooCamp and Zoo New England policies and procedures.
• Complete the Center for Disease Control and Protection’s “Heads UP” online training upon acceptance to the program.
• Submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

CITs will:

• Assist Camp Counselors and the ZooCamp Director with all aspects of camp for ages 4-10.
• Learn how to lead different components of ZooCamp including games, crafts, and activities.
• Learn about the animals that call Stone Zoo home to better teach campers.
• Learn how to handle select ambassador animals at the discretion of the Education Department Staff.

Benefits:

• A great learning experience that’s fun and contributes to the zoo and to participants in camp programs.
• Resume-building skills and opportunities for professional development.
• Community service hours for school, sports teams, etc.
• Membership to Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo for yourself and your family.

Cost: $100

COVID-19 Policies:

• Applicants must be able to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
• We remain attentive to the COVID pandemic, and we will update our health policies in the spring, based on the best available information and guidelines from public health officials. We will be sure to share updated health policies with all CITs and families. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding ZooCamp and COVID-19 in the meantime.

FAQs:

Visit Frequently Asked Questions

Cancellation Policy:

If you need to cancel three weeks or more before the start of your camp week, 25% of your payment will be refunded, minus a $10 service fee. If you are cancelling three weeks or less before the start of your camp session, no refunds will be issued.

Contact Us:

Please email us at SZCamp@zoonewengland.org if you have any questions! Please note: parents/guardians should refrain from emailing regarding applications, please encourage your CIT to email us.