Eligibility
Our three-day Junior Keeper-in-Training and Keeper-in-Training programs are for campers age 11 – 17 years old and are entering grades 6 – 12 in the fall of the upcoming school year.
Our week-long summer camps are for campers aged 7 – 14 years old and who are entering grades 2 – 8 in the fall of the upcoming school year. Please check out our week-long summer camp page for more details.
During the school year we offer a special Sunday Jr. Science Explorers Zoo Club for ages 6 – 8 or those in 1st and 2nd grade. Please check out our Jr. Science Explorers Zoo Club page for more details.
We strive to create a camp atmosphere that is inclusive and accepting of a range of campers. However, due to limitations on staffing and classroom space, we are unable to accommodate all campers’ needs. Because significant portions of the Keeper-in-Training program take place with keepers in non-public areas, participants must be able to do the following:
- Work both independently and in small teams to complete a task
- Follow multi-step directions without repeated prompting
- Stick with the group at all times
- Tolerate exposure to strong smells, loud or sudden noises, hot and humid conditions, tightly enclosed areas, and potential allergens (nuts, hay, fur, feathers)
If you have any questions or concerns about your camper, please email camp@marylandzoo.org, and we will be happy to discuss your situation further.
Daily Camp Activities
Our unique Keeper-in-Training program includes a variety of activities such as shadowing Zoo keepers and assisting with daily activities such as cleaning and setting out animal enrichment. The program may also include interacting with animal experts, observing animal behavior, touring Zoo grounds and special workshops that give campers an insider look at life at the Zoo. This camp is ideal for the camper that is enthusiastic about animals and eager to learn about all aspects of animal care.
ACTIVITIES:
Keeper-in-Training activities may* include:
- Shadowing keepers at Zoo exhibits in daily activities such as cleaning and setting out enrichment
- Interacting with animal experts
- Touring Zoo grounds
- Carrying out animal behavior observations
- Learning how the Zoo uses training as a tool to care for the animals
- Learning ways we can all help to protect wildlife and wild places!
*Due to animal and keeper needs, activities are subject to change without notice.
Campers should always be prepared for the weather. This includes layers on chilly days and sunscreen, sunhat on hot days. They should always have comfortable walking shoes. On hot summer days, we will do many of our outdoor activities before it gets too hot and we will take lots of extra water breaks. On code red extreme heat days, we will take advantage of the air conditioned classrooms as much as possible and adapt our schedule accordingly.
Campers should be prepared for rain on any day it is forecasted. We will continue with our regular schedule on rainy days. If there is thunder and lightning, we will move indoors immediately and adjust our day’s activities as needed. If more severe weather is predicted, we will enact our safety protocols and move all campers to a safe location until the all clear is given by the Zoo’s head of safety and security.
Logistics and Scheduling
- Rubber boots that can get dirty
- Refillable water bottle (labeled with camper name)
- Lunch & snacks (labeled with camper name)
- Sunscreen (recommended)
- Bug spray (recommended)
- Hat (recommended)
- Medications (where applicable)
- Rain gear—dress for the weather!
- Drawstring bag or small backpack to put all belongings in
Camp begins at 9:00 am each day and ends at 3:00 pm. Staff will begin checking campers in at 8:50 am and will remain at gates until 9:05 am. Dismissal for those not staying in aftercare will begin shortly before 3 pm and run until 3:05 pm. Any camper not picked up by 3:05 pm will join the aftercare program and the family will be charged an aftercare fee of $50.
An after care program is offered until 4:00 pm. The cost of this program is an additional $50 which includes after care for any or all of the five camp days. Campers in aftercare should bring an additional snack.
All participants will be picked up and dropped off at the Zoo’s Pelican gate. During drop off campers and parents can wait in their cars until they are greeted by a staff member that will check campers in and pass on any important information about the day to the adult dropping the camper off. Pick up will happen at the same gate. Parents can remain in their cars and a Zoo staff member will come out shortly before 3 pm to begin checking identification (only authorized adults may sign campers out). Any camper not picked up by 3:05 pm will join the aftercare program and the family will be charged an aftercare fee.
For those in the optional aftercare program, pick up will begin at 3:45 pm and run until 4 pm.
Policies
Cancellation/Change Policy: A $50 non-refundable processing fee applies for any requested changes made to, or cancellation of, any confirmed registration. Cancellations received at least two weeks (10 business days) prior to the start of a camp date will receive a full refund, minus the $50 processing fee. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received fewer than 10 business days prior to the camp start date or for any missed days of camp. In the event the Zoo cancels a program, a full refund will be issued.