Zoo Camps
Join us at Turtle Back Zoo for some wild fun!
The mission of Turtle Back Zoo camp is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the natural world through fun and educational activities.
To further our mission of conservation, education, and stewardship, campers will be introduced to the extraordinary world of animals, nature, and science. Children will enjoy age-appropriate camp activities that include games, teacher-led lessons, behind-the-scenes visits, up-close animal encounters, hands-on science projects, and fun crafts. Join us for a week during the summer or on a school holiday during the school year.
During the summer, we offer week-long summer camps for children entering Kindergarten (and age 5) and grades 1-8. Camp is 9am to 4pm, with extended care options available. Extended care drop-off is no earlier than 8am, extended care pick-up is no later than 5pm; availability is limited. Camp fees are $450 to $475 per person per week. We provide a fresh fruit or veggie snack for all camp sessions; campers bring their own lunches or additional snacks. We do our best to host a tree nut-free environment for our campers. The curriculum is repeated every week throughout the summer. Most campers only sign up for one week, but you are welcome to sign up for multiple weeks if you wish. We receive and comply with guidance from our local health agencies regarding COVID-19 and all other health and welfare concerns.
We also offer mini-camps throughout the school year on days that coincide with many of the major school holidays. Available for ages 5 to 10, our mini-camp days are from 9am to 4pm (no extended care option). Mini-camps are $90 per person per day. We provide a fresh fruit or veggie snack for all camp sessions; campers bring their own lunches or additional snacks. We do our best to host a tree nut-free environment for our campers. We receive and comply with guidance from our local health agencies regarding COVID-19 and all other health and welfare concerns.
2023-2024 Mini-Camps
Your campers can join us for mini-camp days on most of the major school holidays. Each camp day has its own unique curriculum/theme throughout the year. Mini-camps are limited to ages 5-10; extended care is not available during the school year. Mini-camp is 9am to 4pm. Registration is open; single day registration available for multi-day camp sessions. Capacity is limited.
- Monday, September 25
- Monday, October 9
- Thursday, November 9 & Friday, November 10
- Wednesday, December 27; Thursday, December 28; & Friday, December 29
- Monday, January 15
- Monday, February 19 & Tuesday, February 20
- Spring Break Camp Days to be announced
Mini-Camp cancellation policy: refunds are guaranteed for requests made at least 3 weeks in advance of your camper’s start date. For requests made within 3 weeks of the start of camp, refunds are not guaranteed. Campers must be signed-in and -out by an authorized adult for each day of camp. Curriculum is not provided in advance of camp. An example of the daily schedule is below; days vary per age group, animal availability, weather, etc.
- check-in
- discovery activity/game
- lesson
- snack
- zoo visit
- lunch
- animal presentation
- lesson
- zoo visit
- craft/science demo/take-home activity/game