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.

TBZ Summer Camp 2023

To further TBZ’s mission of conservation, education, and stewardship, campers will be introduced to the extraordinary world of animals, nature, and science.  Campers will enjoy age-appropriate activities that include games, counselor-led lessons, behind-the-scenes visits, up-close animal encounters, hands-on science projects, and fun crafts.

TBZ offers week-long summer camps for campers aged 5 AND entering Kindergarten (must satisfy both conditions) and campers entering grades 1-8.  Camp is 9am to 4pm, Monday-Friday, with extended care options available for weeks 1-9.  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; there is a separate registration and fee for extended care.  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.  Counselors are paid staff (18+) who have gone through a state background check as required for employment at TBZ; there are 2 counselors for each age group.  Counselors are a mix of local teachers, college students, and recent HS grads (who must also be former camp teens).  Counselors typically complete an 8-day training in advance of camp that includes First Aid/CPR/EpiPen training for those needing certifications.  High School teens and TBZ Docents from our community may also assist with camp.

Summer 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.

• 1. check-in
  2. discovery activity/game
  3. lesson
  4. snack
  5. zoo visit
  6. lunch
  7. animal presentation
  8. lesson
  9. zoo visit
  10. craft/science demo/take-home activity/game

Age Groups/Themes

• Zoo Tales:  for children ages 5 years old AND entering kindergarten.  Stories from the book series “Over in the…” inspires learning about animals and our world.
• Wild Colors:  for rising grades 1 and 2.  Focuses on colors and how they help animals adapt to their environments. SOLD OUT – Waitlist ONLY
• Animal Appetites:  for rising grades 3 and 4.  How and what do animals eat?  Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, decomposers, consumers, and producers will all have a place at the table.
• Junior Conservationists:  for rising grades 5 and 6.  Explore the world and learn how animals are protected and conserved locally and globally.
• Zoo Crew:  for rising grades 7 and 8.  Learn all about being a zookeeper, from feeding the animals and creating enrichment activities, to building habitats.  Note: There is a physical aspect to this camp and much more time is spent outside.

***Camp curricula are repeated weekly throughout the summer.  Please keep this in mind if you intend to register your camper(s) for more than one week.***

Camp Weeks

• Week 1:  June 26 – June 30, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 2:  July 3 – July 7, all age groups; no camp on July 4 (fee is prorated), extended care available
• Week 3:  July 10 – July 14, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 4:  July 17 – July 21, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 5:  July 24 – July 28, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 6:  July 31 – August 4, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 7:  August 7 – August 11, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 8:  August 14 – August 18, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 9:  August 21 – August 25, all age groups, extended care available
• Week 10:  August 28 – September 1, ages 5-10 only, no extended care available – SOLD OUT, Waitlist ONLY

There is a separate registration and fee for extended care.