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Safari Camps
Experience the amazing world of animals with Safari Camps at the Virginia Zoo! Safari camps are an exciting opportunity to dive into nature in a safe, hands-on, and age-appropriate setting. Campers of all ages, abilities and learning styles can enjoy a fun, action-packed time 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.
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 read over our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Education Department.
Upcoming Safari Camp Programs
Spring Break Safari Camp
This is an exciting opportunity for 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.
Dates: April 10-14, 2023
ROOTS & SCUTES (1-2 GRADE)
Spring is Sprouting at the Virginia Zoo! New life, new outlooks, and a new Safari Camp! Explore the plants and animals that create stunning ecosystems around the world. Uproot yourself and “scute” our way as we dive into the wonders of the natural world!
DATES
• April 10-14 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
ROOTS & SCUTES (3-5 GRADE)
Spring is Sprouting at the Virginia Zoo! New life, new outlooks, and a new Safari Camp! Explore the plants and animals that create stunning ecosystems around the world. Uproot yourself and “scute” our way as we dive into the wonders of the natural world!
DATES
• April 10-14 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
Summer Safari Camp
Our Early Explorers (rising Kindergarten) and Summer Safari (rising 1st-8th grade camps) will be back again for another exciting summer of fun.
Member Registration opens February 6 at 10 am
Non-Member Registration opens February 13 at 10 am
Dates: Weekly, June 26 – August 25, 2023
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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.
DATES
• July 5-7 *This is a short 3 day camp week, and will be discounted $100
• July 31- August 4 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$275/members and $300/non-members.
BIO BUDDIES
Ever wonder how wild animals get along? Join the Bio Buddies on their adventures through the Virginia Zoo to discover the many ways animals interact with each other. Explore complex food webs, symbiotic relationships, and wacky animal friendships!
DATES
• July 24-28 SOLD OUT
• August 21-25 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
ZOO DETECTIVES
Whoooo done it? Another summer, another round of zoo mysteries! 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!
DATES
• July 17-21 SOLD OUT
• August 14-18 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
ZOOPERHEROES
BAM! POW! WHACK! Become Earth’s mightiest Zooperheroes while learning about the most amazing creatures on the planet. Campers will discover the adaptations and superpowers of animal heroes and villains alike and will learn what they can do to be good sidekicks for animals in their backyards and around the world.
DATES
• July 5-7 * SOLD OUT
*This is a shortened 3 day camp week due to the holiday and will be given a $100 discount
• July 31-August 4 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
ECO ENGINEERS
Where do scientists get such crazy ideas!? Animals might be the answer. Explore how animals are the inspiration for many human innovations and artistic creations in this STEAM camp. Campers will discover animal adaptations while becoming scientists and artists alike. What will inspire you?
DATES
• July 24-28 SOLD OUT
• August 21-25 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
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. Through up-close animal encounters and hands-on learning activities, campers will become experts on animals throughout the ages. It’s going to be epoch!
DATES
• June 26-30 SOLD OUT
• July 10-14 SOLD OUT
• August 7-11 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
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.
DATES
• July 17-21 SOLD OUT
• August 14-18 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.
JR 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 explore all the ways we take care of our animals here at the Virginia Zoo.
DATES
• June 26-30 SOLD OUT
• July 10-14 SOLD OUT
• August 7-11 SOLD OUT
PRICES
$300/members and $350/non-members.