Summer Camps
Summer Camp
Lehigh Valley Zoo invites campers for an exciting week of nature discovery, animal adventures and Smart FUN! Week-long camps run for half days for ages 4-5 (available Mon-Fri from 9:00AM – 11:30AM), and full days for ages 6-11 (available Mon-Fri from 9:00AM – 3:30PM).*
Each camp is adapted to the theme of the week, as well as the varying age groups. Campers of all ages will enjoy age-appropriate activities, adventures, and games. From up-close encounters with our Ambassador Animals and visits to our zoo animals, to creek studies and nature hikes, campers will become fully immersed in zoo life and will leave camp wanting to come back!
*Extended Care is available for purchase for week-long, full-day camp sessions only (ages 6-11):
Before Care: 7:30AM – 9:00AM
After Care: 3:30PM – 5:00PM
Summer 2024 Registration opening Jan 2024
All campers receive a snack and a camp t-shirt to wear each day! For full day camps, campers need to provide their own lunch. Additional T-shirts are available for purchase.
Our Zoo camps are offered during the summer. For more information, please contact our Education Department at edureservations@lvzoo.org or call 610-799-4171 and dial extension 228, 229, or 247.
2024 Zoo Camps
(Ages 6-8 and 9-11 years old)
NEW THEMES COMING FOR 2024!
Jr. Zoo Keeper Camp
(Ages 12-14 years old)
Junior Keeper Camp
Session I: July 8-12
Session II: August 14 – August 16
*Please note this camp is not recommended for repeat campers
*Please only register for one week
Have you ever wondered what is was like to be a zookeeper? Is your camper interested in a career as a keeper, educator or a vet? This week of camp is for you! Come get behind the scenes of the day to day life of an animal caretaker! Campers will get the opportunity to learn about training through hands on practice, give educational presentations to an audience, and get opportunities to meet some of the zoo animals up close! Aspiring zookeepers will get a taste of the experience needed to pursue an animal related career!
Pre-Zoo Camp
(Ages 4-5 years old)
Penguins and Friends
June 24 – June 28
9:00AM – 11:30AM
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a penguin? What kind of animal friends do penguins have? Come along on an adventure to the Southern Hemisphere to discover and meet some penguin friends. Campers will learn about the different species of penguins and who their friends are while enjoying animal encounters, crafts, interactive games, zoo tours and a creek study.
Animals A-Z
July 15 – July 19
9:00AM – 11:30AM
Aardvarks, quetzals, takins and more! Have you ever wondered if there is an animal for every letter of the alphabet? Campers will discover funny names some animals have as they venture through the alphabet. Each day is packed with fun filled activities that include animal encounters, crafts, interactive games and zoo tours.
SENSE-ational Animals
July 29 – August 2
9:00AM – 11:30AM
Super sniffers, fascinating feelers, extraordinary eyesight; animals have some truly incredible senses! Join us in learning all about animal senses and how these amazing adaptations allow animals to survive and thrive in their habitats. Campers will explore their five senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch throughout the week.
DISCOUNTS
- Sibling Discount – $20 off once per child if more than one camper is registered for a camp. Campers must live in the same household to qualify. Discount is automatically applied at checkout on our camp registration site.
- Membership Discount – Zoo Members will receive a 10% discount on our Zoo Camps; please reach out to the Education Department at edureservations@lvzoo.org to confirm your membership and receive a discount code! Membership discount cannot be applied after camper registration is complete.
- Early Bird Discount – Campers are able to get an extra $25 off with the discount code earlybird when they register between January 13th, 2024 – March 1st, 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I register?
You can register on the Lehigh Valley Zoo camps page via CampBrain!
When should I register?
Camp sessions can fill up quickly, so register as soon as possible! Full payment is required to complete camper registration.
Can I register for just a day or two of camp?
Camps are designed to be a full week learning experience so we recommend attending the full session. If you are unable to do so, the camp is still full cost.
Can I pick up my camper early?
Any arrangements for early departure should be made with the Education Department prior to the start of the camp week by emailing edureservations@lvzoo.org, or by calling (610) 799-4171 ext. 228, 229, or 247. Please keep in mind that camps involve learning about working as a team, and you should do your best to not withdraw your camper early.
Can I register for multiple camps?
Yes, Pre-Zoo (ages 4-5) has three camp sessions, while Bugs (ages 6-8) and Roos (ages 9-11) have seven unique camp sessions. In each session, campers will learn new and exciting topics while still encountering animals and learning what it’s like to be a zookeeper or zoo educator.
Can they bring a cell phone?
If you would like your child to have a cell phone for communication purposes, they may bring it to camp with them, but they must keep it in their bags unless designated otherwise. If you need to reach your child, you may do so through 610-799-4171. If your child is using the cell phone or any other technology at inappropriate times, it will be confiscated by the counselor until the end of the day.
Will they go swimming?
Weather permitting, each camp will include a Creek Day with time spent in the Jordan Creek. Please send your camper with a change of clothes and a towel as well as closed toed shoes for entering the creek, i.e. water shoes or old sneakers. Flip flops, sandals, or bare feet are not permitted. Your camper may wear a swimsuit on this day too. The creek is shallow enough to be wading and splashing while exploring the aquatic ecosystem rather than fully swimming.
Who is running the camp?
Camp Counselors are seasonal staff trained by the Education Department with a background in natural sciences and environmental education. All counselors have their PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA Criminal Record Check (ChildLine), and FBI Criminal Background Check (fingerprinting).
Will the campers have contact with animals during camp?
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Campers will have the opportunity to meet some of our ambassador animals and may be permitted to touch in some cases (these are not the exhibit animals). BioFacts, such as feathers, pelts, and bones will be used to enhance the learning experience
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In learning about becoming a zookeeper, campers may have the opportunity to assist in cleaning enclosures and feeding some ambassador animals.
How do I register for Extended Care?
You will be able to register for Extended Care through your Camp Brain portal. Please recall that this is for week-long, full-day camps only (ages 6-11).
Have another question not listed here?
For more information, please contact our Education Department at edureservations@lvzoo.org!
2024 registration coming january 2024
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