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: 7:45AM – 9:00AM
After Care: 3:45PM – 5:00PM

Registration open

Pricing for camps is as follows

- - - Pre Zoo Camps-$200
    - Bugs and Roos (6-11)-$300
    - JR Zookeeper Camp- $400
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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.

Zoo Camps

(Ages 6-8 and 9-11 years old)

Nature did it First (ages 9-11)
June 9th-13th
July 14th- 18th
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

All around us, plants and animals are inspiring designs that help solve problems both big and small. Want to know why puffy jackets keep us warm? Or how about how planes can fly? Can cockroaches actually save people? Campers will learn all this and more as they explore how nature has inspired many of the inventions we use every day! From tiny bug-sized robots to gecko feet inspired band-aids, nature can help us design incredible inventions! Through games, activities, and projects, campers will learn to understand just how nature has helped us create a more sustainable and healthier place to live.

Myths and Monsters (ages 9-11)
June 16th-20th
July 21st- 25th
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

Could there really be mermaids? Are zombies actually real? Could these stories be more than just myths? From giants living in the ocean to dragons soaring through the sky to even snakes that turn people to stone, stories of mythical beasts and monsters have been passed down throughout the ages from all over the world. It is said that these legends once walked (or are still walking) the Earth, yet it can be very difficult to find them…unless, of course, you know where to look! Through games, crafts, and stories, campers will become cryptozoologists as they learn the history of legendary creatures and discover that there may be more to these myths then they first thought.

Zoo Detective Camp (ages 6-8)
June 9th-13th
July 14th- 18th
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

Quick! The zoo needs your help in uncovering the mystery of “who dunnit”. One of our animals has been causing mischief all around the zoo by stealing food, trampling through the flowers, and teasing their fellow zoo residents. And we have no doubt that others are in on the trouble too. Campers will play detective as they solve clues to uncover who exactly is behind all the mayhem. Campers will work together every day to figure out which animals have been helping our mystery suspect and even get the chance to interrogate them up close! Although unwilling to give up too much information, these accomplices are willing to provide one clue each about the suspect. By the end of the week, campers will have discovered enough clues and confront them face-to-face! Who knows, they may even figure out what’s been causing our suspect trouble too.

Bio Buddies Camp (ages 6-8)
July 7th-11th
August 4th- 8th
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

Everything in our universe is connected! The connections between organisms can be mind-blowing – bees and flowers, birds and zebras, bats and pitcher plants. Both living and nonliving things are important to an ecosystem’s survival. The Bio Buddies campers will explore the animal kingdom and the many ways animals interact with their environment. Campers will learn about complex food webs, wacky animal friendships, symbiotic relationships, and parasites through hands on activities, experiments and in-person observations.

So, You Want to Be a Scientist? (ages 9-11)
July 7th-11th
August 4th- 8th
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

Is science your favorite subject in school? Join in on the fun and become a scientist for the week as we explore the fields of ecology, wildlife biology, and conservation. This camp week will provide hands-on experience into the world of science where campers will learn the different ways in which scientists study, observe, and help nature. Campers will collect data for various citizen science projects and staff will send out the data collected to scientists so they can better understand our natural world.

All Around the World (ages 9-11)
June 23rd-27th
July 28th- August 1st
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

Calling all travelers! Have you ever thought about why giraffes have purple tongues? Or how the great barrier reef grows? Maybe how the Lehigh Valley Zoo helps bird migration? From Pennsylvania native animals to the hot deserts of Africa, programs with our ambassador animals will have campers seeing these adaptations up close. We might even have a visitor from the South American rainforest! But don’t worry, no passports needed here!Hands-on lessons, activities, and experiments will lead campers on a journey across the globe to discover the many habitats and adaptations that help an animal thrive.

Animal Ninja Warrior (ages 6-8)
June 16th-20th
July 21st- 25th
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

Frog hop. Lemur lunchtime. Tall Tales. These are just a few of the many animal-themed ninja warrior tasks from this camp. Join us to discover how an animal’s adaptations would help them beat these challenges and become the ultimate animal ninja warrior! Campers will become ninja masters to create their own animal-inspired obstacles to encourage fellow campers to use the knowledge from animal presentations and form the best animal team.

The Science of Ew (ages 6-8)
June 23rd-27th
July 28th- August 1st
*$300

CAMP DETAILS:

From the sticky, squishy deep-sea animals to the bald scavengers that fly high in the sky, the animal kingdom can seem gross at times. Through interactive lessons, experiments, and animal programming, campers will discover many of these adaptations such as stinky animal scents, why birds go to the bathroom and so much more! To round out the week, campers will understand why these icky adaptations are important to how an animal can survive in their natural habitat.

June 9th-June 11th

- Zoo Detectives (ages 6-8)
- Nature did it First (ages 9-11)

June 16th-June 20th

- Animal Ninja Warrior (ages 6-8)
- Myths and Monsters (ages 9-11)
- Junior Zookeeper Camp (ages 12-14)

June 23rd-June 27th

- Science of Ew (ages 6-8)
- Around the World (ages 9-11)
- Animal Adventures Pre Zoo (ages 4-5)

No camp the week of July 4th

July 7th- July 11th

- Bio Buddies (ages 6-8)
- So You Want To Be a Scientist? (ages 9-11)

July 14th- July 18th

- Zoo Detectives (ages 6-8)
- Nature did it First (ages 9-11)
- Animal Superheroes Pre Zoo (ages 4-5)

July 21st- July 25th

- Animal Ninja Warrior (ages 6-8)
- Myths and Monsters (ages 9-11)

July 28th- August 1st

- Science of Ew (ages 6-8)
- Around the World (ages 9-11)
- Wild Caretakers Pre Zoo (ages 4-5)

August 4th- August 8th

- Bio Buddies (ages 6-8)
- So You Want To Be a Scientist? (ages 9-11)
August 11th-August 15th
- Junior Zookeeper Camp (ages 12-14)

Please note for all camps that are repeated throughout the summer, please only register your camper for one week of that camp as the curriculum will be the same.

Jr. Zookeeper Camp

(Ages 12-14 years old)

Jr. Zookeeper Camp
Session I: June 16th-20th
Session II: August 11th – August 15th

*Please note this camp is not recommended for repeat campers
*Please only register for one week

Have you ever wondered what it 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)

Animal Adventures
June 23rd – June 27th
9:00AM – 11:30AM

Get ready for the ultimate safari adventure around the world! This exciting camp takes your little explorer on a global journey to discover the amazing animals and habitats of the world. From the savannahs of Africa to the rainforests of South America, your child will embark on an exciting adventure to learn about the incredible wildlife that roam the planet! Each day they’ll learn about animals from different habitats around the world like giraffes, kangaroos, lemurs, and more. With hands-on crafts, animal-themed games, and up-close animal encounters, this safari adventure is sure to spark your little explorer’s creativity and curiosity of the wildlife around them. Now pack your bags and get ready for a wild ride!

Animal Superheroes
July 14th – July 18th
9:00AM – 11:30AM

Super speed? Amazing strength? Invisibility!? Get ready for an action-packed adventure as your child discovers their inner animal powers and becomes a true hero of the animal kingdom! Every day our little heroes will learn about the amazing abilities of animals and how they use their “superhero powers” to help them survive in the world. From superfast ostriches to invisible turtles, this camp is filled with all sorts of incredible things! Through hands-on crafts, animal games, and up-close encounters, your little hero will learn what it takes to be an animal superhero (and who knows they may even test out their own superpowers too!).

Wild Caretakers
July 28th – August 1st
9:00AM – 11:30AM

Step into the wild and join us at Wild Caretakers Camp, where little ones learn how to nurture and protect the incredible creatures that share our world! Your little animal lover will step into the role of a wildlife caretaker as they “adopt” a plush endangered animal. Through storytelling, crafts, and fun hands-on activities, campers will explore how to care for their plush friends while discovering the importance of protecting wildlife. From building cozy homes to joining a “clean-up adventure,” each day will inspire kindness, curiosity, and a love for nature. Together, we’ll raise the next generation of Wild Caretakers!

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, so no discount code will be required.
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 – The early bird discount will automatically be applied between January 13th-March 1st, 2025, to receive an extra $25 off. No discount code will be required.

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 eight 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. For any repeated camp themed weeks, it is recommended to only sign your camper up for one of those camps.

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?

Campers will have the opportunity to meet some of our ambassador animals up close and personal. Biofacts, such as feathers, pelts, and bones will also be used to enhance the learning experience

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!

registration open

Pricing for camps is as follows