Pre-registration is required at least two weeks prior to the start date of camp.
Please email bmichelson@lvzoo.org or call 610-799-4171, ext. 229.
ContactCher Vatalaro at 610-799-4171, ext. 227 or email cvatalaro@lvzoo.org.
Lehigh Valley Zoo invites campers for an exciting week of nature discovery, animal adventures and Smart FUN! Week-long camps run from 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for ages 4-5 and 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for ages 6-11.
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. Between up close encounters with our Ambassador Animals and visits to our zoo animals, campers will become fully immersed in zoo life and will leave camp wanting to come back! Each camp will include a presentation on Friday at the graduation ceremony where the campers will share a project that they will have worked on as a team all week. Each camp will also include hikes, creek trips, and many more adventures.
All campers receive a snack, camp t-shirt to wear each day, and a certificate of participation. For full day camps, campers need to provide their own lunch. Additional T-shirts are available for purchase.
(Ages 4-5 years old)
Price: $175.00 (Zoo members save $25.00/participant)
• Animals A to Z
June 25 through June 29, 2018
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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.
• Penguins and Friends
August 6 through August 10, 2018
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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.
Bugs Camp(Ages 6-8 years old) |
‘Roos Camp(Ages 9-11 years old) |
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Price: $275.00 (Zoo members save $25.00/participant)
9:00am-4:30pm
* Pre-arranged extended care is available for $10/camper per day from 7:30-9:00am, and $10/camper per day from 4:30-5:30pm.
• Woodland Adventures
June 18 – June 22
Campers will adventure through the great outdoors right here at the Lehigh Valley Zoo! Join us as we spend the week hiking through the neighboring Game Preserve looking for native wildlife and wading in the creek in search of aquatic animals. Campers will have up close encounters with our Ambassador animals to better understand even the most misunderstood species. We will dig into Pennsylvania conservation through activities that simulate what it is like to be a PA native and games that inspire a love of nature!
• Days in the Desert
June 25 – June 29
While we load up on sunscreen and ice cream, we will learn about how desert animals adapt to their hot environment. Campers will learn first-hand through our Ambassador Animals how the desert can be a rough environment but there are many animals that survive and thrive in those extreme conditions. Even though we will be talking about a toasty ecosystem, we will be staying cool by taking trips to the creek and making slushies!
• Jungle Journeys
July 9 – July 13
Take a walk on the wild side with our jungle themed summer camp. This camp will focus mainly on the rainforest ecosystem and how important our rainforests are to the whole planet. We will meet some of the coolest rainforest animals that live right here at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Campers will learn what kinds of threats currently face the rainforest and things we can do to help save such a valuable habitat! All of the games and activities of this week will make us feel like we are actually trekking through the jungle!
• Splash into Summer
July 16 – July 20
What is a better way to beat the summer heat than to learn about water! This week will be jam packed learning about all kinds of water habitats and animals. Between visiting some of our zoo animals that love to swim and even playing in the creek ourselves, we are sure to stay nice and cool. This camp will learn about marine and freshwater ecosystems through fun activities and even talk about water pollution in our environment and ways we can help our aquatic friends!
• Magnificent Mountains
July 23 – July 27
From magnificent mountains to low lying grasslands, this week of camp will cover it all. Campers will learn in depth about how animals living in mountains differ from the animals living in grasslands. We will take a hike through the grasslands we have right here in the Game Preserve. We will spend the week adventuring and talking about animal tracks and migrations. Games and activities will help us better understand these two very different habitats.
• Polar Explorations
July 30 – August 3
If you want to go to the coolest camp week around, this is it! Join us for some fun in the sun that involves loads of arctic activities and games that are sure to keep us cool. We will even make our own ice cream at the end of the week to celebrate all of the cool conservation we learned about!
• Conservation Quests
August 6 – August 10
Is your camper a dinosaur fanatic? If the answer is yes, then this is the camp for them! During this week long camp, we will dig up the past while we explore the future of conservation. We will delve into the past and learn about extinction through a variety of activities and games. Campers will compare old and new flora and fauna. Through team building and leadership activities, campers will be working together as a team complete a week long project.
How do I register?
Please call the Education Department at 610-799-4171 ext. 227.
When should I register?
Camp sessions can fill up quickly, so call as soon as possible! Payment for the camp is due two weeks before the session begins. If there is space available within the two weeks of camp and you wish to register, payment is due immediately.
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 your Camp Counselor on the day of. 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 two camp sessions, and Bugs and ‘Roos 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.
Can they bring a cell phone?
If you would like your child to have a cell phone for communication purposes, they may bring it with, 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. 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?
How do I register for Extended Care?
Please call the Education Department as soon as you know you will require extended care or at least two weeks in advance of the camp at 610-799-4171 ext. 227. Extended care is $15/camper/hour/day from 7:30am-9:00am and $10/camper/hour/day from 4:30pm-5:30pm. Extended care is not extended camp, but we will keep your camper occupied until your arrival.
Have another question not listed here?
Call Cher Vatalaro at 610-799-4171, ext. 227 or email cvatalaro@lvzoo.org.
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