FAQs |
| Q: | Are parents/guardians allowed to join ZooCamp? |
| A: | No. All adults who spend time with our campers must undergo a background check. This includes staff, volunteers, and personal support aides. If you would like to visit the Zoo while your camper is at ZooCamp, you must purchase a ticket online as a regular Zoo guest.
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| Q: | Are there late pick-up fees? |
| A: | If you are running late to pick up your camper, please call the ZooCamp cell phone number provided to you as soon as you can. ZooCamp provides a 30-minute pick-up window from 3:00-3:30 for regular pick-ups. Campers who have not been picked up by 3:30 will be brought to after care. After care is a separate add-on that ends promptly at 5:30. ZooCamp reserves the right to charge a fee of $1/minute for late pick-ups.
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| Q: | Can my camper request to be in the same group as their friend? |
| A: | During registration, campers may list names of friends to request the same group placement. While we do our best to accommodate these requests, they are not guaranteed. We will not break our camper ratio to accommodate friend requests.
Friend requests for campers in other age groups cannot be accommodated.
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| Q: | Can we register for multiple sessions of ZooCamp? |
| A: | For break camps: you are welcome to register for both sessions, just note there might be some activity overlap.
For summer camp: Campers may only attend one “A”-themed session and one “B”-themed session for a maximum of two (2) total camp sessions per summer.
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| Q: | Can we register for multiple sessions of ZooCamp? |
| A: | For break camps: you are welcome to register for both sessions, just note there might be some activity overlap.
For summer camp: Campers may only attend one “A”-themed session and one “B”-themed session for a maximum of two (2) total camp sessions per summer.
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| Q: | I accidentally registered my camper for the wrong age group. Can they switch? |
| A: | Space permitting. We cannot and will not exceed our staff:camper ratio, so if their proper age group is full, we will unfortunately be unable to add them to that group.
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| Q: | Is there a sibling discount? |
| A: | Yes. There is a 10% discount for registering two or more campers from the same household. This should automatically be reflected in portal when you register. Please contact us if you believe you should receive this discount and don’t see it in your account.
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| Q: | Is there financial aid available? |
| A: | ZooCamp is proud to provide financial aid opportunities for each season. Links to the applications can be found at oaklandzoo.org/zoocamp while applications are open. Applications close one week prior to registration. We will reach out and let you know if funds become available for your household before registration opens. Scholarship funds are limited and are first-come-first-serve.
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| Q: | My child has unique needs. How can I communicate these to camp staff or check in about specific accommodations? |
| A: | It’s our goal at ZooCamp to be a safe and accessible space. Our registration process requires a medical form where you can list specific conditions, medications, allergies, etc. and write instructions or notes for camp staff.
For children with increased physical or emotional support needs: if your child usually works with a support person at home or school, we ask that you send them to ZooCamp with a support person. Support people/aides/helpers are always welcome at camp (as long as the person passes a background check) and can work closely with camp directors and teachers to make sure your child has the best possible experience at camp. Please let us know if your camper requires a support person at least 2 weeks ahead of your registered session so that there is enough time for background checks to clear. If you have questions or want to check in about your camper’s needs at any point, please email zoocamp@oaklandzoo.org.
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| Q: | What do campers do all day at camp? |
| A: | Campers do a wide variety of activities throughout the day at ZooCamp, including Zoo tours, animal close-ups, educational lessons, games, nature play, story times, song sessions, assemblies, and exclusive Behind-the-Scenes experiences with a zookeeper. There are two snack times and a 45-minute lunch period with free play time each day. ZooCamp is fairly active and campers will spend much of their time outdoors.
Activities will vary depending on the day and age group.
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| Q: | What do campers do all day at camp? |
| A: | Campers do a wide variety of activities throughout the day at ZooCamp, including Zoo tours, animal close-ups, educational lessons, games, nature play, story times, song sessions, assemblies, and exclusive Behind-the-Scenes experiences with a zookeeper. There are two snack times and a 45-minute lunch period with free play time each day. ZooCamp is fairly active and campers will spend much of their time outdoors.
Activities will vary depending on the day and age group.
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| Q: | What do campers do in before care/after care? |
| A: | Campers are offered free-choice time. We provide a variety of activities in before care and after care. Activities include puzzles, word searches, board games, books, coloring, and/or nature-related videos, documentaries, or movies (after care only).
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| Q: | What do campers need to wear and bring to camp? |
| A: | Campers should bring a refillable water bottle, a lunch, two snacks, and sunscreen in a bag that they can carry as groups move from place to place. When campers arrive at camp they should be wearing sunscreen, closed-toed shoes, and clothes suitable for outdoor play. It’s also a good idea to pack a hat, face masks, and extra clothes and dress in layers as the temperature can change throughout the day. Labeling your camper’s items with their full name is extremely useful! Specific information about how to prepare for camp will always be sent out to registered families in the weeks leading up to the start date of their session. *The Zoo is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. However, if we recover lost items, we will put it in our ZooCamp Lost & Found. After each session, unclaimed items will be brought to the Zoo’s Lost & Found located in the Public Safety Building.
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| Q: | What happens if the Zoo closes for weather? |
| A: | ZooCamp will be cancelled. Oakland Zoo is built on a hill, and extreme weather may create unsafe conditions for guests or staff. The safety of our animals, staff, and guests are of utmost priority. We will communicate weather closures as early as possible. If the Zoo does close for weather, ZooCamp will be cancelled, and we will issue prorated refunds.
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| Q: | What is the difference between A and B sessions? |
| A: | Each summer session is designated either A or B. These sessions have different curriculum themes, lessons, and activities. Campers may join for up to one A and one B themed session, but may not repeat a theme.
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