Camps

Registration Details

Thank you to all the campers who joined us at Safari Camp this summer! 

Information on summer 2027 camp offerings and registration dates will be available in December. 

We offer Teen Volunteer Opportunities for teens ages 15 through 17 to join us as Counselors-in-Training (CIT). Applications to become a CIT for 2027 will open in March.

Get ready to unleash your creativity at our winter break camp! Zoo Art camp is back for winter season, see the Winter Camp tab below for more information.

Extended Care

Busy schedules and work commitments don’t always work well with a 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. camp schedule. Take advantage of our early drop-off and late pick-up program to make Safari Camp work for you. Supervised by Safari Camp staff, campers enjoy games, activities, and stories. Registration for extended care is available to add on during camp registration. Availability is limited. Early Bird Care begins at 7:30 a.m. Late Owl Care ends at 5:30 p.m.

Winter Safari Camp 2025 – purchase covers both days of camp

Cost per camper:

Early Bird $27, Late Owl $27

Camp Policies

Cancellation/Transfer

Camp purchases are not refundable. All requests to cancel or transfer to another week must be sent to [email protected] and are not guaranteed.

Behavior

Safari Camp Rules:

1. Always stay with your group
2. Respect the Zoo and each other (the Zoo includes all animals, plants, staff and their instructions, guests and materials)
3. Have fun!

By registering for camp, caregivers acknowledge that their child must willingly enter the Zoo with their instructors and group each morning without their caregiver and follow camp rules and directions from the camp staff while at the Detroit Zoo. When a disciplinary problem occurs, campers are encouraged to choose to take a break or may be required to, where they are encouraged to reflect on their actions with the support of camp supervisors. However, actions that are severe or put the camper or others in danger may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

A disciplinary problem is defined as an action or behavior that hinders the flow of the program by requiring constant one-to-one staff attention, inflicting physical, verbal, or emotional harm on other campers or camp staff, or being unable to conform to the rules and guidelines of the program. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior toward other campers, Zoo staff or other guests. Put downs, bullying or continued disruptions to the camp day may result in dismissal from camp.

Upon a disciplinary problem, a child may be removed from their camp for the day or the remainder of the camp program for their safety and the safety of other program participants, DZS staff, and the resident animals. In this case, the parent or emergency contacts will be notified to pick up the child immediately. No refunds will be given if your child is removed from the program due to a disciplinary problem.

Weather

In the case of inclement weather, all campers will be brought indoors. When lightning strikes within a 10-mile range, all groups will be instructed to take cover in the nearest approved shelter until cleared to return outdoors. Winter weather will be evaluated throughout the day and campers may spend shorter periods of time outdoors as wind-chill temperatures allow. Camp directors will provide instructions via radio or cell phone as conditions warrant. If inclement weather is anticipated during regular check-in or check-out times, camp will hold check-in/out in the Ford Education Center and this will be communicated to caregivers by email.

Illness

For the health and safety of all campers and staff, please keep your child home if they show signs of illness, including fever, cough, or any other symptoms that may indicate a contagious condition.
Campers experiencing any symptoms of illness not related to any current, non-communicable conditions (such as allergies or asthma) may not attend Safari Camp. The Detroit Zoo has security officers on grounds who respond to all minor and major medical issues. A licensed EMT is also on grounds for all days of the camp season and, along with security, will provide basic treatment as necessary.

If a camper becomes ill at camp, a caregiver/emergency contact will be called to pick up the camper early. The camper can return to camp that week when feeling well provided they do not have any symptoms listed above.

Late Drop Off/Early Pickup

If you arrive late, please locate Security at the Member’s Entrance. Please remain with your camper until they have been checked in by camp staff.

If your child has a conflict and requires an early pickup on a day of camp, please notify camp directors via email at [email protected] and share with camp instructors at check-in. Early pickup times must be before 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, please locate Security or Zoo staff at the Member’s Entrance. Once admitted into the Zoo, please follow the path and wait in the Ford Education Center lobby. Campers will be escorted by a camp supervisor or director for sign-out. The adult picking up early must be listed as an authorized pickup person and present a photo ID to sign your camper out.

Accessibility & Accommodations

We strive to be an inclusive camp that provides a positive and memorable experience. Please contact our camp directors at [email protected] to discuss any accommodation details or share other support needs with us prior to camp so we can best support your child while at camp. Information can be shared with your child’s camp instructor to set both staff and your camper up for success.

At Safari Camp, all campers experience:

• Exploring the Zoo’s 125-acres, walking anywhere from one to three miles per day
• Spending up to three hours at a time outdoors in summer weather, permitting heat index safety, and spending time for art or activities in classroom studio spaces
• Visiting animal habitats or areas that may have a variety of smells, light, noise and temperature levels
• Using public restrooms that often have automatic flush toilets (must be able to do so independently)
• Learning together in a camper-only group, led by trained camp educators and other Zoo staff

If your child needs to attend camp with an aide, we welcome the support they need for a successful camp experience for an individual camper. Arrangements for this must be made in advance with camp directors. All care providers that attend camp must submit a background check form through the State of Michigan Camp Licensing portal. While camp staff are provided a variety of methods in inclusion and behavior management techniques, we are unable to provide one-on-one support for a camper with our camp staff.

Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss accommodation details or learn more about accessibility at camp.