Camps

Safari Camp

Due to the changing nature of current community health concerns, the Detroit Zoological Society has decided to delay 2021 Safari Camp registration until closer to the summer. We are hard at work planning exciting experiences keeping in mind the safety of campers, staff, animals at the Zoo and the community as a whole. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming kids back to camp soon!

Zookeeper Camps (Available for each grade level K-8)

Zookeeper Camps will introduce campers to the needs of animals and the complexities of animal care. Campers will have the opportunity to explore all types of animals and learn about their health, behavior, nutrition and welfare. All of the camps will include an interaction with a zookeeper for an authentic experience and insider information.

Each Zookeeper Camp will end with a Safari Camp Showcase on Friday afternoon, giving caregivers a chance to view their camper’s work.

Animal Welfare Workshop (Grades 9-12)

This weeklong workshop will give high school students the chance to work with our Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics team. Participants will explore the topic of zoo animal welfare by experiencing the Zoo through the eyes, ears and noses of the animals. All students enrolled in this workshop will need to provide proof of a negative TB test within the past year in order to participate in special behind-the-scenes experiences throughout the week.

Single-Day Camps (Grades K-8)

Single-day camp experiences are offered June 29, June 30, July 1 and July 2. These camps cover a variety of topics such as veterinary medicine, Olympics, robotics and art.

• Early Bird and Late Owl (All Ages)

  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. Campers are supervised by Safari Camp staff the entire time, enjoying games, activities and stories. Registration for weeklong extended care is available during camp registration. Individual days may be purchased by phone or at the Rackham Fountain Entrance booth the week before or week of camp. Early Bird Care starts at 7:30 a.m. Late Owl Care ends at 6 p.m.

  Full-Day Option for Soon-to-Be Kindergartners
  

  Morning and afternoon camps can be paired for full-day experiences. All campers registered for both will be supervised during lunch by camp staff with no additional cost.

• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

   

  What week will camp be offered for my child’s grade level?

  

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  How can I add or change extended care after I have registered for camp?
  Please email safaricamp@dzs.org or call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3800 to change your extended care schedule.

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  How do I authorize a different person to pick up my child from camp?

  There are two ways to change the list of individuals allowed to pick up your child from Safari Camp.

  • Tell your child’s teacher at check-in.
  • Email safaricamp@dzs.org or call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3800

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  Can I order an extra T-Shirt?

  There is an opportunity to order extra shirts, camp packs and lunch bags during online registration.  If you have already registered for Safari Camp and would like to purchase any of these items, you may do so at camp check-in or check-out. Please pay at one of the registers at the Rackham Fountain Entrance booth and then take the receipt to your child’s teacher or a Camp Supervisor. Your child will receive the item at the end of the day.

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  My child has allergies that may require the use of epinephrine. What do I need to do?

  Please print and complete a “Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan.” Bring this form, along with any epinephrine or antihistamines that may be needed by your child on the first day of camp. We do not accept expired medications. Your child’s teacher will discuss the plan with you.

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  Is this camp peanut-free?

  No. The snacks provided to campers do not contain any nuts and there are peanut-free tables available at lunch time, but we do not control the contents of other campers’ lunches or food brought into the Zoo by other guests.

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  What do I do if my child needs to take prescribed medication during camp hours?

  Please ask your child’s teacher or a Camp Supervisor for an “Authorization for Dispensing Medication” form. All medication must be prescribed by a licensed physician, be in the original container and labeled with child’s full name. Please email safaricamp@dzs.org with any questions or concerns.

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  My child has mobility challenges.  Can he/she still attend this camp?

  Yes! Please contact our camp directors at safaricamp@dzs.org to make arrangements. We can provide a wheelchair for long Zoo hikes if necessary.

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  Why are some camps designated “Premium Camps” and cost more than others?

  Our Premium Camps offer significantly more time with our Life Sciences staff and additional behind-the-scenes experiences.  They require more resources than our other camps.

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  What will my child do at camp?

  While schedules vary among camps, a typical full day of camp may look like this:

  • 9 a.m. – Welcome and warm-up
  • 9:15 a.m. – Zoo hike
  • 10:45 a.m. – Morning snack
  • 11 a.m. – Activity
  • Noon – Lunch and free play
  • 1 p.m. – Activity/research
  • 2 p.m. – Project work/art
  • 3 p.m. – Afternoon snack
  • 3:30 p.m. – Journal and clean-up
  • 4 p.m. – Check-out

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  What snacks are served at Safari Camp?

  Each morning, campers will receive one piece of whole fruit. They will have at least two options to choose from, such as apples, bananas, pears, plums, peaches or oranges.

  The afternoon snack schedule is as follows:

  • Monday – pretzels
  • Tuesday – yogurt tubes
  • Wednesday – applesauce
  • Thursday – string cheese
  • Friday – animal crackers

  For ingredient lists or additional information, please contact safaricamp@dzs.org.

  Campers may bring their own snacks if substitutions are necessary.