Camps
Safari Camp
Public Registration
Member Registration
Member registration for Safari Camp 2023 will open February 2023.
General registration will open March 2023.
Join us for a mega-dose of Vitamin Z at Safari Camp 2023! A variety of incredible activities are in store during summer at the wildest place in town. Spaces are limited and go quickly!
We offer Teen Volunteer Opportunities for teens ages 15 through 17.
We have made a series of changes to Safari Camp for the summer of 2023 to protect the safety of campers, staff, animals at the Zoo and the community as a whole. Please review all the information below before completing registration.
- Masks are not required while outdoors. We anticipate that campers will be required to wear appropriate masks at all times while indoors. All campers will receive a health screening upon arrival each day.
- Campers will spend the majority of their day outdoors, please dress for the weather (with the exception of extreme weather).
- Campers exhibiting any symptoms of illness or completing quarantine due to COVID or COVID exposure will be offered make-up days of camp.
- For the safety of the animals at the Zoo, there will be no in-person, behind-the-scenes experiences with Life Sciences staff.
- Early Bird and Late Owl extended care will have a limited capacity and will only be available to those registered for the entire week.
- In place of the in-person Safari Camp Showcase at the end of the week, we will be sending a digital Showcase to all participants.
Children must be registered for camp levels corresponding to the school grade they will enter in fall 2023.
Camp purchases are not refundable.
Please note: For the safety and well-being of our campers and animals, youth will not handle or clean up after the animals. A variety of other engaging activities will increase understanding and appreciation toward wildlife and wild places.
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.
In place of the in-person Safari Camp Showcase at the end of the week, we will be sending a digital Showcase to all participants.
Single-Day Camps (Grades K- 6)
Single-day camp experiences are offered July 5, July 6 and July 7.
Public Registration
Member Registration
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What week will camp be offered for my child’s grade level?
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.
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
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 any time online. Please take the receipt to your child’s teacher or a Camp Supervisor during check in or check out. Your child will receive the item at the end of the day.
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.
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.
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 the child’s full name. Please email safaricamp@dzs.org with any questions or concerns.
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.
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
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.