Summer Zoo Camps 2021 Brochure

Sept.-Dec. 2019

Online Registration: zoosociety.org/Fall Class dates, days of the week and times are easily found on our website.

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

Learn and discover at the Zoo! Spark your child’s curiosity about animals and the natural world in these engaging classes for infants and children ages 2-14.

2021 Summer College

Internship Opportunities

See back cover for details.

High School

Looking forward to spring?

Watch your mail for our Spring Classes brochure to arrive in September.

NEW AGE GROUP!

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We are thrilled to reopen our doors to the community!

After a year of onsite closure, we cannot wait to experience joy and laughter in our building again. To safely execute our offerings, we are reimagining Zoo Camps and Classes this year. Alongside health and safety precautions that align with Milwaukee County requirements, our camps and classes have reduced class sizes, modified activities and increased time outside in our magnificent Zoo. Our department believes in providing meaningful, fun and engaging experiences for our community by fostering empathy for animals, activating wonder and curiosity for the natural world and empowering all to take conservation action. Now more then ever, we want to provide access to our Zoo to explore the Zoo’s native forest ecosystem and discover amazing animals, both local and from across the globe. Come join our Zoo educators on your favorite Zoo adventure!

We thank everyone for your support over this past year, from donations and letters of appreciation to participation in our ZooConnect virtual program.

On behalf of the whole Conservation Education team, we are delighted to have you back!

We know you’re excited about our classes, and we want to make your child’s educational experience rewarding. Please read and familiarize yourself with important information, such as our health and safety precautions and general classroom policies on the last page.

STROLLER SAFARI: STAY AND PLAY Stroll through the Zoo on these new guided tours designed specifically for one-on-one learning time for you and your child! Programs are 100% outside, no-touch and include songs, puppets, stories and more. Each program ends at our off-exhibit Nature Play site, allowing you and your child to explore the forest together!

We recommend wearing close-toed shoes and bringing your stroller along. All classes begin at the north gate of the Conservation Education backyard. Tour takes place outside rain or shine.

JUNE & JULY: TIME TO PLAY

JULY & AUGUST: TOO HOT, TOO COLD, JUST RIGHT?!

8:30-9:30 a.m.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

June 1-4, 7-30 July 6-15

June 7-10, 12-30 July 6-15

Have you shared the story of the three bears with your little one? Come stroll along with us to visit the Zoo’s three kinds of bears. Find out what temperature is too hot, too cold or just right for them. Learn a bear song to sing with your little “cub,” listen to the classic tale of the three bears and create a bear den in the forest. It will be a “beary” good time!

It’s playtime at the Zoo! Are the monkeys jumping around? Which animal’s wild relatives use a leaf as an umbrella? Let’s go find out as we learn a song about jumping monkeys and rainy days. Stretch and wiggle with us as we move our bodies in the way that animals do!

8:30-9:30 a.m.

10:15-11:15 a.m.

July 16-31 August 1-11

July 16-31 August 1-11

AGE 3

with one adult JUNE: PENGUIN POWER

Dive into the world of penguins! Slide on your belly, balance an egg on your feet and “swim” after fish like a penguin. Waddle over to see the Zoo’s penguins and check out some cool penguin eggs and feathers.

9:45-11:15 a.m.

1-2:30 p.m.

June 1-4, 7-27

June 12, 13, 18-20, 25, 26

Most humans cannot hold their breath for six minutes, but hippos can! Learn many little-known facts about this fascinating pachyderm. Then lumber over to the Zoo’s new hippo exhibit and gaze at these fantastic creatures!

Photo by Bob Wickland

$20 Zoo Pass members $30 non-members

Age infant–2 with one adult

JUNE & JULY: HURRAY HIPPOS!

Photo taken prior to Covid-19

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9:45-11:15 a.m.

1-2:30 p.m.

June 29, 30 July 6-21

July 9-11, 15-18

$28 Zoo Pass members $38 non-members

JULY & AUGUST: GENTLE GIANT GIRAFFES

Even grownups feel small next to a giraffe.

Uncover fun facts about the world’s tallest animal as you create a giraffe, complete with a long neck, dark tongue and lots of spots! Bend, stretch, reach and then gallop through the Zoo to see these long-legged creatures.

9:45-11:15 a.m.

1-2:30 p.m.

July 23-31 August 1-11

July 24, 25, 31 August 1, 7, 8

AGES 4&5

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child only or with one adult

AGES 6&7

$39 Zoo Pass members $49 non-members

child only

Sign up your child for a child-only class or attend with your child in a child & adult class.

JUNE & JULY: ANIMAL CHAMPIONS

On your mark, get set … GO! Find out what makes an animal a champion in this action-packed class.

Can you run like a cheetah? Can you swim like a penguin? Test your skills and then sprint into the Zoo to see some animal athletes in motion.

Child Only

9:30-11:45 a.m.

1:15-3:30 p.m.

June 11-18, 21-25, 28-30 July 6-9, 16

June 11-13, 15-18, 21, 23-25, 28-30 July 6, 8, 9

Child & Adult 9:30-11:45 a.m.

1:15-3:30 p.m.

June 2-4, 7-10, 19, 20, 26, 27 June 2-4, 7-10, 19, 20, 26, 27 July 10, 11 July 10, 11

JUNE-AUGUST: JUNIOR ZOOKEEPER

Do you want to be a zookeeper when you grow up?

If so, this class is just for you! We’ll work hard as we practice the three main jobs of a zookeeper: feeding, cleaning and helping. Join us as we learn about these fun (and messy!) zookeeper jobs.

Child Only

9:30-11:45 a.m.

1:15-3:30 p.m.

June 11, 14-17, 22, 24 July 7, 8, 12, 13, 26-28 August 2-5, 9-11

J une 11, 14-17, 22, 24 July 8, 12, 13, 26, 28 August 2, 3, 9

JULY & AUGUST: ZOO TRAVELERS

We’ll kick things off with an adventurous hike around the Zoo and a stop out at our Nature Play forest. Which animals did you see on our adventure, and which animal captured your interest the most? Then, trek back to our classroom to create a learning journey of your own as you investigate your favorite animal.

Child & Adult

9:30-11:45 a.m.

1:15-3:30 p.m.

J uly 14, 15, 24, 25, 31 August 1, 7-11

July 14, 24, 25, 31 August 1, 7-11

AGES 4&5 WEEKLONG CAMP Photo by Bob Wickland

Photo taken prior to Covid-19

child only

$210 Zoo Pass members $250 non-members

8:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

J uly 19-23, 26-30 August 2-6

$75 Zoo Pass members $85 non-members

JUNE-AUGUST: SENIOR ZOOKEEPER

Can you imagine if you spent your day making puzzles for animals? Or cleaning up pounds of elephant poop? Or throwing fish to a penguin? Well, those are only some of the jobs of a zookeeper! In this camp, we’ll become zookeepers for the day and get the inside scoop on how keepers care for the tiniest, largest, furriest, slimiest, most dangerous and cutest animals in the Zoo! 9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

J une 18, 23, 28-30 July 6, 9, 14, 15, 20-23, 30 August 6

JUNE-AUGUST: CALLING ALL ZOO ARTISTS!

Artwork at a Zoo? Art is everywhere! Explore the Zoo, searching for art inspired by animals! Get creative and practice your own art skills while observing animals and wildlife on Zoo grounds.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

JUNE-AUGUST: BIG CATS: HEAR ME ROAR

Crazy about cats? Meet some new feline friends as you visit the Zoo’s big cats. Take a tour around the world as you learn about the cats’ habitats and adaptations that help them survive in some extreme climates. Also, discover what makes these big cats some of the toughest predators in the world. Cat lovers welcome – and dog lovers, too!

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 11, 17, 18, 21 July 12, 19, 27, 29 August 4, 5

JUNE-AUGUST: THE ZOO AWAKENS

A NEW ZOO: It is a period of change. Secret spies have managed to take conservation plans from the Zoo. Come aboard our starship to explore planet ecosystems, save the animals and restore freedom to the galaxy. May the Zoo be with you!

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 14-16, 22, 23 July 30 August 10, 11

JUNE-AUGUST: SPY KIDS

June 14, 15 July 9, 26 August 2-6

JULY & AUGUST: NATURE BUILDERS

Let’s explore the natural world and the plants and animals that call it home. With the Zoo and our Nature Play forest as extensions of our classroom, follow your curiosities as you learn about the habitats and life cycles of your favorite animals at the Zoo! With your teacher as your guide, we will have fun with hands-on exploratory building using natural and repurposed materials. Don’t be late: We’ll hike the Zoo each day before it opens!

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Good evening Agent “Z” Double “O.” There is a sinister plot afoot to mislead our Zoo visitors with incorrect animal facts. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Help save our Zoo! Don’t forget your secret decoder as we scour the Zoo for clues.

Put an end to the “Trickster’s” plan and learn for yourself how common animal misconceptions get started. This message will self-destruct…if left out in the rain. (Spy gear provided in camp.)

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 29, 30 July 8, 9, 15, 22 August 3, 9-11

AGES 6&7 WEEKLONG CAMPS child only

JUNE & JULY: ZOO EXPLORERS

Do you have what it takes to become a Zoo Explorer?

As Zoo Explorers, you will sharpen your observation skills, solve a mystery, and at week’s end have knowledge about all different types of animals. Come ready for a fun week of exploring and learning at the Zoo! 9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 21-25 July 12-16, 19-23 Classes provided in the Zoo Explorers weeklong camp are a combination of the individual day camps described above.

Monday – Senior Zookeeper

Tuesday – Calling All Zoo Artists!

Wednesday – Big Cats: Hear me Roar

Thursday – The Zoo Awakens Friday – Spy Kids

$290 Zoo Pass members $330 non-members

JUNE-AUGUST: YOUNG CONSERVATIONISTS: BACKYARD AND BEYOND

Ready to go on an expedition and save the planet?

Pack your bags—you’re in for a wild ride! In this weeklong camp, we’ll explore habitats that can be found right here in Wisconsin, across the United States and around the globe. Learn about different animals and how we can take care of the Earth right from our own backyards.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 14-18 July 26-30 August 2-6

AGES 8&9

6

child only JUNE & JULY: CONSERVATION HEROES

What do a backyard, ocean and Mt. Kenya have in common? Three female pioneers in conservation.

Learn about Anna Comstock, the nature illustrator, Eugenie Clark, the shark lady, and Wangari Maathai, the Noble Peace Prize-winning activist, and how your passions can change the world, too. Discover how you can protect animals from right where you are.

Play outside, explore the Zoo, become a scientist and use your imagination to help save animals around the world.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 16, 18 July 6, 8, 22, 23

JUNE & JULY: NATURE CAN BE GROSS!

Let’s learn about the grosser side of nature! Animals, including people, make use of many things we may find icky. From poop to mucus to some symbiotic relationships, nature can make us say “ewww.”

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 11, 28-30 July 13

JUNE & JULY: BEAR COUNTRY

Have you ever tried to hang food from a tree branch or bear-proof a campsite? Practice how in this hands-on camp about all things bears!

Learn which kind of bear has an 8-inch tongue and which is missing its two front teeth. Trek into the Zoo to see the polar, black and grizzly bears, then return to our backyard campsite to play fun games. If you miss out, it will be un-bear-able!

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 24, 25, 28 July 16, 27, 28

“Zoo Camps are consistently great and have been for more than 10 years!”

– Summer Participant

AGES 8&9 WEEKLONG CAMPS

$75 Zoo Pass members $85 non-members

child only

JUNE-AUGUST: WHAT’S UP, DOC?

Explore the world of Zoo veterinarians by learning about the skills and tools they use to keep our animals healthy. Practice using some of those same skills and tools by conducting a “health report” on a Zoo animal and making a slide to study under a microscope. Visit the Zoo’s pachyderms and learn how the zookeepers help play a role in the health care of the animals they work with.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

$290 Zoo Pass members $330 non-members

JULY & AUGUST: ZOO ADVENTURERS

In this weeklong camp, you’ll learn about different animals and habitats from the deep ocean to open skies. See what makes each of our Zoo animals special and learn how our zookeepers and veterinarians work as a team to take care of them. Your adventure awaits!

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

July 19-23 August 2-6

June 14, 15 July 6, 12, 29, 30 August 9

Classes provided in the Zoo Explorers weeklong camp are a combination of the individual day camps described on page 6.

JUNE-AUGUST: ANIMALS AFTER DARK

Tuesday – Nature can be Gross!

Monday – Conservation Heroes

Join the night shift! Become an expert on the unique adaptations that allow some animals to be successful at night. Tour the Zoo to observe nocturnal animals, and then use what you learn to create your own idea of the ultimate nocturnal creature!

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 17 July 19-21 August 10, 11

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

Photo taken prior to Covid-19

Wednesday – Bear Country Thursday – What’s Up, Doc? Friday – Animals after Dark

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JUNE & JULY: LET’S GET WILD! KOHL’S WILD THEATER CAMP

Love being creative and telling stories? Learn all about the world of theater with professional actors who work at the Zoo’s very own Kohl’s Wild Theater (KWT) company. Practice your acting skills with some of the best actors in Milwaukee, explore the different areas of theater that aren’t about being on stage, work on your puppetry skills, and explore the Zoo to find inspiration as an artist! Get the inside scoop on acting at the Zoo and be a part of the KWT company for a week of fun! *Attendance for all five days is required; camp is for ages 8-11.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 21-25 July 12-16

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AGES 10&11

child only JUNE-AUGUST: VERSUS

Lion vs. tiger; American badger vs. honey badger. If some of the fiercest animals were to challenge each other, who would be victorious? We’ll take a closer look at what adaptations it would take to be the victor in such a match. Be prepared … the answers may surprise you! Then create your “ultimate” animal, capable of besting the rest of the animal kingdom.

AGES 12-14

child only

$75 Zoo Pass members $85 non-members

JUNE-AUGUST: VET CAMP

The career of a zoo veterinarian is challenging and rewarding. Learn how our Zoo’s health care specialists treat animals and adapt medical tools for their biggest and smallest patients. Head out into the Zoo to do some animal observations, then return to the classroom to master veterinary skills such as reading X-rays, using a microscope and making a cast.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 17, 18, 23-25, 30 July 6, 8, 29, 30 August 10, 11

June 16, 21, 22, 28, 29 July 9, 14, 15, 26-28 August 9

Learn how zoo exhibits are designed to meet a variety of animal needs. Get inspired as we tour the Zoo to visit some of our latest and greatest designs, then design your very own miniature exhibit for the animal of your choice!

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

June 28 July 6, 8, 14, 16, 23, 26, 28 August 2, 6

AGES 10&11 WEEKLONG CAMP child only

JUNE-AUGUST: CAREERS - EXHIBIT DESIGN

$290 Zoo Pass members $330 non-members

JUNE & JULY: LET’S GET WILD! KOHL’S WILD THEATER CAMP

Love being creative and telling stories? Learn all about the world of theater with professional actors who work at the Zoo’s very own Kohl’s Wild Theater (KWT) company. Practice your acting skills with some of the best actors in Milwaukee, explore the different areas of theater that aren’t about being on stage, work on your puppetry skills, and explore the Zoo to find inspiration as an artist! Get the inside scoop on acting at the Zoo and be a part of the KWT company for a week of fun! *Attendance for all five days is required; camp is for ages 8-11.

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

$75 Zoo Pass members $85 non-members

JUNE-AUGUST: CRYPTOZOOLOGY

Cryptozoology is the study of “hidden” or unknown animals, called cryptids. Previous cryptids, like the giant squid and okapi, are no longer rumor or legend but actual creatures recognized by science. Others, like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster, continue to elude those who look for them. Join us as we discover cryptids from around the world and get the chance to create your own!

9:30 a.m-3 p.m.

FAMILY CLASS all ages

9

June 11, 29, 30 July 9, 13, 20, 21 August 9

$17 Zoo Pass members $27 non-members

JULY & AUGUST: POLLINATOR ENCOUNTER

Family camp is back in action, and for this class we’ll be in our community’s backyard – the Zoo! Connect with nature by stepping into the pollinator habitats found on Zoo grounds. Discover the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem by investigating the pollinator garden and traveling to the Zoo’s beehives.

Explore the wonders of Wisconsin pollinators and walk away with a project that will support pollinators in your own backyard.

9:30-11:45 a.m.

1:00-3:15 p.m.

July 31 August 8

July 31 August 8

While we welcome family members of all ages, the content of this class is intended for children ages 3-14. Minimum of two

registrants required and must include one adult (18 years or older) and one child. Children under the age of 1 are free to attend and do not need to be registered.

June 21-25 July 12-16

AGES 14-18

Volunteer by becoming a High School Assistant (HSA) and spend time supporting our wonderful Zoo Camps & Classes during summer! For more information, please visit our website at zoosociety.org/HSA. Photo by Bob Wickland

Photo taken prior to Covid-19

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Get your 2021 Zoo Camp t-shirt!

You can purchase a t-shirt via our registration site until April 2, 2021.

Youth sizes | $13 Adult sizes | $15 All t-shirt sales are final.

A.M. & P.M. Care We may offer A.M. & P.M. Care for ages 6-14 during the summer. Check our website at zoosociety.org/summer for the most current information!

Register Online For Priority

Bernard J. Peck Memorial Financial Aid Scholarship The Conservation Education department offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, providing opportunities for all to access our Zoo education opportunities. The Bernard J. Peck Memorial Financial Aid Scholarship is an opportunity for families and individuals to receive funds for Zoo Classes and Camps. Award is based on demonstration of financial need and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis within the application window. Visit zoosociety.org/scholarship for more information.

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

Photo taken prior to Covid-19

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PLEASE READ!

Zoosociety.org/summer

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES We are continually assessing community indicators to inform us of our status, and are reimagining Zoo Class and Camp experiences with reduced class sizes and significantly more time outdoors to ensure an engaging and safe experience for all. Camps and classes that were offered in prior years may have modifications due to health and safety precautions, staffing limitations and/or innovation. All camps and classes will adhere to Milwaukee County health and safety requirements. Our health and safety policies and best practices can be found online at zoosociety.org/summer prior to our registration date.

GENERAL CLASS POLICIES Participants must be the appropriate age for a given class and no unregistered children may attend (including siblings). Exceptions on age are only made for children with special needs (please call Education prior to registration). Please only register for one date per class topic. If your child is attending a child-only class, an adult (18 years or older) must check the child in and provide the following information: emergency phone number, allergies/medications and names of adults authorized for pickup (only authorized adults may pick up children with valid identification). In addition, please do not meet or follow your child’s group into the Zoo, as this is a distraction to the educational experience.

SNACK & FOOD ALLERGIES We are no longer serving snacks in our classes due to COVID-19. Please pack a snack for your child and we will ensure that snacks are not shared among children due to food allergies. When registering, please complete the “participant information” form for our awareness with any food-related allergies or call our staff with updates at 414-258-5058.

All animal photos are stock photos unless otherwise noted.

A Zoological Society and Milwaukee County Zoo Partnership

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Zoo Pass Member online registration begins March 16 at 9 a.m.

Non-member registration begins March 23 at 9 a.m.

SPECIAL NEEDS & MEDICAL INFORMATION When registering, please thoroughly complete the “participant information” form with any medical and/or special needs. We strive to provide an inclusive environment for all, and your information will help us make the class or camp successful for your child! You can also call our staff with updates at 414-258-5058.

ANTICIPATE ENTRANCE GATE LINES The time required to enter the Zoo can vary depending on weather, road construction and events such as large corporate picnics. Event dates vary each year; please check our website and the Milwaukee County Zoo website for events or call the Conservation Education Department in advance of your registered education program. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

CANCELLATIONS & REIMBURSEMENT You Cancel – If you’re unable to attend class, call at least 3 days before the class date and we will try to reschedule your child for another available date within June-August 2021. We do not issue refunds; however, you can offer your child’s class to a friend of the same age.

We Cancel – The Conservation Education Department reserves the right to cancel classes. We will attempt to reschedule, accommodate your child in another class or process a reimbursement. For weather-related cancellations, refer to local news stations or call 414-258-5058.