Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all campers must be fully potty-trained to attend ZooCamp. This includes being able to use the restroom and clean up independently. While our staff will provide regular reminders for bathroom breaks, we are unable to assist campers with restroom needs.
If you’d like your camper to be grouped with another camper, please include a note in their registration form. While we can’t guarantee group placement, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Please note that campers cannot be moved to a different age group unless there are special circumstances. Each age group follows activities and curriculum tailored to their grade level and aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
Each day at ZooCamp is filled with fun and engaging activities! Campers will enjoy themed experiences, zoo walks, creative projects, and up-close meet-and-greets with ambassador animals, all guided by a knowledgeable zoo educator. While our curriculum is inspired by Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), camp activities are designed to be hands-on and interactive rather than formal classroom-style lessons.
During their camp day, campers will be expected to:
- Spend time outdoors in various weather conditions
- Follow directions in a large group setting
- Stay with their group and participate cooperatively in activities
- Manage their personal needs, including using the restroom
Our goal is to provide an exciting, educational, and memorable experience for every camper!
Campers will have the chance to meet a variety of ambassador animals during ZooCamp. While touching animals is rare, it may be allowed in specific situations at the educator’s discretion, depending on the animal. Exhibit animals, with the exception of our barn animals, cannot be touched.
To enrich the learning experience, we also incorporate biofacts like feathers, pelts, and bones, giving campers a hands-on connection to wildlife and nature.
Here’s a list of essentials your camper should bring to ZooCamp:
- Labeled reusable water bottle
- Packed lunch
- Backpack to carry their belongings
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sunscreen (already applied, with extra for reapplication)
- Camera or phone (optional, at your own risk)
- A positive attitude and a love for animals!
Elmwood Park Zoo is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the following items are not permitted at ZooCamp:
- Money
- Electronics (except for a camera or phone)
- Sentimental toys
- Knives or any type of weaponry (possession of these items will result in immediate expulsion from camp)
Elmwood Park Zoo is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
We encourage campers to be fully present and enjoy their time at ZooCamp without the distraction of electronics. Campers are permitted to bring a camera or phone to take photos, but other devices—including tablets, iPads, Kindles, gaming consoles like Switches, or similar devices—are not allowed. This helps ensure that these items don’t get lost, damaged, or interfere with camp activities.
Zoo staff reserve the right to limit or prohibit camera or phone use during camp as needed to maintain a focused and engaging environment.
We provide one snack daily for campers, with a choice of fruit snacks or Goldfish crackers. If your camper cannot eat these options or would prefer something else, we encourage you to pack an alternative snack separate from their lunch. You’re also welcome to include additional snacks if you’d like.
Yes, campers need to bring a packed lunch each day, as we do not provide or sell lunch on-site. Please note that lunches will not be refrigerated.
Camp runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for the weather is essential. Please ensure your camper has:
- Weather-appropriate clothing, including a raincoat and extra layers if needed
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (flip-flops and open-toed sandals are not permitted)
- Rain boots, if rain is expected