Camp Zoofari FAQ

What will my child be doing in camp?

Click on the camp for which your child is registered to view a weekly schedule of activities.  Please note all activities are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Adventures in the Rainforest
• African Adventure
• All Sorts of Animals
• Bringing Up Baby
• Destination Conservation
• Garden Safari
• Globe Trotters
• Hide and Seek
• Island Hoppers
• Keeper Camp
• Opposites Attract
• Scat Attack
• Selected for Survival
• Toadally Amphibians
• Wild Cats and Dogs
• Wildlife Detectives
• Zoobots

When can I register?

Registration dates are determined by Zoo membership level.  You may upgrade your membership by visiting our membership page.

Registration begins: Asante Society - February 11
Conservator and Sustaining - February 16
Supporting - February 18
Grandparent, Family Plus, Family, and Individual - February 25
Non-members - March 4

Looking for the registration page?

 

Can I get on a waiting list?

If the camp of your choice is sold out, please call Group Sales at 713-533-6550 to register for the waiting list; there is no guarantee a space will become available.  Once the waiting list is full, no more registrations will be accepted.  Waiting lists are limited to 5 people.

 

Can I stay with my child?

Camp Zoofari is a program designed for children who can remain in a group setting without parental involvement.

 

May I enroll my child in a camp for an older age group?

No, age requirements are not negotiable and are strictly enforced. Campers must fall within the specified age category on the first day of the camp session they are attending.

 

What should my child wear/bring?

Please click here for a complete checklist.  You MUST bring a copy of your child's immunization records with you on the first day of camp in order for your child to participate in Camp Zoofari.  If your child participated in Summer Camp Zoofari 2008 AND they have not received any additional immunizations since then, you do not need to submit another copy of their immunization records.   Note for Keeper Camp only: Due to the close interactions campers will be experiencing with animals in our collection, all campers registered for Keeper Camp must be TB tested to ensure their safety as well as the safety of our animals.  On the first day of camp, please bring a copy of your TB test results with you.  Test results must be negative to participate in Keeper Camp.

 

What are the qualifications of your teachers and assistants?

Camp teachers are Zoo staff educators, certified teachers, or upper-level college students. All must pass a criminal background check, and all full-time staff members are CPR and First Aid certified. Camp assistants are teen volunteers in our Zoo Crew program.

 

How are campers supervised?

Campers are supervised at all times and are escorted on restroom breaks.  Teacher to student ratios are 1:9 or 1:10.

 

My child needs to take medication. How should I arrange for this?

The Houston Zoo is NOT responsible for administering medication to children. Please consult a pediatrician so medication can be administered outside of camp. To ensure a positive experience for all campers, it is IMPERATIVE that you notify us of special needs or medical conditions your child may have.  We will accommodate these needs to the best of our ability.

 

Do you provide snacks?

Yes.  Snack items are Goldfish®, Chex Mix ®, Nilla Wafers®, animal crackers and ice pops. We also serve lemonade. If your child has food allergies, please include this information on the registration form.  Alternative snacks will not be provided; however, you may provide a small snack for your own child if you prefer.

 

What about lunch?

Camp Zoofari is a “high energy” activity, so campers should eat a hearty breakfast before arrival. ALL campers must bring a lunch. Campers may NOT purchase Zoo lunches. Due to safety concerns, glass containers are prohibited. A microwave will NOT be available for use.

 

What are the camp sign-in and sign-out procedures?

Sign-in and sign-out will take place at the Brown Education Center (BEC) and/or the Zoo's main entrance. In order to provide a secure environment, you MUST sign your child in and out of camp. Photo IDs are required for sign-out and will be checked daily. You MUST bring a copy of your child's immunization records with you on the first day of camp in order for your child to participate in Camp Zoofari.   The BEC is located inside Gate 5, which is 200 yards to the left of the main gate. You may park in the main parking lot or the old golf course parking lot across the street. Do NOT use the handicapped parking in front of Gate 5 unless you have a handicapped plate or tag.  Unauthorized vehicles may be ticketed ($250 fine). The Houston Zoo is NOT responsible for paying the fine.

Gate 5 will be unlocked at 8:45 a.m. and locked again at 9:15 a.m. If you are latedropping off your child or will be picking your child up early,  you will need to enter through the main Zoo entrance.   Gate 5 will be open at 3:45 p.m. for pick up. Please be prompt when picking up your child; he or she will not be allowed to remain in the Zoo without an adult. Campers not picked up by 4:15 p.m. will be charged a fee of $1 per minute.

 

Will my child get to touch zoo animals or go behind the scenes?

We have a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles that are safe for handling. Campers will get to touch many of these throughout the week! For the safety of the campers and our animals, most behind-the-scenes activity is restricted to the oldest age group.

 

Is there an orientation for parents or campers?

There is no orientation for parents, but camp staff will be available to answer questions.  Each camp will review the Camp Zoofari expectations and rules with their teacher and the camp principal.

 

What are the hours of camp?

1/2 day camps are available for children ages 4-5 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.  Full day camps for children ages 4-12 are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Do you have before and after camp care?

No, before and after camp care are not available.

 

How big are the t-shirts?

The t-shirts are sized as follows:

• Youth S  (6/8)
• Youth M  (10/12)
• Youth L  (14/16)
• Adult S  
• Adult M  
• Adult L 
  
  If you are unsure of what size to order, please order larger.  There are no extras or exchanges available.

 

How much do extra shirts cost?

Each child will receive two Camp Zoofari t-shirt regardless of the number of camps for which they register.  Extra t-shirts are available at a cost of $12 per shirt.

 

Can my child and their friend be in the same camp?