.png)
BERGEN COUNTY ZOO SUMMER CAMP 2024
We'll see you next year for another unforgettable summer!
Camp registration typically goes live in February
Bergen County Zoo Summer Camp provides unforgettable experiences to campers which includes age-appropriate activities including up-close animal encounters, games, hands-on science projects, crafts, zoo tours, and tons of educational fun that that builds on campers' love for animals and nature!
Best of all, you may sign up for multiple camp weeks!
​
Wolf Pups (3-5), Red Wolves (6-8), and Gray Wolves (9-12) all have a different weekly topic catered to what your child is most interested in! From science weeks to art weeks, there is a topic for everyone!
Jr. Zookeepers is the same week-to-week. Signing up for more than 1 week isn't recommended.
The Parent Handbook and Health Assessment are
REQUIRED for ALL campers.
The FARE Form, Asthma Treatment Plan, Diabetes Medical, and Seizure Action Plan are required if campers have any of these medical concerns.
Please mail the forms to:
Bergen County Zoological Park 216 Forest Ave
Paramus, NJ 07652
Attn: Zoo Camp
WOLF PUPS
Ages 3 - 5 with caregiver
$100.00
RED WOLVES
Ages 6- 8
$150.00
GRAY WOLVES
Ages 9 - 12
$150.00
JR. ZOOKEEPERS
Ages 13 - 17
$150.00
WOLF PUPS
Ages 3 - 5 with caregiver
9am - 12pm
$100 per week, per camper
June 10th - 14th, 2024
Classy Animals
What kind of animals have fur? Scales? Feathers? Learn about the different groups of animals.
​
June 17th - 21st, 2024
Body Parts
Each species has unique characteristics that differentiate themselves from each other.
Learn about some of those differences and see where humans fit in.
​
August 12th - 16th, 2024
Animal Olympics
Who is the fastest and strongest animal? Explore the winners of the Olympics in the animal world.
June 24th - 28th, 2024
Life Cycles
Learn about the life cycles of different animal groups and explore the similarities we share with all animals during development.
July 1st - 5th, 2024
Predator vs. Prey
Some animals hunt, while some are hunted. Learn about predators vs. prey and how animals are interconnected in their ecosystems.
Please note: Zoo Camp runs as regularly scheduled on July 4th.
​
July 8th - 12th, 2024
Habitat Helpers
Every animal has a place to call home. Discover different habitats and explore ways we coexist with our animal friends across the globe.
​
July 15th - 19th, 2024
Super Animals
This week will cover animal senses and the animals that have evolved their senses to the extreme.
​
July 22nd - 26th, 2024
Fossil Finds
Explore how fossils are created and learn about some of our planet’s earliest inhabitants.
​
July 29th - August 2nd, 2024
Amazing Anatomy
Discover how animals’ bodies work by exploring skeletons, digestive systems, and more! Compare our own body systems to those of animals.
All teaching tools will be age-appropriate. No dissections or squeamish substances will be present.
​
August 5th - 9th, 2024
Animal Olympics
Learn about the Olympians of the animal world and put your own skills to the test in our 2024 Zoo-lympics.
RED WOLVES
Ages 6 - 8
9am - 1pm
$150 per week, per camper
GRAY WOLVES
Ages 9 - 12
9am - 1pm
$150 per week, per camper
June 24th - 28th, 2024
Danger Week
Learn about what it takes to be a top contender for the “most dangerous animal”.
July 1st - 5th, 2024
Wilderness Survival Week
Join us as we learn different survival techniques for a variety of habitats.
Please note: Zoo Camp runs as regularly scheduled on July 4th.
​
July 8th - 12th, 2024
Predator Week
Learn how these animals’ unique characteristics put them at the top of their food chains and make them a vital part of their ecosystems.
​
July 15th - 19th, 2024
Conservation Week
Join us as we discuss sustainable ways to help and protect the Earth through real advocacy programs that affect the Bergen County Zoo.
​
July 22nd - 26th, 2024
Art Week
Join us as we explore the animal world through an artistic lens using different mediums that professional artists use.
​
July 29th - August 2nd, 2024
Myth Week
. Learn about how real animals become the stuff of legends and how storytelling can be a tool for conservation.
​
August 5th - 9th, 2024
Animal Olympics
Learn about the Olympians of the animal world and put your own skills to the test in our 2024 Zoo-lympics.
June 24th - 28th, 2024
​
July 1st - 5th, 2024
Please note: Zoo Camp runs as regularly scheduled on July 4th.
​
July 8th - 12th, 2024
​
July 15th - 19th, 2024
​
July 22nd - 26th, 2024
​
July 29th - August 2nd, 2024
​
August 5th - 9th, 2024
​
Discover what it takes to be a zookeeper!
Campers will get to experience the different types of jobs you can have in a zoo and learn about diets, exhibit design, animal welfare and more.
Please note: Junior Zookeeper Camp is the same week-to-week. Signing up for more than one week is not recommended.
JUNIOR ZOOKEEPERS
Ages 13 - 17
9am - 1pm
$150 per week, per camper
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT WILL MY CAMPER DO ALL DAY?
Camp is full of adventure and learning about the world of animals, nature, and science! A typical week of camp includes age-appropriate activities, up-close animal encounters, zoo tours, games, hands-on science projects, and crafts. Campers will spend time both inside and outside, so please be sure your camper is dressed for the weather!
​
WILL CAMP BE OUTSIDE?
We plan daily activities both inside and outside! Weather permitting, we may be outside for extended periods of time exploring the zoo and playing games in the park. Please be sure to apply sunscreen or bug spray each morning before camp. Camp staff will not be permitted to apply sunscreen or bug spray to campers. Also, please send your camper with a full, refillable water bottle to ensure your camper stays hydrated. We have water filling stations located in various areas around the zoo.
HOW MANY COUNSELORS ARE THERE?
Each camp group has at least 2 lead counselors and may be assisted by 2 or 3 counselors-in-training.
​
WHAT SHOULD MY CAMPER WEAR?
Please dress your camper appropriately for the weather. We may be outside rain or shine, so rain gear may be needed. Please send your camper with closed-toe shoes. On the first day of summer camp we will give your camper a special camp t-shirt and they will be required to wear this shirt every day of camp as it increases recognition and visibility.
​
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I PACK FOR MY CAMPER?
We do not provide any food during camp. Since our camp is half a day, please send your camper with a snack and a full, refillable water bottle. Sharing of snack items is not permitted.
​
WHAT IF MY CAMPER HAS FOOD ALLERGIES?
We are not a nut free facility as many of our animals have nuts in their diets. During camp, our counselors are diligent in knowing which children have allergies of any kind. We will either eat snack with the camper outside of the room or sit them with campers who do not have the food the camper is allergic to, depending on the allergy sensitivity. Every staff member, including the counselors, are trained in emergency allergic reaction response protocols.
​
CAN I REGISTER MY CAMPER FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK OF CAMP?
Yes! Wolf Pups (3-5), Red Wolves (6-8), and Gray Wolves (9-12) all have a different weekly topic catered to what your child is most interested in! From science weeks to art weeks, there is a topic for everyone!
Jr. Zookeepers is the same week-to-week. Signing up for more than 1 week isn't recommended. ​
​
CAN I REGISTER MY CAMPER FOR ONE DAY OF CAMP?
Bergen County Zoo Summer Camp is designed to be a 5 day experience from 9am-1pm (except Wolf Pups). If you are unable to attend all 5 days, camp is still full cost.
​
I HAVE TWO CAMPERS THAT ARE IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS. CAN THEY BE PUT TOGETHER?
No, unfortunately each week is specifically tailored toward a certain age group. Our age restrictions ensure that we focus on appropriate subject matter and activities.
​
CAN YOU ACCOMODATE CAMPERS WITH DIFFERENT NEEDS?
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all campers are welcome. In order to best meet the needs of your camper, we welcome you to contact the camp director, Melissa Czinn (MCzinn@co.bergen.nj.us), to discuss any accommodations your camper requires prior to camp. We are more than happy to discuss all available options. Our camp staff is not able to assist campers with toileting or medical needs (unless it is an emergency).
​
WHAT IS A "WAITLIST" ON EVENTBRITE?
Waitlist means we are currently full for that session. We encourage you to sign up for the waitlist as spots do open and we will try to fill that spot from our waitlist in the order they are listed.
​
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION, RESCHEDULING, AND REFUND POLICY?
If you wish to cancel, the request must be submitted via email to the camp director, Melissa Czinn (MCzinn@co.bergen.nj.us), at least 3 weeks prior to the camp start date for a refund (minus the Eventbrite fee and sales tax). If the cancellation request is submitted less than 3 weeks to the start of camp, refunds are dependent on us being able to fill your spot.
If you wish to reschedule, the request must also be submitted via email to our Camp Director - Melissa Czinn (MCzinn@co.bergen.nj.us) at least 3 weeks prior to the camp start date. Rescheduling is based on availability and is not guaranteed.