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The Friends of the Bergen County Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing financial support to the Bergen County Zoological Park.
For all Bergen County Zoo related inquiries, please visit the official Bergen County Zoo website
or contact Coleen Rugani: 201-634-3110 | CRugani@BergenCountyNJ.gov
BERGEN COUNTY ZOO SUMMER CAMP
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!
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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.
New health assessment coming soon.
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
9am - 12pm
$200.00 per week
RED WOLVES
Ages 6- 8
9am - 1pm
$250.00 per week
GRAY WOLVES
Ages 9 - 12
9am - 1pm
$250.00 per week
JR. ZOOKEEPERS
Ages 13 - 17
9am - 1pm
$250.00 per week
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.
WOLF PUPS
Ages 3 - 5 with caregiver
9am - 12pm
$200.00 per week
June 8 - 12, 2026
Fun on the Farm
Learn about all the different kinds of farms and the animals that live on them.
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June 16 - 20, 2026
Wilderness Explorers
Something has been stolen at the zoo! Campers will use their detective skills to help us crack the case.
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August 11 - 15, 2026
Fairy Tale Creatures
Learn about the real-life counterparts from our favorite fairy tales and how they shape the way we view animals we see every day.
June 22 - 26, 2026
Coverings
Skin, scales, feathers, fur! Learn about the vast array of coverings you can find in the animal kingdom.
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June 29 - July 3, 2026
From Heads to Tails
Learn about the various ways animals eat, move, and communicate with each other.
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July 6 - 10, 2026
Wacky, Weird, and Wonderful
Discover the important roles that some of our not-so-favorite animals like worms and snakes play in their environments.
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July 13 - 17, 2026
Habitats
From deserts to rainforests, explore the different kinds of habitats that exist and meet some of the animals that live in them!
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July 20 - 24, 2026
Life Cycles
Egg to tadpole to frog, oh my! Learn about the life cycles of animals like butterflies, frogs, and birds.
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July 27 - 31, 2026
Art Week
Some animals are builders, some are singers. Some flaunt flashy colors, and others show off their cool moves. Learn about the many types of animal artists that exist in nature.
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August 3 - 7, 2026
Adaptations
Discover the many adaptations that help animals survive in their environments.
RED WOLVES
Ages 6 - 8
9am - 1pm
$250.00 per week
GRAY WOLVES
Ages 9 - 12
9am - 1pm
$250.00 per week
June 22 - 26, 2026
Mythology Week
What makes an animal legendary? Learn about how telling stories about animals shapes our views on them.
This week is great for kids who enjoy mythology, storytelling, and crafts.
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June 29 - July 3, 2026
Animal Communication Week
How do different types of animals communicate with each other? Learn about how song, silence, and vibrations help animals navigate the world.
This week is great for kids who enjoy music, science, and learning about lots of different kinds of animals.
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July 6 - 10, 2026
Farm and Agriculture Week
Learn about the different kinds of farms and the animals that live and work on them.
This week is great for kids who enjoy farm animals, insects, and big group projects.
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July 13 - 17, 2026
Medieval Week
Learn about how the animals we know and love today were represented and enjoyed by the knights and nobles during Medieval times.
This week is great for kids who enjoy history, crafts, and mythology.
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July 20 - 24, 2026
Art Week
Discover all the colors and patterns you can find in nature and how they help animals survive.
This week is great for kids who enjoy art projects, nature, and journaling.
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July 27 - 31, 2026
Coverings Week
What makes mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds different from invertebrates? Learn about how to identify different animal classifications.
This week is great for kids who enjoy science experiments, conservation, and learning about lots of different kinds of animals.
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August 3 - 7, 2026
Habitats Week
Learn about the different places that animals make their home.
This week is great for kids who enjoy science, conservation, and big group projects.
JUNIOR ZOOKEEPERS
Ages 13 - 17
9am - 1pm
$250.00 per week
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.
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June 22 - 26, 2026
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June 29 - July 3, 2026
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July 6 - 10, 2026
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July 13 - 17, 2026
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July 20 - 24, 2026
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July 27 - 31, 2026
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August 3 - 7, 2026
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. ​
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact Melissa Czinn - Camp Director
201 - 634 - 3108