Summer 2024

Join us for our Conservation Camp with week-long Camps (Monday-Friday) with a focus on conservation, animal activism and hands-on art and science.  Sign up for 1 or 2 weeks of animal/habitat exploration and wildlife fun with the team at SF ZOO and Gardens!

Conservation Camp for Summer 2024

From learning about wild animals to careers in conservation, campers will have a blast exploring and learning while making new friends! 

Weeklong summer camps feature educational tours, games, creative projects, close-up animal encounters, and more. Campers will be grouped by grade level and experience the Zoo in small groups led by Zoo Camp instructors, staff, and volunteers.

Zoo Camps foster curiosity and creativity through STEM-based skills such as investigation, collaboration, problem solving, communication and more through fun hands-on art and science activities. 

We believe that connecting campers of all ages to animals and nature will help to improve the outlook for both the camper and for the future of the natural world.  When children grow up connected to nature, they are likely to continue to inquire, explore, and protect it. 

Kids Free Admission

Conservation Camp Themes for Pre-K through 8th Grade

Pre-K:  Lil’ Explorers Base Camp

Explorers trek on safaris to various regions of the world to visit with amazing animals, insects, and birds at the SF Zoo. At Base Camp each day, they will engage in art and science projects related to their daily exploration discoveries. 

3rd & 4th Grade: Junior Zoologists

Have you ever wanted to learn more about animals? Zoology is the scientific study of the animal kingdom! From behavior to habitat and anatomy to classification, campers will journey into the world of animal science while learning about the Zoo’s animals and what makes them each unique.

Kinder: Wild Animals Adventure Club

With over 1000 animals, there is a lot to get wild about at the SF Zoo. Campers will discover animal life from Oceania to the Plains and everything in between! Through games and activities and a variety of hands-on discoveries, our Adventure Club campers will have a wild time exploring the diverse habitats and animals this summer. 

5th & 6th Grade: Conservation Rangers

From the smallest microbes to the largest whale, every living thing plays an important role in helping our planet thrive. Campers will discover the science of wildlife conservation as they delve into the natural diversity of the world and its inhabitants. Through discovery and teamwork, campers will learn new ways to help protect Earth’s biodiversity. 

1st & 2nd Grade: Earth Action Heroes

Everyone can be an Earth Action Hero and take steps to help our planet.  Campers will learn about our endangered species and about conservation efforts to support them. Through a variety of art and science activities, artifact investigation, and visits from wildlife experts, campers will learn the many ways that species help, survive and adapt to a changing planet. 

7th & 8th Grade: Animal Activists

Conservation, preservation and protection: the species of the world need our help! Campers will see what the San Francisco Zoo is doing to save Earth’s endangered species and learn exciting ways they can make a difference to wildlife at home and around the world. 

Campers will be grouped by grade level. 
Campers entering Pre-K (must be 4 years old) through 8th grade may register for up to 2 weeks of fun!  In an effort to accommodate the most families possible, we ask that you please do not register for more than 2 weeks of Conservation Camp. 

fun things to do with kids

Dates & Times

 June 17- August 9 

Camp will operate for seven weeks.
Monday through Friday from June 17 – August 9. 

No camp the week of July 4th. 

  • Week 1: June 17- June 21
  • Week 2: June 24 – June 28
  • Week 3: July 8 – July 12
  • Week 4: July 15 – July 19
  • Week 5: July 22 – July 26
  • Week 6: July 29 – Aug 2
  • Week 7: Aug 5 – Aug 9

 

Pre-K Campers: 9:00am – 12:00pm 
Kinder -8th Campers: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Aftercare will be available from 3:30 – 5:00pm. 

Pricing

Kindergarten through 8th Grade. 

Monday – Friday 

9:00am-3:30pm 

Cost: $500 members; $550 non-members

After-Care Available from- 3:30pm-5:00pm

Additional Cost: $150 per week, no pro-rating

Pre-K, minimum age 4 by 06/01/24

Special Morning Camps for Pre-K 

Monday – Friday 

9:00am-12:00pm 

Cost: $250 members; $275 non-members

Financial Aid

Scholarship Applications are available until April 7, 2024. 

English/Spanish   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GJTHJ2G

English/Chinese   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/76FQW82

Zoo Camp Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received in writing by email.

  • A 100% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received within 24 hours of registration. The timestamp on your email will serve as reference for potential refunds.
  • A 75% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received by April 30, 2024. The non-refundable 25% will be forfeited completely and is non-transferable.
  • A 50% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received by May 31, 2024. The non-refundable 50% will be forfeited completely and is non-transferable.
  • No refunds will be issued for cancellations starting June 1, 2024.

Inclusion & Camper Support

SF Zoo and Gardens Conservation Camps are traditional camps (not specialized for specific exceptionalities) that welcome all children to join in our explorations of nature at the Zoo. Our camp days are very active and engage campers in a variety of activities with quick transitions and sensory changes throughout the day. All campers are expected to follow directions, adhere to safety rules, and behave according to our Zoo guidelines. We encourage camper grownups to provide us with any information necessary to give your child the best possible camp experience! Although we cannot accommodate all needs nor provide one-on-one care for any individual camper, our team will do everything within our capacity to make each child feel welcome and included in a safe environment.

 

Please sign up for our zoo camp email to get updated information.

Zoo Camp Mailing List
Click here to be added to our electronic Zoo Camp mailing list.

Leadership Fellowship and Conservation Corps Programs:

The Leadership Fellows program is designed for students ages 14+.  Fellows assist Summer Zoo Camp teachers with activities such as tours, crafts, and games, and help zoo campers explore the world of animals and conservation.

More information will be available in late March 2024.

 

Have a Question? E-mail [email protected], call (415) 213-8148, check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or visit our app found in the App Store or Google Play.

Zoo Camp Mailing List

Click here to be added to our electronic Zoo Camp mailing list.