Camps
Learn about animals, zoos, and wildlife conservation.
Join Us for a Wild Summer!
Our summer camps provide children, ages 4-14, the opportunity to learn about animals, zoos, and wildlife conservation. This enriching and educational experience will be filled with Zoo visits, live animal presentations, crafts, games, stories, learning projects, and much more! Through our summer camp program, we hope to inspire the next generation of wildlife conservationists and stewards of the environment.
Registration for 2026 will open January 27 at 10am for Delaware Zoological Society members and February 3 at 10am for the general public. To be added to our camp mailing list or to ask any question, please email [email protected].
| Week | Day Camps | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| June 15-18 |
Z is for Zoo A is for anteater, B is for binturong, and C is for condors! Discover the amazing animals of this world, from A to Z! This will be a 4-day camp, no camp on Friday June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. |
4-5 |
| June 22-26 |
Art Safari Discover and be inspired by the amazing art created by animals, or of animals, around the world! Everyday we’ll create a new project inspired by the wild artists around us while exploring different mediums. |
8-9 |
| June 29-July 2 |
Animal Super Powers (A) Animals have some amazing super powers to help them survive in their environments! Learn about different animal powers and adaptations and then design your very own animal superhero. This will be a 4-day camp, no camp on Friday July 3 in observation of the 4th of July. *This theme is offered on multiple weeks—campers are only able to register for one session as both weeks include the same activities/schedule. |
6-7 |
| July 6-10 |
Animal Super Powers (B) Animals have some amazing super powers to help them survive in their environments! Learn about different animal powers and adaptations and then design your very own animal superhero. *This theme is offered on multiple weeks—campers are only able to register for one session as both weeks include the same activities/schedule. |
6-7 |
| July 6-10 |
Jr Zoo Keepers (A) Ever wonder what being a zookeeper really involves? Discover how our animals are cared for, practice your husbandry skills cleaning an animal habitat, prepare animal diets, create enrichment, and visit behind-the-scenes to see how the zoo really works! *This theme is offered on multiple weeks—campers are only able to register for one session as both weeks include the same activities/schedule. **This camp will include hands-on activities or tours in behind-the-scenes areas that may involve dirty and smelly tasks that are often outside and in cramped spaces. These camps require campers to be able to work cooperatively with peers and adults and to be able to follow directions promptly. |
12-14 |
| July 13-17 |
Wild Designs How do you build a zoo? What makes a great animal habitat? How do keepers prepare exhibits for more than one species? Join us for a behind-the-scenes experience to learn about what zookeepers do to take care of animals and plan exhibits, then design an exhibit of your own! |
10-11 |
| July 20-24 |
Animal Careers Have you ever thought about a future career working with animals? During this week, you’ll get a truly hands-on experience to understand what it takes! You will assist in animal care and feeding, contribute to a field research project, tour behind the scenes, and travel with us to visit other local conservation focused organizations. *This camp will travel off site to local organizations and include hands-on activities or tours in behind-the-scenes zoo areas that may involve dirty and smelly tasks that are often outside and in cramped spaces. These camps require campers to be able to work cooperatively with peers and adults and to be able to follow directions promptly. |
14-17 |
| July 27-31 |
Slime, Poo, and Bugs Too What might be gross to us, could be the key to an animal’s survival! Learn how condor poop helps them cool down, how lemurs fight with stink, and celebrate Camp Mud Day in this fun and messy camp. |
6-7 |
| Aug 3-7 |
Disguises and Surprises Camouflage, mimicry, and mind-blowing tricks! Discover the clever ways animals disguise themselves, play dead, or act tough to survive. Uncover the secrets behind their disguises and surprises! |
8-9 |
| Aug 3-7 |
Jr Zoo Keepers (B) Ever wonder what being a zookeeper really involves? Discover how our animals are cared for, practice your husbandry skills cleaning an animal habitat, prepare animal diets, create enrichment, and visit behind-the-scenes to see how the zoo really works! *This theme is offered on multiple weeks—campers are only able to register for one session as both weeks include the same activities/schedule. **This camp will include hands-on activities or tours in behind-the-scenes areas that may involve dirty and smelly tasks that are often outside and in cramped spaces. These camps require campers to be able to work cooperatively with peers and adults and to be able to follow directions promptly. |
12-14 |
| Aug 10-14 |
Wildlife Mythbusters Can chameleons change colors? Can porcupines shoot their quills? Discover what is real and bust the myths of the animal kingdom! |
6-7 |
| Aug 17-21 |
Sensory Safari Spend the week on a sensory safari discovering the fantastic five senses and how both animals and people use them to explore their world! |
4-5 |
Camp Specifics
4-5 year old Camps:
9am–11:30am
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 11:30am-12pm
Cost: $160/camper
4-day Camp Cost: $130/camper
6-7 year old Camps:
9am–3pm
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 3-3:30pm
Cost: $260/camper
4-day Camp Cost: $210/camper
8-9 year old Camps:
9am–3pm
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 3-3:30pm
Cost: $260/camper
10-11 year old Camps:
9am–3pm
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 3-3:30pm
Cost: $360/camper
12-14 year old Camps:
9am–3pm
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 3-3:30pm
Cost: $360/camper
14-17 year old Camps:
9am–3pm
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 3-3:30pm
Cost: $375/camper
QUESTIONS? Email [email protected] or call (302) 407-4408.
When does registration open?
- Registration opens February 3 at 10am for the general public.
- Delaware Zoological Society Members can register for camp starting on January 27 at 10am. For details, members should look for an email from the zoo that will be sent in early January.
- For information about becoming a DZS member, please click HERE.
What information will I need at registration?
- To save time at registration, we highly recommend setting up a family account on the registration website before registration opens. You can do so HERE.
- All camp forms are due at registration. Make sure you have your camper’s immunizations and other medical information, insurance information, and shirt size when you are registering.
What are camp hours? is there before/after care available?
- For full day camps, camp drop off is open 8:30am to 9am and camp pick up is 3pm to 3:30pm.
- For half day camps, camp drop off is open 8:30am to 9am and camp pick up is 11:30am to noon.
- Currently, before/after care is not available.
Where do I pick up/drop off my camper?
Campers should be dropped off/picked up at the Education Building, following the pick up/drop off line as shown in the Camp Handbook.
Can I sign my camper up for a camp that is not for their age group?
Campers must be within the age range listed for each selected camp by that camp week. We cannot make exceptions for age.
Will my camper be grouped with their sibling/friend?
Campers in the same camp theme will spend most of the day together. The group will be split into smaller sections by age occasionally, as needed for certain activities. We do our best to group campers with others that they would get along with, but cannot guarantee that any campers will always be in the same group.
Are there scholarships available for Brandywine Zoo Camp?
Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to offer camp scholarships.
What is your policy for cancelations/refunds?
Cancellations can be made on the registration website or by emailing [email protected]. Any cancellations/requests for refunds must be sent by June 2, 2025. Refunds are subject to a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be provided after June 2.
Are there food restrictions for lunch/snack time?
- We do not have food restrictions, however, campers may be asked to switch seats at lunch/snack time to accommodate campers with food allergies.
- We do not have a refrigerator or microwave available for campers.
Does my camper have to wear the camp shirt every day?
- Yes. Campers are required to wear a Brandywine Zoo camp shirt everyday of camp. One free shirt is included with each registration. Additional t-shirts may be purchased through the registration website for $10 each.
- Returning campers are welcome to wear their camp shirts from previous years.
What should my camper bring?
- Campers should wear their Zoo Camp shirt, clothing appropriate to the weather, and closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes that are comfortable to walk and run in (such as sneakers).
- Campers should also bring a packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.
- We recommend campers bring two snacks to eat during snack times and a full change of clothing (including shoes/socks) in case of games involving water/mud as well as bathroom accidents.
Will my camper interact with the animals?
- Campers will have opportunities for up-close encounters with Education Ambassador Animals each day. While some Ambassador Animals are able to be touched in a controlled setting, not all animals may be touchable based upon the species, number of campers, and camper behavior.
- For the safety of all, there is no direct contact with exhibit animals other than the animals in the Barnyard area (goats) when the Barnyard is open to guests.
- Campers ages 8 and up may go on a couple of age-appropriate behind the scenes tours. For ages 8-9, this will only include non-animal areas such as the commissary. Behind the scenes area tours are not guaranteed.
Would this camp suit my camper?
- As a parent, you know your child best, so only you can make this decision. The Brandywine Zoo Camp strives to meet the needs of all campers. However, our camp takes place in a highly stimulating environment both in the classroom and on zoo grounds. Children are expected to stay and cooperate with a group, follow directions, care for their own basic needs, and participate in camp activities with their peers. We host an active, outdoor camp and thus our program might not be suitable for every camper.
- Jr Zoo Keeper camp includes hands-on activities in behind the scenes areas that will involve dirty and smelly tasks that are often outside and in cramped spaces. These camps require campers to be able to work cooperatively with peers and adults, and to be able to follow directions promptly.
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions, please check the Camp Handbook, or email us at [email protected].