Camps
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.
We hope to offer additional camps. If your camper is interested in a sold out camp, please use the registration website to add their name to our waitlists.

Week | Day Camps | Ages |
---|---|---|
June 16-20 |
Tales of Tails Discover the tales inspired by amazing animals! Each day we will read an animal tale, then get hands-on to immerse ourselves in the story’s theme with crafts, games, and other exciting activities. *This will be a 4-day camp; no camp on Thursday in observance of Juneteenth. Due to the shortened week, this camp will cost $130 per camper. |
4-5 |
June 23-27 |
Unicorns, dragons, and bigfoot, oh my! Discover the legends of mythical creatures and the real-life animals they are inspired by, then get creative and invent a mythical creature of your own! |
8-9 |
June 30-July 3 |
Noises, smells, and body language. Animals “talk” in lots of ways, but what are they saying? Join us and discover how you can talk and listen to the animals! *This will be a 4-day camp; no camp on Friday in observance of July 4th. Due to the shortened week, this camp will cost $210 per camper. |
6-7 |
July 7-11 |
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 14-18 |
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 |
July 21-25 |
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 28-Aug 1 |
Camouflage and mimicry. Playing dead and acting tough. Learn about animal masters of deception, and the secrets behind their disguises and surprises! |
8-9 |
Aug 4-8 |
Grab your passport and take off on a journey to learn about wildlife from around the world! Each day we will focus on a new continent and the animals and people that call it home. |
6-7 |
Aug 11-15 |
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 18-22 |
Color Me Wild Animals come in all shapes, sizes, and COLORS! Learn about our many colorful creatures, each day focusing on a different color! |
4-5 |
Camp Specifics
4-5 year old Camps:
9am–11:30am
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 11:30am-12pm
Cost: $160/camper
6-7 year old Camps:
9am–3pm
Drop off: 8:30-9am
Pickup: 3-3:30pm
Cost: $260/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
QUESTIONS? Email
[email protected] or call (302) 407-4408
When does registration open?
- Registration opens February 4 at 10 am for the general public.
- Delaware Zoological Society Members can register for camp starting on January 28 at 10 am. For details, members should check for an email from the zoo sent out on January 18.
- 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. 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, chickens) when the Barnyard is open to guests.
- Campers may go on a couple of age-appropriate behind the scenes tours. For ages 4-5 and 6-8, 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].