Mill Mountain Zoo’s highly popular summer camp is back for another fun-filled season. In-depth, hands-on, week-long camps are available for children ages 4-13. These camps are designed to encourage your child’s respect and enthusiasm for the natural world. Each week, campers will have the opportunity to tour exhibits, encounter small educational animals, create arts and crafts, meet zookeepers and play games all while learning about animals and the world they live in.
Address: 2404 Prospect Rd. SE Roanoke, VA 24014
Phone Number: 540-343-3241 ext. 23
Website: www.mmzoo.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MillMountainZoo
Contact: Bambi Godkin
Email: education@mmzoo.org
Session Dates:
Camp for Ages 4-6
June 24-28 - Teeth, Talons and Tongues - 9am-3pm
- Humans use hammers, screwdrivers, forks and spoons, among many other tools. Animals use tools too, but most of theirs are a part of their bodies. In this class, campers will discover how animals use their claws, mouths and other body parts to build structures, eat and even play. Bring a packed lunch.
Camps for ages 5-7
July 8-12 - Animal Mythbusters - 9am-3pm
- When it comes to the animal kingdom, we have come to believe in many myths and sayings. Do elephants really have perfect memories? Do crocodiles really cry? Are bats really blind? Can groundhogs really predict the arrival of spring? Campers will explore these myths and old sayings and many others, as they separate fact from fiction. Bring a packed lunch.
July 15-19 - Catch Me if You Can! - 9am-3pm
- In this camp, children will learn about predator and prey relationships and explore how prey animals use adaptations and behavior to evade predators. Campers will investigate how animals use speed, agility, camouflage and many other traits and skills to evade being caught or to catch other animals. Bring a packed lunch.
Camps for ages 8-10
July 22-26 - Animal Kingdom’s Most Wanted - 9am-3pm
- Many animals have bad reputations that can lead to fear or hatred of certain species. During this week, campers will have the opportunity to get up close with some animals that are misunderstood and learn what makes them tick. They’ll also uncover myths and falsehoods that have created bad press for members of the animal kingdom and come away with more respect and less fear of these animals. Bring a packed lunch.
July 29-August 2 - We Built a Zoo! - 9am-3pm
- A lot of thought goes into how to design and exhibit for a zoo animal. Campers will learn all about the things designers need to consider when creating homes for zoo animals. After exploring the zoo, campers will use their own creativity, along with the things they’ve learned, to create a design for their very own exhibit. They’ll even build a small diorama model of their original design! Bring a packed lunch.
August 5-9 - Zookeeper 101 - 9am-3pm
- Campers in this week of camp will get to explore the different animal husbandry techniques it takes to care for the various birds, mammals and reptiles that make up Mill Mountain Zoo’s collection. Campers will also learn what animal enrichment is and why it is so important to an animal’s well-being. Bring a packed lunch.
Camp for ages 10-13
August 12-16 - Junior Zookeepers - 9-3pm
- In this camp, children will build on what they learned in Zookeeper 101. Campers will get a more in-depth view and experience of how animals are cared for at the zoo. Campers must be willing to get dirty as they help our keeper staff with some of their daily duties. Bring a packed lunch.
Requirements for Junior Zookeepers:
Campers need to have taken Zookeeper 101 this summer or a previous summer. Campers also need to submit a letter stating why they think they would be a good Junior Zookeeper
Rates:
$175/members
$200/non-members
Additional Info:
Registration
- All camps are outdoors and go rain or shine so students must dress appropriately. Tennis shoes are best. No flip flops, sandals, or crocs please!
- Campers will need to bring a lunch. The zoo will provide water and juice.
- Space in all camps is limited. Registration is required one full week prior to the start date of the camp.
- The Emergency Medical Form and the Liability Form will be emailed to you upon receipt of your registration form. Please return forms by the start date of camp.
- No phone reservations will be accepted.
To register, go to www.mmzoo.org and print off camp registration form. Fill out the form and return to the zoo with full payment. Registration may be faxed, emailed, mailed or dropped off at the zoo. Please call or email Bambi Godkin with any additional questions at (540) 343-3241 ext. 23 or education@mmzoo.org.
*No refunds are given unless the zoo cancels camp*
