Zooper Villains and Monsters

6th through 8th Grade

Camp Description

What makes a villain? Why are some animals looked at in a negative light or considered monsters? Why are vultures, bats or aye-ayes perceived as odd, scary or even “ugly?” Some animals have strange qualities, but they aren’t necessarily bad. Help re-write the story of animals who have been painted as villains, simply because they are “eccentric.” Are these animals actually monsters or the misunderstood geniuses of evolution?

Week Overview

**Ask your camper the questions below to learn about their day!

Monday

Questions of the Day: What is culture? Why do different cultures have stories with different perspectives on animals?
Zoo Exploration: Toyota Elephant Passage
Animal Experience: Who did we meet today?
Activity Challenge: Your mission is to find the oddest-looking animal in Tropical Discovery and take a photo of it. You will then be sharing a story about why this odd-looking animal has just won National Geographic’s 2022 Most Beautiful Animal in the World contest.

Tuesday

Question of the Day:
- AM: What does something have or do, in order to be considered villainous?
Zoo Exploration: Predator Ridge
Animal Experience: Who did we meet today?
Engineering Challenge: Can you design a blueprint to help humans coexist with a “villainous” animal?

Wednesday

Question of the Day: How do an animal’s adaptations affect how it is viewed?
Zoo Exploration: Emerald Forest
Animal Experience: Who did we meet today?
Activity: Night vision scopes

Thursday

Question of the Day: Why are animals that are thought of as evil actually good?
Zoo Exploration: Camper’s Choice
Animal Experience: Who did we meet today?

Friday

Question of the Day: Why should we tell our own stories about animals?
Zoo Exploration: Harmony Hill
Activity: Comic Book gallery walk.

Reminders

Camp runs in rain or shine. Make sure your camper is dressed for the weather.
Campers are required to bring:
- Backpack
- Sack lunch + 2 snacks
- Water bottle
Please note the day your child’s camp group will take a walking field trip to the City Park H20 Odyssey Fountains. While playing in the fountains, campers must keep their camp shirt and pants/shorts on – quick dry shoes and shorts are recommended on this day, but not required. Campers are welcome to bring a change of clothes, but are usually dry by the time we return to the zoo.
Drop-off and Pick-up occurs at the Special Programs Entrance (Gate 1), according to their designated time window.
- Drop-off:
  - 8:45-9:00 AM – 6-8th Grade + 2-3rd Grade
  - 9:00-9:15 AM – 4-5th Grade + K-1st Grade
- Pick-up:
  - 3:45-4:00 PM — 6-8th Grade + 2-3rd Grade
  - 4:00-4:15 PM – 4-5th Grade + K-1st Grade
You will need to bring an ID every day for pick-up.

Contact Us

If your camper liked Summer Safari, they will LOVE Fall, Winter, and Spring Safari Mini-Camps! When school is out, Safari Camp is in! These camps run from November through March. There’s a Safari for every season!

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