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!
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
Daily Schedule Subject to Change
**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
- Drop-off:
- You will need to bring an ID every day for pick-up.