Program Information

Safari Camp follows Colorado's COVID-19 Dial Framework and operates under state and local guidelines. 

Level Purple:  Safari Camp is closed.

Levels Red and Orange: Safari Camp operates as an outdoor camp. On Zoo exploration, campers will travel throughout the zoo, including exhibit buildings, and complete all activities outdoors. In the case of extreme temperature, campers may utilize designated warm-up/cool-off zones as needed. Camp groups will not exceed 10 campers and 1 instructor. 

Levels Yellow, Blue and Green: Safari Camp operates both indoors and outdoors. Capacity varies per level: 

·       Level Yellow: Camp groups will not exceed 20 campers and 2 instructors; divided into 2 cohorts of 10 campers and 1 instructor for all activities.  Indoor camp spaces are restricted to 1 cohort at any time while complying with all mask and social distancing policies.

·       Level Blue and Green: Camp groups will not exceed 30 campers and 3 instructors; divided into 3 cohorts of 10 campers and 1 instructor for Zoo exploration.  Up to 3 cohorts may occupy an indoor camp space while complying with all mask and social distancing polices. 

These parameters are subject to change based on state and local guidelines. 

• Cohorts remain together for the entirety of the camp program. Groups will be kept separate from one another.
• Camp cohorts will maintain a 6 ft. physical distance from Zoo guests and other groups out in the Zoo on exploration.
• Campers and staff will maintain 6 ft. physical distance from each other during snack/lunch, when indoors or traveling through exhibit buildings, and whenever possible outdoors. All activities will support distancing.

We practice good hand hygiene (We follow the CDC’s hand washing guidelines).

• Campers wash hands upon arrival.
• Throughout the day, campers wash hands before snacks/lunch, and after Zoo exploration, using the restroom, and blowing their noses, coughing, or sneezing.
• In addition, 70-80% alcohol-based hand sanitizer is available in each classroom and while out in the zoo, and utilized throughout the day. You are welcome to pack an alternative (please label with first and last name), or specify to the camp instructor that your child cannot use hand-sanitizer.

Camp Staff also encourages each camper to:

• Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid sharing food/art supplies/personal items

Denver Zoo follows local, state and federal guidelines in developing its safety programs. It may adjust and communicate COVID-19 related policy or requirements of staff, volunteers, campers and families accordingly. As of May 10, 2021, Denver Zoo’s mask policy for Summer Safari camps is as follows:

• Masks will be required for campers in all indoor locations.
• Activities, including eating and drinking, will occur outside when possible.  If occurring indoors, to the extent possible, campers will maintain physical distancing of 6 feet.
• Masks will be required for campers in outdoor locations when reasonable social distancing is not possible, such as traveling through crowded areas of the Zoo and at popular animal demonstrations. Masks for campers will be optional in outdoor locations when reasonable social distancing can occur such as in open outdoor play areas, nature areas, activity spaces, snack or lunch locations, etc.
• Denver Zoo Camp staff and volunteers are required to wear masks both indoors and outdoors except during socially distanced outdoor mask breaks.

N95 respirators should not be sent with campers, as they may cause additional hazards to the individual wearing them.

In addition to Denver Zoo’s rigorous sanitation protocols, and campus safety updates, Camp Staff disinfects all high-touch surfaces daily and art supplies, toys, blocks, etc. weekly.

As always, parents are asked to keep their children home if they, or other members of the household, are sick. We follow the Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Illness Policy (specific COVID-19 symptoms can be found HERE). 

In addition, parents/guardians should keep their child home if they answer “yes” to any Health Screening Questions:

1. In the past 48 hours, has your camper, or others in the household, experienced the following symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficult breathing
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea or vomiting

1. In the past 14 days, has your camper, or others in the household, tested positive for COVID-19?
2. In the past 14 days, has your camper, or others in their household, knowingly been in close contact with anyone who has had a confirmed case of COVID-19?

During each day of drop-off, adults will verify health screening questions; campers will have their temperature taken (as well as during the day if signs of illness are present).  Those who answer “yes” to any screening questions, exhibit signs of illness, and/or have a temperature above 100°F will be sent home immediately, including their siblings, other household members, and all others in car.