Campers will explore the Zoo, visit friendly animals, meet Zoo Keepers, and make new friends in this unique winter adventure.
Our Kids for Nature Winter Camp is three days on December 28th, 29th, and 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Campers must be registered in the grade level in which they are enrolled in for the current school year. For example, if your child is currently in 1st grade, they need to be enrolled in the 1st-3rd grade camp.
Kids for Nature Winter Camp is December 28th, 29th, and 30th
PreK-K (age 4+)
Have a wild winter at the Fort Wayne Zoo! Our Kids for Nature Winter Camp lets your camper discover a wintery world waiting to be explored. Each day, campers will learn all about the habitats that animals call home whether its below the seas or in the trees. They’ll even discover hidden habitats at the Zoo during special behind the scenes tours. Animal encounters, engaging Zoo tours, games, and more will make this a memorable camp experience.
Fee: $150
Dates:
- December 28th
- December 29th
- December 30th
Campers will be enrolled in all sessions of the Winter Camp program.
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m
1st – 2nd Grade
Have a wild winter at the Fort Wayne Zoo! Our Kids for Nature Winter Camp lets your camper discover a wintery world waiting to be explored. Each day, campers will learn all about the habitats that animals call home whether its below the seas or in the trees. They’ll even discover hidden habitats at the Zoo during special behind the scenes tours. Animal encounters, engaging Zoo tours, games, and more will make this a memorable camp experience.
Fee: $150
Dates:
- December 28th
- December 29th
- December 30th
Campers will be enrolled in all sessions of the Winter Camp program.
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m
4th – 6th Grade
Have a wild winter at the Fort Wayne Zoo! Our Kids for Nature Winter Camp lets your camper discover a wintery world waiting to be explored. Each day, campers will learn all about the habitats that animals call home whether its below the seas or in the trees. They’ll even discover hidden habitats at the Zoo during special behind the scenes tours. Animal encounters, engaging Zoo tours, games, and more will make this a memorable camp experience.
Fee: $150
Dates:
- December 28th
- December 29th
- December 30th
Campers will be enrolled in all sessions of the Winter Camp program.
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to camp?
All campers should wear closed-toe shoes and dress to go outside, snow, rain or shine. Campers must bring something to drink and a packed lunch. Reusable lunch boxes and water bottles are encouraged. A snack will be provided, so please list all of your camper’s allergies in registration at check-out.
We do not recommend bringing any additional items like games, toys, or cell phones. Campers would need to carry these personal items with them. The Zoo is not responsible for lost items.
What if my camper isn't feeling well?
We ask that you verify that your camper is not showing any symptoms of illness before bringing them to camp. Please contact our Education team at 260-427-6800 EXT 301 if your camper isn’t able to come to camp.
Can a parent accompany their child to camp?
Camp is a time for campers to connect with animals and build social skills with one another, therefore we do not allow parents to accompany their child to camp. If your child requires additional support or care, please contact our Education Department at 260-427-6800 EXT 301 or email education@fwzoo.com.
My child needs medication. Can you help my child with this?
No, campers must be able to administer medication themselves while at camp. If needed, camp counselors can remind them to take their medication by themselves. If you have any concerns regarding medication, please discuss this with your child’s camp counselor on the first day of Zoo camp.
For life saving medication, such as an Epi-pen, see below FAQ.
My child has an allergy. Can I provide you with an epinephrine auto-injector?
Yes, you will need to supply an epinephrine auto-injector for your camper. Camp counselors will carry it with the group the entire camp day. Camp counselors are trained in basic first aid, which includes the administration of an EpiPen.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for epinephrine auto-injector administration. The Zoo coordinates with the American Red Cross for this training and will cover the cost of the training for employees required to complete the training.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes. Camp staff keep a lost and found box in the Zoo Education Center for items that campers may have left behind.
Will campers interact with animals?
Yes, campers will safely interact with animals in a variety of encounters and may even meet ambassador animals up close.
What is the supervision ratio?
The ratio varies depending on grade level. Camps have a counselor-to-camper ratio of between 1:3 and 1:6.
What will campers do each day?
Campers will do a variety of activities each day. This could include exciting Zoo tours, nature exploration, animal encounters and, making new friends along the way.
Please see our camp story for a day in the life of a Zoo Camper.
Will camp be cancelled if there is inclement weather?
In the case of severe weather, please check your email for an email from education@fwzoo.com for up-to-date information. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right to cancel camp in the event of severe weather.
What if I need to cancel?
Programs are held rain or shine.
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. To cancel, camp registrants must email education@fwzoo.com with your contact information and order number. Refunds cannot be completed over the phone. No refunds if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance.
The Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps with insufficient registration. In the event of such a cancellation, all of your fees will be refunded.
What if there is severe weather?
The Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps with insufficient registration, to meet health regulations, or in the event of severe weather. In the event of such a cancellation, you will be notified via email.
How do I get on a waitlist?
There is no waitlist available for Kids for Nature Summer Camp. When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot.
Camp Policies and Procedures
What to pack:
- All campers must pack a lunch and a reusable water bottle. A snack will be provided every day.
- Please label lunch boxes and reusable water bottles with camper’s name.
- Campers should wear close-toed shoes and weather/play-appropriate clothing that may get dirty. We spend a lot of time outside exploring nature, even in the snow, rain, or shine.
Arrival:
- Camp begins at 8:30 a.m. each day and sign-in starts no earlier than 8:20 a.m.
Campers can be dropped off at the check-in table for their camp. Kids for Nature Camps begin and end at the Zoo Education Center, which is located across the street from the Zoo (600 Franke Park Drive).
Dismissal:
- Camp ends at 3:00 p.m. each day and Counselor staff will start the sign out process at this time.
Please pick up children promptly at the end of camp. All parents or guardians are required to sign campers out by showing a photo ID and must be listed on the approved pick-up list completed at registration.
Late Drop Off:
- If you arrive late, please bring your camper(s) inside the Zoo Education Center for the group’s location. If the camps have left the building, take your camper(s) to the Zoo’s Guest Service Building (located next to the Zoo’s main entrance) and ask them to page the group’s location.
Keeping Safe
- Close-toed shoes are required.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing. We spend a lot of time outside exploring the Zoo, even in snow, rain or shine.
- Programs are held rain, snow, or shine.
- Kids for Nature Camps spend the majority of their time outdoors. Counselor staff will regularly remind camp groups to drink water and we play games that help us stay hydrated. Please remind your camper to drink water throughout the day.
- Campers may wish to wear sunblock which they must be able to apply themselves.
- For camper safety, have your photo ID at hand. All parents or guardians are required to sign campers out by showing a photo ID.
BEHAVIOR POLICY
- Kids for Nature participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, participants, guests, staff, and property. Participants are not to leave a group on their own and they are expected to be with their assigned groups at all times. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any program participant the opportunity to participate in the program if the child’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Programs are held rain or shine.Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. To cancel, camp registrants must email education@fwzoo.com with your contact information and order number. Refunds cannot be completed over the phone. No refunds if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance.The Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps with insufficient registration. In the event of such a cancellation, all of your fees will be refunded.
PHOTO RELEASE (Optional at time of registration)
- I give the Fort Wayne Zoo permission to use photographs, audio or video recordings taken of Participant(s). I agree that the Fort Wayne Zoo may use such images for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content. I authorize the Fort Wayne Zoo its assignees and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I release the Fort Wayne Zoo from any and all claims, demands, or actions arising out of the Fort Wayne Zoo’s use of any such media.
MEDICAL RELEASE
- I give the Fort Wayne Zoo permission to seek and/or perform urgent and/or emergency medical care for the participant in the event it becomes necessary at the discretion of the Fort Wayne Zoo. I understand that the Fort Wayne Zoo will make reasonable attempts to contact me before seeking or providing medical care; however, I give my consent that emergency and/or urgent medical care may be performed in my absence if attempts to contact me are unsuccessful or implausible.In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for epinephrine auto-injector administration. The Zoo coordinates with the American Red Cross for this training and will cover the cost of the training for employees required to complete the training.
CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE
- I hereby give my consent for the registered participant to take part in the Fort Wayne Zoo’s program. I understand that he/she may touch animals and although closely supervised, there is risk of injury or illness from animal contact. I understand that there are inherent risks associated with any program activity and declare that both I and the registered participant (for whom I have legal custody) will not hold the Fort Wayne Zoo, its instructors, volunteers, employees, or other representatives (“Released Parties”) responsible for injury, illness, and/or death arising from, or in any way connected with the program, including the negligence of any of the Released Parties.
Kids for Nature participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, participants, guests, staff, and property. Participants are not to leave a group on their own and they are expected to be with their assigned groups at all times. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any program participant the opportunity to participate in the program if the child’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.
Behavior Policy
Kids for Nature participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, participants, guests, staff, and property. Participants are not to leave a group on their own and they are expected to be with their assigned groups at all times. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any program participant the opportunity to participate in the program if the child’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for epinephrine auto-injector administration. The Zoo coordinates with the American Red Cross for this training and will cover the cost of the training for employees required to complete the training.
Thank you to Steel Dynamics, Inc. for supporting our campers.
