“I wonder… how do otters stay warm when swimming in cold water?”
“I wonder… do birds get cold when standing on an icy pond?”
Our Kids for Nature Winter WONDER Camp encourages little scientists to ask questions and to use exploration to discover the answer in this unique camp offering.
Registration is done online and no phone registrations will be accepted. All programs require advance registration and openings are limited, so register early to avoid disappointment. We recommend using a web browser that is not Internet Explorer as we have found it is not compatible with our system. You will receive confirmation of your registration via email.
Campers will enroll in three consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Wonder Camp
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.
Zoo Tots (PreK 4+-K):
I wonder… how does the Zoo care for the animals in the winter? Do the animals who like cold weather have different needs than those who prefer hot weather?
Zoo Tots will learn about animal care and the different needs of the 1,500 animals that call the Zoo home.
Dates:
Dec. 29 through Dec. 31. Campers will be enrolled in a session of three consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Wonder Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $140 per camper / per session
When a program sells out, there is not a waitlist. Please check the website regularly to see if camps have additional availability.
We all have first-day butterflies before camp! In this sensory story, you can talk your camper through all of the sights, sounds, and sensory experiences they may have during camp. This can help those first-day butterflies fly away!
For extra learning and reflection, consider these conversation starters for parents.
Zoo Explorers (1st-3rd grade):
I wonder… how does a red panda stay warm in the winter? Do feathers really keep a bird warm?
Zoo Explorers will learn about the adaptations animals have in order to keep warm in the coldest habitats.
Dates:
Dec. 29 through Dec. 31. Campers will be enrolled in a session of three consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Wonder Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $140 per camper / per session
When a program sells out, there is not a waitlist. Please check the website regularly to see if camps have additional availability.
We all have first-day butterflies before camp! In this sensory story, you can talk your camper through all of the sights, sounds, and sensory experiences they may have during camp. This can help those first-day butterflies fly away!
For extra learning and reflection, consider these conversation starters for parents.
Zoo Investigators (4th – 6th grade)
I wonder… What is an orangutans favorite treat? Can you train a lion to present its paw?
Zoo Investigators will learn about the enrichment and training performed by our Animal Care Team.
Dates:
Dec. 29 through Dec. 31. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Wonder Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $140 per camper / per session
When a program sells out, there is not a waitlist. Please check the website regularly to see if camps have additional availability.
We all have first-day butterflies before camp! In this sensory story, you can talk your camper through all of the sights, sounds, and sensory experiences they may have during camp. This can help those first-day butterflies fly away!
For extra learning and reflection, consider these conversation starters for parents.
Camp Policies and Procedures
What to pack:
- All Full-day 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.
- Please wear a winter coat, gloves, and hats. All campers should wear closed-toe shoes and dress to go outside, snow, rain or shine. Campers must bring something to drink and a lunch. A snack will be provided.
Arrival:
- Full day camp begins at 8:30 a.m. each day and sign-in starts no earlier than 8:20 a.m.
- Children 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:
- Full day 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. Winter coats, gloves, and hats are recommended.
- Programs are held rain, snow, or shine.
Cancellation/Waitlist Policy
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.
WAITLIST POLICY
- When a program sells out, registration closes and there is no waitlist available. If a spot becomes available, the camp will reopen. Check back regularly to reserve a spot. Phone registrations will not be accepted.
AGE POLICY
- Children must register for camp based on the grade they are currently in. For example, if your child is currently enrolled in third grade, they need to be registered for the 3rd-4th grade camp. Questions? Email us at education@fwzoo.com or call us at 260-427-6800 EXT 301
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 program if their social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by Fort Wayne Zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a participant is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.
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 a packed lunch and something to drink. 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.
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 epinephrine auto-injector.
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.
What is the supervision ratio?
The ratio varies depending on grade level. Camps have a counselor-to-camper ratio of between 1:3 and 1:5.
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.
What if I need to cancel?
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 a 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 Winter Wonder 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.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for Epi-pen 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.
