Does your child want to be the next David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, or a future wildlife scientist? The North Carolina Zoo’s Wild Animal Science Camps offer a fun and educational opportunity for young, budding scientists to learn more about conservation and wildlife science! Hands-on activities mimic the fieldwork conservation scientists conduct in the wild and offer a unique opportunity to meet Zoo scientists making a difference for wildlife. Campers will leave this special educational experience with new insights into conservation and animal behavior research.
CAMP HIGHLIGHTS
Learning from wildlife scientists: Campers will learn how to implement various research techniques through activities led by the Zoo’s field biologists, while also exploring areas of the Zoo where wildlife conservation projects are managed.
A different perspective: Campers will have the exciting experience of exploring the Zoo at night while learning research methods essential to studying animals after dark.
Safari-style sleeping: Campers will stay overnight and sleep in zoo-provided tents, listening to chimpanzee chatter and lion roars!
Making connections: All campers will have the opportunity to make new friends who share their interests and experience the joys and challenges of working to help protect wildlife and their habitats.
WHO CAN ATTEND
We offer age-specific camps: Junior (ages 12-14) and Senior (ages 15-18)
Camp curriculum aims to engage and incite interest in wildlife research, with a schedule tailored to meet the needs of each age group. Activities introduce Zoo-led conservation projects through focus on field research methods, including camera trapping, radio telemetry, and dip netting.
Camp space is limited to 16 campers admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
CAMP INFORMATION
2025 Dates:
Juniors (Ages 12-14): April 5th-6th & May 3rd-4th
Seniors (Ages 15-18): May 31st- Jun 1st
What to wear: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes (we will be outside for most of the camp) and closed-toed shoes.
What to bring: A sleeping bag, pillow, bug repellant, overnight toiletries, two changes of clothes, a day pack, a bottle for water, an extra set of close-toed shoes, and a raincoat.
We provide the tent, sleeping pad, and all meals (lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday).
Camp schedule: Drop off is at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday and pickup is at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Additional details will be communicated closer to the camp date.
Camp tuition: $449 for Zoo Society members and $499 for non-members. All fees cover food, lodging, and supplies.
With this purchase, you may be able to claim as much as $400 of the tuition as a charitable tax deduction. Please consult a tax professional for assistance.
If you want to donate funds to support scholarships for participation in this program, please email sciencecamp@nczoo.org.
Please Note:
- The majority of this camp is conducted outdoors. Activities simulate fieldwork and include: hiking on uneven terrain, interacting with water, and proximity to insects and other wildlife.
- Please come prepared for time outdoors, rain or shine. A weather plan is in place in the event of severe weather.
- Refunds are only permitted if the camp is canceled or if you cancel the registration at least 2 weeks before the camp.
TO REGISTER
Please purchase tickets online. For any questions or accommodation needs: Please email sciencecamp@nczoo.org or call 336.879.7715