Best Summer Zoo Camps in New York State

The best summer zoo camps in New York State can provide your children with a pleasant and unique summer experience. If your kids want to learn more about animals and spend time around animals over a week long session, there really are zoos in the state of New York that offer programs that will accommodate these interests and then some. Parents are anxious to find settings where their kids can learn something new, enjoy exposure to new activities and feel a comfort level in a whole new venue. A week at some of these best summer zoo camps on New York State can help to accomplish all of those things.

Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo Zoo welcomes children from ages 5-12 to its annual summer zoo camp. Children are divided into like aged groupings for a better over all experience and a chance to meet and make new friends.. Groupings include 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. Children attend programs that run Monday -Friday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. from July 7 until August 15. Arrangements can be made for extra hours before or after care from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this six week period children are welcomed to attend any or all of three rotating sessions that will give them a chance to get more deeply involved in nature than is possible on a quick trip to the zoo.

Themes explored during the summer include "Wildlife Warriors", "Curious Beasts" and "Animal Art". During each week activities, songs, games, stories, crafts, animal exhibit visits. Under close staff supervision kids will have the time and safe environment in which they can actually make real up close and personal contact with mammals, reptiles, arthropods, birds and amphibians that are part of the Zoo's Education Department.

Single week enrollment is $140 for zoo members and $155 for non members. Special discounts are available for additional weeks or for additional children . Camp scholarships are also available for those who qualify and are good for a single week session only. For additional information or to register call at 716-995-6128.

Staten Island Zoo Camp, Staten Island, New York . If you like programs that are well constructed and tightly organized or enjoy knowing what your kids are doing hour by hour, the Staten Island Zoo Camp in 2008 might be worth your investigation. Weekly camp sessions are offered throughout the summer from June 16- August 16 and children attend according to their grade level so that age appropriate activities may be offered.

Younger groups from pre-K to Grade 3 meet from 9 a.m. until noon while children from grades 4-6 attend full day camp sessions from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m . The camp day has three major features. First children get a chance to take a scientific look at animals which includes up close contact with friendly zoo critters with careful staff supervision. Art activities focus on the zoo residents and even recreational activities involved a direct connection with zoo favorites. Throughout the week special topics like animal diet, the life of the zoo keeper, even animals in literature become part of the camp day. Each week children attending programs in grades 4-6 participate in a weekly field trip and all campers receive a camp shirt. What perhaps is the nicest touch is the group sizes are limited to from 10-15 members so that everyone has a chance for a very personal experience and lot of interaction with humans and animals.

The tuition for Staten Island Zoo Camp is $155 for children in pre K - grade 3 for zoo members and for grades 4-6 the cost is $200 for members. Additional cost is added to tuition of non members.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, New York. Lots of topic variety is perhaps the single outstanding feature of the summer camp program offered at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York. Parents with children from K- Grade 8 really have a chance to sit down with their children and determine the type of summer zoo camp experience they want this year. While only half day programs are offered for K students, all other participants will find that there is an option to enroll, at varying costs, for either a half or a full day program. And half day attendees can generally select to be part of either the morning or afternoon
grouping. Children from Grades 7 and 8 discover that they can attend Monday - Thurs and then come for an overnight program from Friday into Saturday.

The themes offered are exciting and arouse the curiosity of children and parents alike. Wouldn't you be happy about sending your child to a session entitled "Animal Antics", "Habitat Helpers" or "Destination Conservation"? As part of the camp experience each child receives a camp t-shirt and a water bottle and healthy snack each day. Children who come for a week at Rosamond Gifford Zoo have a chance to thoroughly explore the ongoing life at a zoo for animals and those who care for them.

Tuition at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Camp varies according to programs and membership. For more information call at 315-435-8511.

New York Aquarium, New York, NY. If you have kids who like their animals in the water better than on dry land give some thought to New York Aquarium's Summer by the Sea Programs. There really is a program here meant for children who are only 6-8 years old. It's called "Aquatic Adventurers" and kids love it. Imagine your 6 year old getting a real close look at marine life, walking the beach, checking out biofacts like whale bones and sharks teeth. Four day sessions run from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. and cost $180 for members.

The "Marine Explorers" grouping consists of young people ages 9-12 really get to tour the Aquarium top to bottom in a very behind the scenes format that others never experience. Art projects, beach walks, handling live invertebrates are all part of the program for this age group. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m and the cost is $225 for members. Finally for those who are really serious about their marine interests and are between the ages of 13 and 15, the New York Aquarium promotes a summer camp program called Marine Teen Intern Program. This group spends Monday - Friday from July 7- July 25, from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. absorbing all they can about what goes on in an Aquarium. They explore various habitats, learn about Aquarium occupations, handle invertebrates and cap their experience by preparing an educational project for display in the New York Aquarium. This extended experience comes with a hefty price $900 for members and $975 for non-members but it can be the camp adventure of lifetime for your son or daughter.