Kids for Nature Spring Camp
Spring into a new season with the Fort Wayne Zoo! Our Spring Camp lets your campers discover the natural wonders that the new season has to offer. Animal encounters, engaging Zoo tours, and more await each camp day!
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.
Kids for Nature Spring Camp Session Dates
Campers will enroll in three consecutive days of Kids for Nature Spring Camp from April 1, 2025-April 3, 2025.
Campers must be registered for the grade they are currently in. For example, if your child is currently enrolled in 3rd grade, you can enroll them in 3rd-4th grade camp.
Zoo Tots (PreK 4+-K):
Spring into a new season with the Fort Wayne Zoo! Campers will explore the Zoo and learn why animals move around as the seasons change.
Dates:
April 1 through April 3. Campers will be enrolled for a session of three consecutive days of Kids for Nature Spring 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 Buddies (1st-2nd Grade):
Spring into a new season with the Fort Wayne Zoo! Campers will discover how animals find everything they need to survive as the seasons change.
Dates:
April 1 through April 3. Campers will be enrolled for a session of three consecutive days of Kids for Nature Spring Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $140 per camper
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 (3rd-4th Grade):
Spring into a new season with the Fort Wayne Zoo! Campers will investigate the plants, pollinators, and animals that return with the warmer weather.
Dates:
April 1 through April 3. Campers will be enrolled for a session of three consecutive days of Kids for Nature Spring Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $140 per camper
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.
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 labeled with the camper’s name 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.
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@kidszoo.org
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 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.
The Fort Wayne Zoo will continue to follow the leadership of the Allen County Department of Health and adhere to the guidelines passed down to our community from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. You can view our current COVID-19 plan here.
This policy is subject to change as new CDC guidelines become available.
Will campers interact with animals?
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 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 10% processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. No refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance.
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 Spring Break 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 appropriate clothing. We spend a lot of time outside exploring 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.
- You will drop off your camper at the Zoo Education Center, which is located across the street from the Zoo at 600 Franke Park Drive.
- Please park in the Zoo Education Center parking lot and walk your camper(s) inside the building to find their camp’s check-in table. Drop off can begin 10 minutes before the 8:30 a.m. start of your camp.
Dismissal:
- Camp ends at 3:00 p.m. each day and Counselor staff will start the sign out process at this time.
- Camp pick up will be at the Zoo Education Center, which is located across the street from the Zoo at 600 Franke Park Drive.
- Have your photo ID at hand. All parents or guardians are required to sign campers out by showing a photo ID.
- Please park in the Zoo Education Center parking lot, walk inside, and wait patiently at the camp’s check-out table.
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.
- For camper safety, have your photo ID at hand. All parents or guardians are required to sign campers out by showing a photo ID.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- 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 and your fees will be refunded.
- Refunds (minus 10% processing fee) are available if you cancel at least 2 weeks in advance. No refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance.
WAITLIST POLICY
- When a program sells out, there is not a waitlist. Please check the website regularly to see if camps have additional availability.
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, you can register them in 3rd-4th grade camp.
Kids for Nature Camp participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, campers, guests, staff, and property. Campers are not to leave a group on their own and they are expected to be with their assigned camp 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 camp if the child’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the camp administration. No refunds will be issued if a camper 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.
