Have a wild winter at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo! Our Kids for Nature Winter Camp lets your campers discover a wintery world waiting to be explored in two unique camp offerings.
Join us for one or both sessions!
In December, campers will discover the “Amazing Adaptations” that help animals survive at the Zoo and in the wild. Animal encounters, behind-the-scenes learning, engaging Zoo tours, and more await.
In January, campers will explore the “Hidden Habitats” below the seas and in the trees that animals call home. Animal encounters, behind-the-scenes learning, engaging Zoo tours, and more await.
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.
Session 1: Amazing Adaptations
Session 1 campers will enroll in two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp
Dec. 30 through Dec. 31
Campers must be registered in the grade level in which they are enrolled in for the current school year.
Zoo Tots (PreK 4+-K):
Discover the amazing physical and behavioral adaptations that make each animal unique.
Dates:
Dec. 30 through Dec. 31. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $100 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):
Discover the amazing physical and behavioral adaptations that make each animal unique.
Dates:
Dec. 30 through Dec. 31. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $100 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 Explorer (3rd – 4th grade)
Discover the amazing physical and behavioral adaptations that make each animal unique.
Dates:
Dec. 30 through Dec. 31. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $100 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.
Session 2: Hidden Habitats
Session 2 campers will enroll in two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp
Jan. 2 through Jan. 3
Campers must be registered in the grade level in which they are enrolled in for the current school year.
Zoo Tots (PreK 4+-K):
Explore habitats at home and abroad to learn about the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
Dates:
Jan. 2 through Jan. 3. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $100 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):
Explore habitats at home and abroad to learn about the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
Dates:
Jan. 2 through Jan. 3. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 pm
Fee: $100 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 Explorer (3rd – 4th grade)
Explore habitats at home and abroad to learn about the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
Dates:
Jan. 2 through Jan. 3. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $100 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 (5th-6th grade)
Explore habitats at home and abroad to learn about the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
Dates:
Jan. 2 through Jan. 3. Campers will be enrolled in a session of two consecutive days of Kids for Nature Winter Camp.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $100 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to camp?
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.
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 at 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 injector?
Yes, you will need to supply an Epi-pen 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 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.
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 hands-on, behind-the-scenes encounters and may even meet ambassador animals up close.
What will campers do each day?
Each camp includes activities designed to fit the grade level of its campers. In general, campers will participate in a group circle time, explore the Zoo, participate in hands-on activities, play games, and go behind the scenes.
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 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 Children’s 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.
This policy is subject to change as new CDC guidelines become available.
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 and your fees will be refunded.
How do I get on a waitlist?
When a program sells out, there is not a waitlist. Please check the website regularly to see if camps have additional availability.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our Education Department at 260-427-6800 ext. 301 or email us at education@kidszoo.org
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
- 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.
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 Children’s 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 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.
