Frequently Asked Questions about Racine Zoo Summer Camp

When and how can I register?

You can register at any time. To register you must complete the registration form
and pay a non-refundable $20 registration fee. Questions about registration and
requests for additional forms can be directed to the Racine Zoo Conservation
Education Department at 262-636-9580 or education@racinezoo.org.

Can I get on a waiting list?

If the camp of your choice is sold out, please call the Conservation Education
Department at 262-636-9580 to register for the waiting list; there is no guarantee
a space will become available.

What are the hours of camp?

Camp is from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. for half day camps and 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
for full day camps.

What are the fees for camp?

Half day camps are $65 per week and full day camps are $125 per week.

Is there supervised additional care?

Yes, the Racine Zoo offers before care (7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) and after care
(3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) for an additional fee. You need to be pre-registered for
this care. Please note this is not an extension of the camp, however games and
puzzles are provided. For additional information please see sign-in/sign-out
procedures.

Can I stay with my child?

The Racine Zoo Summer Camp series is a program designed for children who
can remain in a group setting without parental involvement. If you feel your child
cannot be without you for long periods of time, consider waiting and enrolling
him/her next summer.

May I enroll my child in a camp for an older age group?

All camp sessions contain age-appropriate material and campers must fall
within the specified age category on the first day of the camp session they are
attending.

What does a typical camp day include?

A typical camp day includes:

• Classroom lessons with pictures and artifacts (bones, pelts, feathers, etc.)
• Morning snack break (provided by camper)
• Zoo tours
• Arts and crafts project
• Lunch time outside (weather permitting; sack lunch provided by camper)
• Quiet time with an educational video
• Games and activities that reinforce the concepts being taught that day
• Animal encounter - children will get an up-close encounter with some of
  our education animals
  **Schedules vary depending on age group and animal theme

How are campers supervised?

Campers are supervised by camp counselors and camp assistants at all times
and are escorted on restroom and drinking fountain breaks.

What if I cannot afford camp for my child?

Pending available funding, limited camperships (camp scholarships) may
be available for weekly camps. Please contact the Conservation Education
Department at 262-636-9580 for more information and how to apply.

My child needs to take medication. How should I arrange for this?

The Racine Zoo cannot administer any medication to children. Please consult
a pediatrician so medication can be administered outside camp. To ensure
a positive experience for all campers, it is IMPERATIVE that you notify us of
special needs or medical conditions your child may have. We will accommodate
these needs to the best of our ability.

Do you provide snacks?

No, due to food allergies and children’s preferences the Racine Zoo will not
provide snacks. There will be a break for morning snack, please provide a small
snack for your child at this time.

Does my child need to bring a lunch?

Campers are required to bring their own daily sack lunch for full day camps. We
encourage reusable lunch bags with their name clearly labeled. Due to safety
concerns, glass containers are prohibited. All lunches will be refrigerated by 9:30
a.m., however no microwaves are available. Campers are encouraged to bring
their own water bottle with their name clearly labeled to use throughout the day.

What are the camp sign-in and sign-out procedures?

Sign-in and sign-out will take place at the Racine Zoo Augusta Street gate.

In order to provide a secure environment, you MUST sign your child in and
out of camp. Photo IDs are required for sign-out and will be checked daily. If
someone else will be picking up your child, they must be on the authorized list
on the registration form; they will also be required to show photo ID. If there are
emergencies/last-minute changes please notify our camp counselors.

For those not participating in before and/or after care

The Augusta Street gate will be unlocked at 8:50 a.m. and locked again at 9:10
a.m. If you are late, you will need to enter through the Main Entrance and ask
Zoo personnel where your child should go to meet up with his/her camp group.

The Augusta Street gate will be unlocked at 3:00 p.m. to pick your child
up. Please be prompt when picking up your child; he/she will not be allowed to
remain in the Zoo without an adult.

Additional fees apply to those who are not registered for before and after care
and are early being dropped off or late being picked up.

For those participating in before and/or after care

Before camp care (7:30-9:00) and after care (3:00-5:00) is available at an
additional charge. The Augusta Street gate will be unlocked at 7:30 a.m. and
locked at 9:10 a.m. After camp the Augusta Street gate will be unlocked from
3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

What if there is inclement weather?

If there is bad weather, check in/out will be in the Chumba Cha Chai building,
near the restrooms at the Charles and Jennifer Johnson Land of the Giants.
There will be a sign on the Augusta Street gate directing you. Please let other
approved individuals know this in case they are dropping off or picking up your
child.

Racine Zoo Summer Camp will take place rain or shine. Activities and projects
may be altered to address the weather. Please dress your children accordingly.

Does my child need to be potty-trained to attend camp?

Yes, all children attending Racine Zoo Summer Camp must be potty-trained. Please send an extra set of clothes with your child just in case an accident were to occur.