Zoo Crew
Zoo Crew
Zoo Crew is a summer learning and outreach opportunity for kids entering fifth–eighth grade in fall 2013. Participants will work with peers and zoo staff to develop and implement environmentally minded projects to make positive changes in their own communities.
Sessions for fifth–sixth graders are currently full. Interested in waiting list options? You can find them in the registration form!
Looking for summer opportunities for kids from 4-year-olds to those entering fourth grade? Check out Lincoln Park Zoo’s summer Conservation Camp!
Registration | Pricing | Scholarships | Dates and Themes | FAQs | About | Volunteer | Multimedia | Testimonials
Zoo Crew Registration
If you're a Lincoln Park Zoo member, have your current Lincoln Park Zoo member ID number handy to receive your 15 percent discount.
Zoo Crew Pricing
Active Lincoln Park Zoo members at any level receive a 15 percent discount on registration. Become a member today!
Two-Week Program
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
$765 ($650 for Lincoln Park Zoo members)
Registration includes:
- Daily healthy snack
- Two offsite field trips
- One overnight (including dinner and breakfast)
- Two Zoo Crew T-shirts
- Zoo Crew backpack
New in 2013
After camp care will be available from 3–5 p.m. for an additional fee of $100 per child per week.
Lincoln Park Zoo offers a limited number of Zoo Crew scholarships, ranging from partial scholarships to full scholarships covering the cost of participation. Please complete and submit an application to be considered for a scholarship.
To guarantee your child a spot in camp, you may choose to register right as registration opens. If your child is later granted a scholarship, we will refund the relevant portion of the registration fee.
Scholarship applications are due April 26.
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Download the English-Language Scholarship Application |
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Baja la solicitud de beca en español |
Scholarships are limited; applying for a scholarship does not guarantee a spot in a summer program.
Zoo Crew Dates and Themes
Participants must commit to attending two consecutive weeks of Zoo Crew. Although program themes for the different age groups are the same year to year, field trips, activities and projects will not be repeated.
Fifth–Sixth Graders: June 17–28 or July 22–August 2
The 21st Century Zoo
It’s fun to see exotic animals like sloths and tigers, but zoos offer more than entertainment. This session will explore various zoo careers and share how different roles collaborate to provide excellent care for zoo animals. Discover how zoos contribute to a greater understanding of animal biology and wildlife conservation efforts around the world. By meeting zookeepers, nutritionists and veterinarians and partaking in hands-on projects, participants will discover the importance of the 21st century zoo.
Seventh–Eighth Graders: July 8–19 or August 5–16
Lincoln Park Zoo in the Field
Lincoln Park Zoo plays a major role in conservation around the globe, from Chicago to Brazil to Tanzania. Zoo scientists don’t just study wildlife in the field, though; they also conduct research projects at the zoo to better understand animal needs and behaviors. Participants will meet zoo endocrinologists, animal-behavior experts and population biologists and share some of their work firsthand. Afterward, they’ll better appreciate Lincoln Park Zoo’s far-reaching conservation work at the zoo and in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Download the Zoo Crew FAQs |
About Conservation Camp
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Kristine Casman |
Camp Instructors
Each camp group is lead by two camp instructors. These professionals have extensive experience working with children and a demonstrated commitment to connecting children to the natural world. Camp instructors facilitate all educational components of the camp day, but groups also have the chance to meet zoo staff throughout the week, from veterinarians to zookeepers to scientists. Camp Teen Volunteers provide additional support to the camp staff and their groups.
Let’s Move!
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to connecting children to nature. Did you know there are lots of ways to spend time outdoors while getting exercise?
Yoga at the Zoo
Some camp groups may have the chance to participate in yoga sessions, doing fun animal poses to stay fit. Parents—you too can enjoy Yoga at the Zoo!
Healthy Snacks
We provide healthy snacks to campers each day. Possible snacks include fresh fruit, veggies and crackers.
Learn more about the Let’s Move! Initiative.
Camp Teen Volunteers
In spring 2013, we will begin recruiting a limited number of teens (13–18 years old) who are interested in helping out with Conservation Camp. Participating teens will have the chance to work with children as well as gain professional experience. All interested teens will be required to apply and interview for this selective position.
Multimedia
Learning in a Living Classroom
Chicago’s Free Spirit Media looks at how Zoo Crew participants learn about wildlife at the zoo’s urban oasis at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.
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Summer Camp Comes to a Close From touching the scales of a blue-tongued skink to making pinatas for Eurasian lynx, Conservation Campers connected with wildlife. |
Testimonials
Hey, Zoo Crew members! What was your favorite thing about Zoo Crew?
- "Meeting a Banfield Pet Hospital veterinarian and hearing about her job."
- "Making animal enrichment, doing experiments in the "poop lab," and spending time outdoors at the Lily Pond."
- "Watching the zookeepers feed the gorillas and chimpanzees."
- "Behind-the-scenes stuff like the "poop lab" and using iPods to study gorilla behavior."
- "Making my own animal exhibit and sharing it with the group."
