Zoo Crew

Zoo Crew 2012

Zoo Crew is a summer learning and outreach opportunity for kids entering fifth–eighth grade in fall 2012. Participants will work with peers and zoo staff to develop and implement environmentally minded projects to make positive changes in their own communities.

All Zoo Crew sessions for seventh-eighth 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!

Zoo Crew 2012 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 2012 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 boxed lunch
Daily healthy snack
Two offsite field trips
One overnight (including dinner and breakfast)
Zoo Crew T-shirt
Zoo Crew backpack

Zoo Crew Scholarships
Lincoln Park Zoo offers a limited number of Zoo Crew scholarships. Scholarships will cover the cost of the full two-week program. Click on the link below to view and print the scholarship application.

Download the Zoo Crew 2012 Scholarship Application

Zoo Crew Dates and Themes

Participants must commit to attending two consecutive weeks of Zoo Crew.

Fifth–Sixth Graders: June 18–29 (Sold out!) or July 23–August 3

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 9-20 (Sold out!)

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

Download the Zoo Crew 2012 FAQs

About Zoo Crew

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.

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 2012, 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.
Learn More and Apply!

Multimedia

Zoo Crew in Review
The first group of Zoo Crew participants capped their week at the zoo by making a movie. Photos and narration from the campers sum up what makes Lincoln Park Zoo special.

Zoo Crew 2011 Slideshow
Lincoln Park Zoo’s inaugural Zoo Crew campers explored conservation work with hands-on activities. See some projects these fifth–eighth graders tackled with this summer slideshow!

Testimonials

Hey, Zoo Crew members! What was your favorite thing about Zoo Crew 2011?

"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."