Summer Conservation Camp 2019

Conservation Camp offers exciting exploration opportunities for animal and nature lovers from PreK to those entering fourth grade in fall 2019. Each Conservation Camp group explores the zoo and participates in activities to discover animal diversity, environmental conservation and ways Lincoln Park Zoo cares for animals at the zoo and conserves them in the wild.  

Check back in early January 2019 for summer 2019 dates and details.

Looking for summer opportunities for youth entering fifth–eighth grade? Check out Zoo Crew!

Pricing | Cancellation Deadline | Scholarships | Dates | Teen Volunteers | Open House and Gear Pick-Up | FAQs | About the Staff

Conservation Camp Pricing

Active Lincoln Park Zoo members at any level receive a 15-percent discount on registration. Become a member today!

Full-Day Programs (First–Fourth Graders)
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
$350/week ($300/week for Lincoln Park Zoo members)

Half-Day Programs (PreK–K)
(PreK campers must be at least 4 years old by Monday of first registered camp week.)
Morning Session: 9–11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session: 12:30–3 p.m.
$175/week ($150/week for Lincoln Park Zoo members)

Registration includes:

• Daily healthy snack
• Conservation Camp T-shirt
• Conservation Camp backpack

After Care
3 p.m.-5 p.m.
$100/week

After Care is available from 3–5 p.m. for full-day and for half-day campers attending the afternoon session. Campers stay after to enjoy additional time on zoo grounds and within the classroom. Campers will participate in a variety of activities during After Care, including going to animal buildings, arts and crafts, playing games, and as a special treat they will be able to ride the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel (weather dependent) and watch an age-appropriate movie at the end of the week. Instructors may utilize educator resources such as videos and online games. Cost is $100 per camper for each week of After Care.

Cancellation Deadline

Lincoln Park Zoo adheres to a strict cancellation and refund policy. If the zoo must cancel a program, full refunds will be issued. If for any reason you need to cancel your registration before the cancellation deadline, a refund will be issued less a 12.5-percent processing fee. After the cancellation deadline, Lincoln Park Zoo will not be able to offer any refunds for cancelled registrations.

Conservation Camp Scholarships

Lincoln Park Zoo offers partial and full Conservation Camp scholarships which cover the cost of one week of participation. 

Conservation Camp Dates

Conservation Camp is a week-long camp offered in three themes. Your camper can attend each individual theme once, for a total of up to three weeks. The themes are independent and non-cumulative, so you can enroll in any theme at any time, so long as the themes are not repeated. Perhaps you’d like to take a few weeks off between themes—the choice is yours.

Camp Teen Volunteers

In winter 2019, we will begin recruiting a limited number of teens (13–18 years old) to support 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

Open House and Gear Pick-Up Days

Dates for these events will be released in your confirmation email upon completing the online registration for camp.

The camp team will host an Open House for registered parents and campers. At the Open House, you can meet camp staff, see classrooms, and pick up and purchase camp gear including t-shirts, backpacks and water bottles.

Already familiar with Lincoln Park Zoo Camp? Parents of campers who have previously attended Lincoln Park Zoo Camp Programs are welcome to drop by on one of the Gear Pick-Up Days to pick up and purchase camp gear including t-shirts, backpacks, and water bottles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Download the Zoo Camp FAQs

About the Conservation Camp Staff

Each camp group is led by two camp instructors who have extensive professional experience working with children and a demonstrated commitment to connecting children to the natural world. All camp instructors are first aid and CPR certified. Camp instructors facilitate all educational components of the camp day, but groups also have the chance to meet zoo staff throughout the week, from zookeepers to scientists. Camp Teen Volunteers provide additional support to the camp staff and their groups.

For more information please email Camp@lpzoo.org or call 312-742-2056.