Dates TBD
Times Vary
FREE
Middle Schoolers (Grades 5-8)
Overview
Want to be a wildlife conservation champion? Are you passionate about protecting the planet? Lincoln Park Zoo invites you to join the Malott Family R.O.A.R. Corps, where you can learn to make a difference through Research, Observation, Action, and Restoration! During an in-person Research & Observation session, you’ll dive deeper into conservation topics through activities and challenges, chats with zoo experts, brainstorming sessions, and inquiry-based learning. We’ll culminate with an Action & Restoration Day, in which you and your friends’ real-world conservation projects or activities will be implemented!
Choose one of two topic tracks and kick off the series with an evening celebration at the zoo!
Dates, Times, & Pricing
FREE for current middle schoolers (Grades 5–8)
Choose a track…
Track A: Urban Wildlife Warriors – Chicago is home to almost 3 million people and countless species of wildlife, like snakes, bats, and coyotes. Be their advocate and help Chicagoans of all species live together.
- Saturday, October 8: Research & Observation Day, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Saturday, October 29: Action & Restoration Day, 10 a.m.–noon
Track B: Arctic Ambassadors – The Arctic is one of Earth’s most extreme regions. Take charge and help preserve the wildlife of the Arctic, like polar bears and seals, from your home in Chicago.
- Saturday, October 22: Research & Observation Day, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Saturday, November 5: Action & Restoration Day, 10 a.m.–noon
Kickoff Celebration: Thursday, October 6 from 6:30–9 p.m.
Get ready to R.O.A.R.! Enjoy an evening at the zoo filled with animal activities, teambuilding games, and a campfire. Learn more about preparing for your sessions and meet zoo staff. Each middle-schooler is welcome to bring two (2) guests to this event.
Registration Links
Thank you for your interest in the Malott Family R.O.A.R. Corps! The Fall 2022 cohort is full. Spring cohort information will be posted in early 2023. We hope to see you there!
More Info
Referral Program
Encourage a friend to sign up and each of you will earn a pair of binoculars! You’ll be able to list referrals when you register.
Health & Safety
Lincoln Park Zoo respectfully requires—for the safety of the animals in our care—that all guests continue to wear face coverings at all times in animal buildings. We encourage participants to bring face coverings if they are medically able to wear them.
If you or anyone in your group feels unwell prior to arriving, shows any signs of contagious illness or fever, or has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please do not attend the program.
Feedback From Past Learning Programs
“I had a wonderful time meeting new people & building a sense of community at the zoo, everyone has been incredibly welcoming…I felt very respected & valued and had a really fun time! I also feel proud of what we were able to accomplish.” 2021 Program Participant
“[The program] really lets you get involved with the event planning and conservation activism as a whole. I also really believe that the people you interact with are a huge benefit.” 2019 Program Participant
“Before [the program] I thought zoos were just animals. You don’t think about how much research happens here. There are mini-celebrities here and they’re giving their lives for what they do. It’s awesome.” 2018 Program Participant
“Animal care and research is definitely one of the topics I am very interested in now. [The program] has opened my eyes up, and I am definitely looking into animal-based careers.” 2020 Program Participant