Akron Zoo Camp Includes, an Up-close Experience with Animals, a T-shirt and More

By David Barnhardt

Akron, OH - – The Akron Zoo now offers even younger kids a unique opportunity to get really close to animals with their annual ZooCamp, for kids ages 2-16. The 2010 ZooCamp schedule is now available and registration is open for camps held June - August. This year the zoo has added preschool camps for kids ages 2-5 and several new sessions for kids ages 6-16.

Registration is required and space is limited so early registration is encouraged. Children will learn about the zoo's animals and their environments, conservation programs and what it is like to work at the zoo.

Preschool camps for kids ages 2-5 include a tour of the zoo, a t-shirt, animal encounter, snack, a take home craft, circle time with stories, music and games. A caregiver must accompany kids attending the preschool camps. ZooCamp for kids ages 6-16 includes a tour of the zoo with a ZooCamp coordinator, an up-close experience with animals, a t-shirt, photo, snack, souvenir, a take-home craft and much more.

Camps are broken down into age groups and each group has several sessions to choose from. Six and seven year olds can choose from Oh Baby!, Animal Olympics, Nocturnal by Nature or Animal Tales. Eight and nine year olds can select Backyard Habitat, Ocean Motion, Cool Cats or Going Batty. Available to 10, 11 & 12 year olds are Animal Enrichment and Working at the Zoo.

Ages 13 -14 can attend the five-day session Zoo Vet or Zooviver. The 15 & 16 year olds have the opportunity to become a Junior Zoo Keeper and assist the zoo’s Animal Care Staff. This program will allow mature teens the opportunity to work with animal keepers in non-dangerous animal areas.

Each session is limited to 15 campers and pre-paid reservations must be made in advance. The cost for a three-day camp is $50 for Akron Zoo members and $55 for non-members. Five-day camps are $80 for Akron Zoo members and $85 for non-members. The Junior Zoo Keeper program for 15 & 16 year olds is $105 for Akron Zoo members and $120 for non-members.

The Akron Zoo, which is home to more than 700 animals from around the world, is located at 500 Edgewood Ave. The zoo is open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. everyday. Admission is $6.00 per person and parking is $2.00. Akron Zoo members are admitted free. For more information call the zoo at (330) 375-2550 or visit us at www.akronzoo.org 

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Association (AZA). Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

To view Akron Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-165-Akron_Zoo_in_Ohio