Summer Camp FAQs

Camp Experience


What will my camper do all day at camp?

Zoo Camp is full of fun and learning about the world of animals, nature, and science. A typical day of camp includes up-close animal encounters, Zoo expeditions, games, hands-on science projects, art experiences, and camp activities tailored to the age group and theme for each session.


Will you be outside all day?

We plan to spend as little time as possible in our classrooms. Weather permitting, we will spend the majority of our time outdoors exploring our parks and exhibits. Our brand new high-energy Wild Safari camp, a great option for kinesthetic learners, will spend the full day outdoors, utilizing our shaded outdoor classroom as home base.

Please be sure to apply sunscreen or bug spray each morning before camp. Camp staff will not be permitted to apply sunscreen or bug spray to campers. Also, send your camper to camp with a full, reusable water bottle to ensure your camper stays hydrated.


What is the counselor to camper ratio?

Each camp has one lead educator and two to four camp counselors depending on the age and size of the group.


What should my camper wear to camp?

Please dress your camper appropriately for the weather. We will be outside rain or shine, so rain gear may be needed. Please send your camper with closed-toe shoes. Each camper will receive one special camp t-shirt and they will be required to wear this shirt every day of camp as it increases visibility. Additional t-shirts can be purchased for $25 when you register or on the first or second day of camp.


What food should I pack for my camper?

Please send your camper to camp each day with a nut-free lunch, snack, and a full, refillable water bottle. Do not send any snacks or food containing peanuts or tree nuts, due to allergy concerns. Sharing of lunch or snack items is not permitted except amongst siblings.


How do you handle behavioral issues?

WCS utilizes restorative practices across all of our camps. It empowers campers to grow socially and emotionally. More information about this approach will be sent out with camp materials.


Registration and Payment Questions


When will registration open?

Registration for camp will open to the general public February 2024.


Can I register my kids for more than one camp session?

Central Park Zoo Camps with the same name and title do not change week to week. Campers are not permitted to enroll in multiple weeks of the same Central Park Zoo Camp. The Wildlife Conservation Society has camps at four of our parks (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Queens Zoo), and registering your camper for different camps at different parks is a great educational experience!


Can you accommodate campers with different needs?

Campers of all ability levels are welcome at Zoo Camp. Together with caregivers, we strive to make camp accessible and inclusive to all children and we will work to provide accommodations to our camp programs to make them as accessible as we are able to. Our camp staff is not able to assist campers with toileting or medical needs, but if your camper needs toileting or medical support during our camp day, a professional care provider or approved student support specialist may attend camp with them. Please contact cpzeducation@wcs.org prior to camp to make arrangements.


Can my Pre-K or K child attend in-person camp?

Yes! We offer Zoo Fledglings camp for children ages 2 to 4 to attend with a caregiver, as well as our KinderZoo camp, for children entering Kindergarten in the fall.


What does "waitlist" mean?

Waitlist means we are currently full for that session. We encourage you to sign up for the waitlist as spots do open and we will try to fill that spot from our waitlist in the order they are listed.


What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

All requests to cancel or reschedule must be submitted via email. Please include the camper's name, camp session, date, and the reason for cancellation.

  • Cancellations: Our policies are designed to give families maximum flexibility while considering the realities of camp enrollment. We accommodate schedule change requests until June 1 (additions are dependent upon space availability). After June 1, all schedules are considered final. Should your child be required to attend summer school, we will make an exception, provided we receive official written notice in advance. All requests to cancel or reschedule camp must be made in writing to cpzeducation@wcs.org and will be subject to a $60.00 administrative fee. Refunds of 100% will be issued (minus a $60 administrative fee) if before June 1st and 4 weeks before camp, 50% if before June 1st (minus a $60 administrative fee) and 2-4 weeks before camp, no refund will be issued less than 2 weeks or after June 1st.
  • Rescheduling: Requests to reschedule are subject to availability and will be subject to an administrative fee. All requests to reschedule programs must be made in writing to cpzeducation@wcs.org
  • Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    Please email cpzeducation@wcs.org for more information.


    Do you have a multi-child discount?

    We do not offer a multiple-child discount. We do offer a 10% discount to WCS Members and Donors.


    Do you provide transportation to camps?

    Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation to and from camps.


    What additional information will be required for my camper to participate?

    Following registration for camp you will be able to complete all the necessary forms digitally (medical, camper pick-up, and photo-release forms as well as our liability waiver). These forms must be completed prior to your child's first day of camp in order to attend.


    COVID-19 Related Questions


    What are your Covid-19 safety protocols?

    Please visit the Central Park Zoo Know Before You Go page to review park policies related to COVID-19.

    Contact Information

    EMAIL: cpzeducation@wcs.org

    PHONE: 800-433-4149

    Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    If you have any questions, please call 800-433-4149 or email cpzeducation@wcs.org


    Please visit the Central Park Zoo Know Before You Go page to review park policies related to COVID-19.



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