Summer is meant to be a thrilling and enjoyable time for children. And what better way to spark their excitement than with the company of wild animals?! If your kids have a passion for animals, consider enrolling them in a specialized summer camp where they can experience hands-on encounters with creatures like sloths, snakes, and sea turtles – an ideal opportunity for budding zoologists! These camps cater to kids ranging from elementary to high school and focus on specific animals such as horses or provide a more general animal care experience. Options include both day camps and overnight camps, as well as programs for those interested in pursuing careers as veterinarians or marine biologists. With a variety of cool options available, you’ll wish you were young enough to attend too!
**Sea Turtle Camp in North Carolina**
Witness baby sea turtles embarking on their journey towards the ocean.
Aspiring marine biologists should not miss the Sea Turtle Camps in Topsail Beach, North Carolina. Tailored for marine conservation enthusiasts, campers engage in learning sessions about ocean wildlife, particularly sea turtles. Carolina Ocean Odyssey Camp welcomes rising fifth to eighth graders to enjoy ocean activities like kayaking and surfing, alongside hands-on experiences. Camp sessions run from June 1 to July 27, with prices starting at $2,820. The Marine Biology Adventure Camp is aimed at rising ninth graders through recent high school graduates, providing opportunities to care for various sea turtle species. Campers can earn community service hours by assisting at The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center and participating in beach cleanups to ensure a safe environment for wildlife. Camp sessions also run from June 1 to July 27, with prices starting at $2,820. Campers rave about the educational and enjoyable experiences at these camps. A satisfied camper named Missy shared, “I had an amazing time at Sea Turtle Camp. My favorite part was participating in nest excavation. Witnessing turtle hatchlings was a dream come true. I have gained valuable knowledge about marine biology.”
**Ketcha Outdoors Animal Camp in Maine**
Children in grades 1-4 can interact with farm animals at the Ketcha Outdoors summer camp.
Ketcha Outdoors in Scarborough, Maine, is hosting an interactive animal camp twice this summer – during the weeks beginning July 7 and August 11 – for kids in grades 1-4. These engaging camps feature live animal demonstrations, hands-on experiences caring for chickens and goats, terrarium building, animal tracking studies, exploration of various pond ecosystems, and observation of local animals and plants. The Mini Camp for grades 1-2 costs $388 per week, while the Junior Camp for grades 3-4 costs $371 per week. Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
**Camp Sealth Horse Camps in Washington**
Children in grades 3-10 can embark on a summer horseback
Explore the world of animals at Cub Creek Science Camp in Rolla, Missouri, where campers have the opportunity to interact with over 300 animals from 100 different species. Get up close and personal with sloths, lemurs, porcupines, llamas, and more through feeding, petting, and holding activities. Campers can even take on the responsibility of caring for an animal through the “Adopt an Animal” program. Parents rave about their children’s experiences at the camp, highlighting the hands-on learning and close encounters with wildlife. Camp sessions are available for kids aged 7-17 from June 1 to August 3, priced at $1,290-$1,350 per week.
Discover farm life at Full Moon Rising Farm and Wilderness Camps on Whidbey Island, Washington, where kids have been learning about animals and farm activities since 1997. Participants in the Farm Life Camp for ages 6-11 will engage in feeding, milking animals, playing garden games, and experiencing the daily routines of farm life. Day camp sessions and overnight family camps are offered throughout the summer, providing a unique farm experience for all ages.
Experience life as a veterinarian at Junior Vet Academy in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where aspiring veterinarians aged 9-15 can learn veterinary skills and care for animals. Campers engage in hands-on activities like physical exams, suturing, injections, and pharmacology, along with fun activities like escape rooms and swimming. Day camp and overnight camp options are available in July for an immersive veterinary experience.
At Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, campers from Pre-K to eighth grade can explore wildlife care and conservation through interactive camp programs. From learning about animal habitats and conservation to team building and animal ecosystems, campers will gain a deep understanding of wildlife and zoo operations. Camp sessions are offered throughout the summer, with different themes and activities tailored to each age group.
Fort Worth Summer Zoo Camp in Texas offers two-week sessions with different themes: The Art of Wildlife Conservation and Unlocking the Secrets of Animal Behavior. The camp runs from June 2 to August 8, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., for ages 4-10. Campers will enjoy exclusive animal encounters, feed giraffes, participate in live animal presentations, and engage in traditional camp activities. The camp also offers middle school and high school sessions focusing on behind-the-scenes experiences at the zoo, including topics like veterinary care, nutrition, and animal habitats. Additionally, there’s an overnight camp for adventurous campers aged 8-10 to experience zookeeper duties after hours.
At Camp Tecumseh Equestrian Camp in Indiana, kids aged 11-15 can enhance their equestrian skills through horseback riding training and leadership development. The camp features state-of-the-art facilities with over 60 horses, providing a personalized horse pairing based on the child’s personality. Campers will participate in various activities like Barn Olympics, grooming and tacking horses, and special clinics focusing on different equestrian skills. The camp offers Western or English riding options and runs from June 8 to July 27.
Lollypop Farm Camps in New York offer Animal Ed-Ventures Camp for ages 7-9 and Future Vet Camp for ages 9-12. These camps provide hands-on experiences, teaching kids about animal care and careers involving animals. Campers will have the opportunity to interact with various animals and learn essential skills related to animal welfare and veterinary care. The camps run during select weeks in July and August.
Lastly, the Chattanooga Aquarium in Tennessee offers River Guardians specialty camps where campers explore aquatic life in South Chickamauga Creek.
Embark on an exciting adventure at the Tennessee Aquarium’s Summer Camp, where young explorers can dive into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder as you come face to face with fascinating aquarium animals, traverse through flowing streams, and uncover the incredible engineering feats of nature’s very own architects. Aimed at children aged 5-12, our general camps offer a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the aquatic realm while engaging in fun and educational activities.
Each week, campers will embark on a new thematic journey, such as the intriguing “Weird World” where they will encounter slimy creatures, or “Color Me Wild” where they will discover how animals utilize colors and patterns for communication. For those with a penchant for scientific exploration, the “Mad Scientist” theme will allow campers to conduct experiments relating to the animal kingdom.
Our general camps operate on various weeks starting from June 9 to July 28, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., priced at $300 per week. For more adventurous souls aged 8-12, the River Guardians specialty camp offers a unique experience, exploring local creeks and learning the ropes of aquatic conservation alongside experts from the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. Campers will engage in activities such as using a seine net, identifying native aquatic wildlife, and collecting various fish and aquatic creatures. This specialized camp takes place from June 23-27, priced at $410.
Seeking an in-depth animal care experience? Look no further than the Animal Care specialty camp, designed for children aged 12-16. Participants will witness animal care professionals and aquarists in action as they undertake tasks such as training American alligators and working with a giant Pacific octopus. Through hands-on activities, campers will gain insight into the world of animal care and create enrichment activities for the aquarium’s inhabitants and during field trips. This exclusive camp runs from June 30 to July 3, priced at $330.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join one of these eleven captivating summer camps tailored for animal enthusiasts. With options for both day and overnight camps, there’s something for every young wildlife enthusiast to enjoy at the Tennessee Aquarium. Your next wild adventure awaits!
