Winter Zoo Camp

Are you looking for a place where your child(ren) can have loads of fun over their holiday break?  Why not bring them to Winter Camp Workshops at the Buffalo Zoo! Morning and afternoon workshops allow great family flexibility; sign up for one half day session, a full day or all seven workshops.

Dates: December 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th, 2016
Workshop Times:  9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and/or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Explorer Groups: Giraffes:  Ages 5-6      Rhinos: Ages 7-8     Elephants: Ages 9-12

Monday, December 26th, 2016 
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Awesome Amphibians
Spend a toad-ally awesome morning learning about amazing amphibians! From frogs to toads, newts and beyond, we’ll explore the complicated and fascinating lives of amphibians at the Zoo and around the world.

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
Do like the monkeys do and have some crazy fun at the Zoo! Come “monkey around” with our primates as we examine what makes these fun-loving creatures so cool.

Tuesday, December 27th, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Bear Necessities
Discover what it takes to keep the world’s largest land carnivore happy at the Buffalo Zoo and learn about other bear species from around the world.

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Arctic Art
Experience the art of winter from the beautiful animals that dot the landscape, to the intricate snow crystals and icicles that form during these frigid months. After exploring all that our frozen landscape has to offer we will make art that celebrates these chilly days and also incorporates ice and snow in its making. 

Wednesday, December 28th, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Migration Challenge
The temperature isn’t the only thing that changes in winter - uncover the many reasons and ways that animals migrate and see if you have what it takes to survive the long journey south.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wet & Wild
It’s hard enough to live in a cold climate, but one that is cold and wet? Discover the secrets of success for animals that swim through the coldest oceans in the world.

Thursday, December 29th, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tundra Trek
Lots of animals live in cold environments but none do it quite as well as the animals who call the tundra home. From large polar bears to tiny lemmings and everything in between we’ll learn what it takes to be successful on the tundra.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Barnstormers
Old MacDonald doesn’t have anything on our farm. Become a 19th - century child as we meet farm animals that were common in our area more than on hundred years ago, and make a popular 1800’s toy to take home!

Friday, December 30th, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Winter Fun
Meet animals that thrive in snowy environs and have what it takes to excel in a world covered in ice and snow. Wear your winter woolies so we can go outside to test our smarts against the New York winter.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jungle Journey
Feel the heat as we take a jungle journey and experience life in warmer climates. We’ll investigate life from the rainforest canopy all the way down to the jungle floor.

To properly staff the program and gauge supply needs, registration must be received by December 16, 2016. Due to limited space within each age group, no walk-in registrations will be accepted.

Registration Fee:: 
Morning OR Afternoon Workshop
Non-members = $30 per child
Members = $27 per child

Full Day (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Non-members = $55 per child
Members = $50 per child
(You must register for same day workshops to receive discount)

General Camp Information
Activities will include a combination of exhibit visits, animal information, games, songs, stories, activities and live animal contact.  Students will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods from our Education Department animal collection. This provides each camper with the experience and thrill of live animal demonstrations under well-supervised conditions.

Arrival/Departure: Doors will be open 15 minutes prior to the beginning of each winter camp workshop at either 8:45 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. Campers must enter through the Zoo School entrance on Meadow Drive no later than 9:15 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. and be picked up at the same entrance promptly at 12:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Campers will not be allowed to leave the Zoo without a parent or guardian signing for their child. Please be prepared to show ID upon request.

Appropriate clothing: Winter camp involves activities that may take the children outdoors. Appropriate clothing must be worn and should include; winter boots, hats, scarves, mittens/gloves and winter jackets. All outerwear should be labeled with the camper's name. 

Lunch Time: If your child is registered for both the morning and afternoon workshops, they must bring a bag lunch. Lunch time is from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. with adult supervision. NO LUNCHES ARE PROVIDED.
 
Due to dietary restrictions/allergies, no snacks will be provided by the Zoo for the health and safety of our campers. Please provide a snack for your child for the morning and afternoon. ZOO CAMP IS NUT FREE. Please be considerate of this when choosing your child's snack and lunch options.

Cancellation: Requests must be made in writing at least one week prior to the start of the Winter Camp. There will be a 15% administration fee for refunds prior to camp. Fees will not be refunded for any reason after the first day of camp.

Any additional questions or information should be directed to the Education Department at (716) 995-6128.

How to register…
a) Open this registration form and complete.  CLICK HERE
     Then simply return by email to ethompson@buffalozoo.org

- OR -

a) Mail your registration - Payment MUST accompany your registration and may be made in cash, by check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. Please make checks payable to the Zoological Society of Buffalo. Mail the completed form and registration fee to:

Education Department
Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214-1999

- OR -

b) Fax your registration - You may also fax completed registration with credit card payment to (716) 995-6125.