What are the camp times and child drop-off and pick up policies?

Camp begins at 9 a.m and ends at 3 p.m. Drop off begins at 8:45 in the gift shop area. In order to provide a secure environment for your child, you must bring your child inside the gift shop to sign him or her in or out of camp and you need to have a photo ID with you.

Please pick up your child promptly at the end of your camp session. Children left more than 15 minutes after close of camp will become tiger food, or you may pay a child care fee of $20. Also, if someone other than the drop-off person will be picking your child up, you must tell us that when you drop them off. They will be asked for a photo ID matching the name you have given to us.

What are the camp attendance minimums and maximums?

There must be a minimum of eight campers for the session to be held. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo reserves the right to cancel camps in the event of insufficient registration. You will be informed at least 2 weeks in advance of camp dates and you will receive a full refund. Camp maximum is 20 campers.

Is lunch provided for camp?

Campers should eat a good breakfast before arriving at camp. You may choose to purchase the optional lunch provided by the Zoo or you may send a lunch. Because of safety concerns, glass containers are prohibited. A microwave will not be available for use. We will be attentive to any food allergies a child may have. It is important to accurately list any allergies on the registration form.

May I enroll my child in a camp for a younger or older grade group?

No. Our camps involve hands-on learning that is age appropriate.

May I stay in the camp with my child during the session?

If your child cannot remain in camp without you,consider waiting a year before enrolling him or her in the camp.

Will my child get to touch animals and/or go behind the scenes?

All camps include the opportunity to see and touch some of our animals that are safe for handling and to get the inside scoop on their daily habits. For the safety of the children and our animals, children are not likely to go behind-the-scenes.

What should my child wear to camp?

Please be sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather, as camps are held rain or shine and some activities may result in getting good and dirty! Campers should wear comfortable closed toe shoes for all the walking they will be doing on the zoo grounds. Please apply sunscreen before the camp day begins.

What does my child need to bring?

All materials are provided. Your child may bring money to purchase additional zoo souvenirs from the Zoo gift shop at a special 20% discount for campers.

Does my child receive any additional camp items?

Camp participants will receive a camp t-shirt, group photo and certificate of completion at the end of camp.

My child needs to take medication. How should I arrange for this?

Any medications that need that must be taken during camp hours should be detailed on the reservation form and brought to the attention of the camp leader when your child arrives for each camp session. It is imperative that you notify us of any medical condition your child may have.

Will the weather ever cancel Zoo Camp?

Camps will continue rain or shine. In the unlikely event that extreme weather conditions prevent safe activities, you will be notified by phone that morning. You will be given the option to attend another camp day, space permitting, or to receive a refund for the canceled camp.

What if I have to cancel my child's registration?

Cancellations are accepted up to two weeks in advance of the camp. For multi-session packages, cancellations are accepted up to two weeks in advance of the first registered day of camp. After this time, no refunds will be made, without exception. Accepted cancellations will receive a complete refund minus $10 for processing costs.