SUMMER ZOOCAMP
Select dates June 9 – July 2
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Grades: K-10
Registration opens March 30, 2026
Week 1 + 2: June 9 – 11 & June 16 – 18
- Grades K-1: Destination Imagination
Embark on an extraordinary quest to uncover the truth behind legendary creatures! Journey with us into the heart of the desert, where the wonders of nature reveal the secrets behind mythical creatures such as unicorns, fairies, and dragons. Prepare for an unforgettable week filled with exclusive encounters and experiences that will ignite your imagination! - Grades 2-3: Master Zoo Chef
What special diets are prepared for the animals at The Living Desert? Learn about the care and feeding of our animals while you visit our state-of-the-art nutrition center and meet the keepers for a hands-on experience. - Grades 4-6: Adventures Through Art
Can a picture tell a story? Can a sculpture give a message? Can art start a movement? Come with us as we learn the stories of our deserts and their animals. Learn how art can influence a generation. Create your own stories through a variety of media. From painting to fashion to theater, the meaning of art is what you make it.
Week 3 + 4: June 23 – 25 & June 30 – July 2
- Grades K-1: Survival Secrets
Get ready for an exciting adventure into the wild world of animal defenses! In this camp, we’ll explore how animals protect themselves from danger. From sharp quills and tough shells to camouflage and clever tricks, campers will discover how different creatures stay safe in the wild. Each day will be packed with engaging, hands-on activities, exciting animal encounters, and creative crafts that bring these fascinating defense mechanisms to life. - Grades 2-3: Animal Tales
Discover the power of storytelling amidst the wonders of our zoo in this art-themed camp! Stories are told in a variety of ways, from spoken words to paintings and sculptures, in this three-day camp we will explore a captivating selection; both the mythical creatures of folklore and the real-life heroes of conservation. Through interactive crafts, engaging activities, and up-close animal encounters, campers will become storytellers, spreading creative stories and the message of compassion and stewardship for our planet in their own unique way. - Grades 4-6: Surviving the Wild (WEEK 3 ONLY)
Can a picture tell a story? Can a sculpture give a message? Can art start a movement? Come with us as we learn the stories of our deserts and their animals. Learn how art can influence a generation. Create your own stories through a variety of media. From painting to fashion to theater, the meaning of art is what you make it. - Grades 7-10: Zookeeper Academy (WEEK 4 ONLY)
This career-based camp will explore what goes into keeping our animals happy and healthy. With the guidance of education staff, campers will learn about and assist with the jobs that are a daily part of a zookeeper’s career. Responsibilities may include helping to clean exhibits, prepare animal food diets, create enriched experiences design safe and healthy habitats, and assist with keeper connections. Campers may even have a chance to participate in a training session with one of our animals.
SUMMER ZOOCAMP
Select dates June 9 – July 2
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Grades: K-10
Registration opens March 30, 2026
Week 1 + 2: June 9 – 11 & June 16 – 18
- Grades K-1: Destination Imagination
Embark on an extraordinary quest to uncover the truth behind legendary creatures! Journey with us into the heart of the desert, where the wonders of nature reveal the secrets behind mythical creatures such as unicorns, fairies, and dragons. Prepare for an unforgettable week filled with exclusive encounters and experiences that will ignite your imagination! - Grades 2-3: Master Zoo Chef
What special diets are prepared for the animals at The Living Desert? Learn about the care and feeding of our animals while you visit our state-of-the-art nutrition center and meet the keepers for a hands-on experience. - Grades 4-6: Adventures Through Art
Can a picture tell a story? Can a sculpture give a message? Can art start a movement? Come with us as we learn the stories of our deserts and their animals. Learn how art can influence a generation. Create your own stories through a variety of media. From painting to fashion to theater, the meaning of art is what you make it.
Week 3 + 4: June 23 – 25 & June 30 – July 2
- Grades K-1: Survival Secrets
Get ready for an exciting adventure into the wild world of animal defenses! In this camp, we’ll explore how animals protect themselves from danger. From sharp quills and tough shells to camouflage and clever tricks, campers will discover how different creatures stay safe in the wild. Each day will be packed with engaging, hands-on activities, exciting animal encounters, and creative crafts that bring these fascinating defense mechanisms to life. - Grades 2-3: Animal Tales
Discover the power of storytelling amidst the wonders of our zoo in this art-themed camp! Stories are told in a variety of ways, from spoken words to paintings and sculptures, in this three-day camp we will explore a captivating selection; both the mythical creatures of folklore and the real-life heroes of conservation. Through interactive crafts, engaging activities, and up-close animal encounters, campers will become storytellers, spreading creative stories and the message of compassion and stewardship for our planet in their own unique way. - Grades 4-6: Surviving the Wild (WEEK 3 ONLY)
Can a picture tell a story? Can a sculpture give a message? Can art start a movement? Come with us as we learn the stories of our deserts and their animals. Learn how art can influence a generation. Create your own stories through a variety of media. From painting to fashion to theater, the meaning of art is what you make it. - Grades 7-10: Zookeeper Academy (WEEK 4 ONLY)
This career-based camp will explore what goes into keeping our animals happy and healthy. With the guidance of education staff, campers will learn about and assist with the jobs that are a daily part of a zookeeper’s career. Responsibilities may include helping to clean exhibits, prepare animal food diets, create enriched experiences design safe and healthy habitats, and assist with keeper connections. Campers may even have a chance to participate in a training session with one of our animals.