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Summer ZooCamp
Summer ZooCamp was a WILD success! Stay tuned for the upcoming fall and winter programs!
ZooCamp is the place for your budding naturalist to have some wild fun while exploring the natural world. ZooCampers will be enthralled by special activities, arts and crafts, and animal encounters that can only be found at The Living Desert.
SNAP/EBT cardholders can register for these programs at 10% of the ticket price. Click here for more information.
If your desiered week is sold out, join the waitlist here!
For more information, please call (760) 346-5694.
July ZooCamp Sessions:
- July 11th - 13th, 2023
- July 18th - 20th, 2023
- July 25th - 27th, 2023
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
| Members | $225/ 3-day session |
| General | $250/3-day session |
July ZooCamps will all focus on "The Art of the Desert!" Each camp is designed with age-appropriate activities to encourage your camper's artistic expression and help them learn the basics of various mediums and techniques, with the natural beauty of the desert as their inspiration! These programs are perfect for campers interested in both art and wildlife. Artistic mediums campers might explore include: coloring, painting, sculpting, collage/mixed media, photography, storytelling, theater, and fashion design.
K-1st Grade: Wild About Art - In this camp, your budding artist will discover art in a new and wild way. From painting the patterns of zebras stripes and cheetahs spots, to sculpting porcupines and giraffe, campers will learn about and be inspired by the fascinating animals of the desert through a hands-on exploration of art and wildlife.
2nd - 3rd Grade: Artful Impressions - SOLD OUT FOR: 7/11-13 - Van Gogh and Picasso were inspired by the natural world, and, during this program, your camper will have the patterns of the African painted dogs, the feathers of the Harris' hawk, and the movement of Mexican wolves to spark their artistic expression. Join us to explore different mediums, create art that captures the spirit of the desert’s animals, and learn about their importance within our ecosystem.
4th - 6th Grade: Adventures Through Art - SOLD OUT FOR: 7/11-13 - Can a picture tell a story? Can a sculpture give a message? Can art start a movement? Come along as we learn the stories of our deserts and their animals and discover how art can influence a generation. Campers will create their own stories through a variety of mediums. From painting, to fashion, to theater-- the meaning of art is what you make it!
August ZooCamp Sessions:
- August 1st - 3rd, 2023
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
| Members | $225/ 3-day session |
| General | $250/3-day session |
7th - 9th Grade: Zookeeper Academy - This career-based program will take campers behind-the-scenes of animal care and wellbeing. With guidance from The Living Desert's professional staff, campers will learn about and assist with the jobs that are a daily part of a zookeeper’s career. Activities may include working in animal habitats, preparing animal diets, creating enriching experiences, assisting with Keeper Connections, and learning how we design safe and state-of-the-art habitats. Campers may even have a chance to participate in a training session with one of our animals!
Check-In
Camp check-in will take place at the Education Gate, located at the far north end of the parking lot. Signage and Education staff will be present to help you find your way.
Check-in will begin 15 minutes prior to when camp instruction is scheduled to start. Pre-activities will take place before instruction begins. We kindly ask all parents and guardians to exit the Education Gate by camp start time.
Tips for Success!
All participants need to come equipped for outdoor exploration and play! Please bring sunscreen, a hat, close-toed shoes, a refillable water bottle, and a snack with your camper's name clearly labeled on it.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens follows health recommendations from the California Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the health and safety of our animals, staff, volunteers, and guests. All staff and campers are required to follow the recommended guidelines set forth by the county and state.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
For all cancellations initiated more than two (2) weeks prior to the event, a 50% refund will be issued.
For all cancellations initiated less than two (2) weeks prior to the event, NO REFUND will be issued.
In the event that a participant tests positive for COVID-19 within 5 days of the session's start, that participant’s registration fee can be reserved as a credit and applied to a future program. There is a $50 administrative fee for this service, and a positive COVID-19 status with the participant’s name must be provided to zoocamp@livingdesert.org in order to reserve credit.
Campers must be registered in the correct age group. For Summer ZooCamp, campers must be entering the grade level specified by their camp. Campers who are a different age than the camp requirements may be asked to leave the program. No refund will be issued to campers registered for an incorrect age group.
Forfeited fees may be considered a donation for tax purposes.