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BERGEN COUNTY ZOO SUMMER CAMP 2024
Summer camp registration goes live February 2nd, 2025!
Bergen County Zoo Summer Camp provides unforgettable experiences to campers which includes age-appropriate activities including up-close animal encounters, games, hands-on science projects, crafts, zoo tours, and tons of educational fun that that builds on campers' love for animals and nature!
Best of all, you may sign up for multiple camp weeks!
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Wolf Pups (3-5), Red Wolves (6-8), and Gray Wolves (9-11) all have a different weekly topic catered to what your child is most interested in! From science weeks to art weeks, there is a topic for everyone!
Jr. Zookeepers is the same week-to-week. Signing up for more than 1 week isn't recommended.
The Parent Handbook and Health Assessment are
REQUIRED for ALL campers.
The FARE Form, Asthma Treatment Plan, Diabetes Medical, and Seizure Action Plan are required if campers have any of these medical concerns.
Please mail the forms to:
Bergen County Zoological Park 216 Forest Ave
Paramus, NJ 07652
Attn: Zoo Camp
WOLF PUPS
Ages 3 - 5 with caregiver
9am - 12pm
RED WOLVES
Ages 6- 8
9am - 1pm
GRAY WOLVES
Ages 9 - 11
9am - 1pm
JR. ZOOKEEPERS
Ages 13 - 17
9am - 1pm
If you have a 12 year old who would like to attend Summer Zoo Camp, please call Melissa Czinn (Camp Director) at 201-634-3108
WOLF PUPS
Ages 3 - 5 with caregiver
9am - 12pm
June 9 - 13, 2025
Home Sweet Home
What does an animal need in its home to be happy and healthy?
Learn about the different types of places that animals live and how they survive in the wild.
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June 16 - 20, 2025
Creature Coverings
Fur, feathers, scales, or slime? Learn about the different types of coverings that animals have.
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August 11 - 15, 2025
What's for Dinner?
Carnivore, herbivore, both, or neither? Learn about the different foods that animals eat.
June 23 - 27, 2025
Habitats
Learn about the different habitats that exist and the animals that call them home.
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June 30 - July 4, 2025
Danger Week
Explore what makes some animals more dangerous than others, and learn how zookeepers safely work with different animals every day.
Please note: Zoo Camp runs as regularly scheduled on July 4th.
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July 7 - 11, 2025
Creature Features
Fur, feathers, scales, or slime? Learn about the different types of coverings that animals have.​
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July 14 - 18, 2025
Eat or be Eaten
Explore the foods that animals like to eat, both in the wild and here at the zoo!​
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July 21 - 25, 2025
Animal Artists
Learn about the superstar singers and dazzling dancers of the animal kingdom, and the many ways animals use their patterns to survive.​
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July 28 - August 1, 2025
Wilderness Detectives Week
Something has been stolen at the zoo! Campers will use their detective skills to help us crack the case.​
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August 4 - 8, 2025
Backyard Zoo
Learn all about the variety of animals we can discover in our own backyards.
RED WOLVES
Ages 6 - 8
9am - 1pm
GRAY WOLVES
Ages 9 - 11
9am - 1pm
June 23 - 27, 2025
Animal Engineers Week
Humans aren't the only animals who build structures and affect their environment!​
Learn about how animals all over the world shape and change their habitats.
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June 30 - July 4, 2025
Animal History Week
Since the dawn of humanity, humans have relied on animals as companions, workers, and entertainers.
Join us as we travel through the ages and find out how those partnerships came to be.
Please note: Zoo Camp runs as regularly scheduled on July 4th.
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July 7 - 11, 2025
Animal Protection Week
How does someone like you change the world? One step at a time!
Join us as we discuss sustainable ways to help and protect animals through advocacy programs that the Bergen County Zoo participates in.​
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July 14 - 18, 2025
Earth Week
Soil, trees, water, and air! Learn abut different layers of habitats and how they work together to create an ecosystem. ​
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July 21 - 25, 2025
Art Week
Join us as we explore the animal world through an artistic lens using different mediums that professional artists use.​
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July 28 - August 1, 2025
Extinction Week
What do the five mass extinctions have to do with us today?
Explore the different time periods they took place in and learn about what the fossil records can teach us.​
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August 4 - 8, 2025
Zoo Careers Week
What does it take to be a zookeeper? A veterinarian? A zoo director?
Learn about the different paths to working in a zoo and how you can be the next great conservationist!
Discover what it takes to be a zookeeper!
Campers will get to experience the different types of jobs you can have in a zoo and learn about diets, exhibit design, animal welfare and more.
Please note: Junior Zookeeper Camp is the same week-to-week. Signing up for more than one week is not recommended.
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June 23 - 27, 2025
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​June 30 - July 4, 2025
Please note: Zoo Camp runs as regularly scheduled on July 4th.​
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July 7 - 11, 2025​​​
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July 14 - 18, 2025​
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July 21 - 25, 2025
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July 28 - August 1, 2025​
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August 4 - 8, 2025​​
JUNIOR ZOOKEEPERS
Ages 13 - 17
9am - 1pm
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT WILL MY CAMPER DO ALL DAY?
Camp is full of adventure and learning about the world of animals, nature, and science! A typical week of camp includes age-appropriate activities, up-close animal encounters, zoo tours, games, hands-on science projects, and crafts. Campers will spend time both inside and outside, so please be sure your camper is dressed for the weather!
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WILL CAMP BE OUTSIDE?
We plan daily activities both inside and outside! Weather permitting, we may be outside for extended periods of time exploring the zoo and playing games in the park. Please be sure to apply sunscreen or bug spray each morning before camp. Camp staff will not be permitted to apply sunscreen or bug spray to campers. Also, please send your camper with a full, refillable water bottle to ensure your camper stays hydrated. We have water filling stations located in various areas around the zoo.
HOW MANY COUNSELORS ARE THERE?
Each camp group has at least 2 lead counselors and may be assisted by 2 or 3 counselors-in-training.
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WHAT SHOULD MY CAMPER WEAR?
Please dress your camper appropriately for the weather. We may be outside rain or shine, so rain gear may be needed. Please send your camper with closed-toe shoes. On the first day of summer camp we will give your camper a special camp t-shirt and they will be required to wear this shirt every day of camp as it increases recognition and visibility.
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WHAT FOOD SHOULD I PACK FOR MY CAMPER?
We do not provide any food during camp. Since our camp is half a day, please send your camper with a snack and a full, refillable water bottle. Sharing of snack items is not permitted.
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WHAT IF MY CAMPER HAS FOOD ALLERGIES?
We are not a nut free facility as many of our animals have nuts in their diets. During camp, our counselors are diligent in knowing which children have allergies of any kind. We will either eat snack with the camper outside of the room or sit them with campers who do not have the food the camper is allergic to, depending on the allergy sensitivity. Every staff member, including the counselors, are trained in emergency allergic reaction response protocols.
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CAN I REGISTER MY CAMPER FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK OF CAMP?
Yes! Wolf Pups (3-5), Red Wolves (6-8), and Gray Wolves (9-12) all have a different weekly topic catered to what your child is most interested in! From science weeks to art weeks, there is a topic for everyone!
Jr. Zookeepers is the same week-to-week. Signing up for more than 1 week isn't recommended. ​
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CAN I REGISTER MY CAMPER FOR ONE DAY OF CAMP?
Bergen County Zoo Summer Camp is designed to be a 5 day experience from 9am-1pm (except Wolf Pups). If you are unable to attend all 5 days, camp is still full cost.
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I HAVE TWO CAMPERS THAT ARE IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS. CAN THEY BE PUT TOGETHER?
No, unfortunately each week is specifically tailored toward a certain age group. Our age restrictions ensure that we focus on appropriate subject matter and activities.
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CAN YOU ACCOMODATE CAMPERS WITH DIFFERENT NEEDS?
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all campers are welcome. In order to best meet the needs of your camper, we welcome you to contact the camp director, Melissa Czinn (MCzinn@co.bergen.nj.us), to discuss any accommodations your camper requires prior to camp. We are more than happy to discuss all available options. Our camp staff is not able to assist campers with toileting or medical needs (unless it is an emergency).
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WHAT IS A "WAITLIST" ON EVENTBRITE?
Waitlist means we are currently full for that session. We encourage you to sign up for the waitlist as spots do open and we will try to fill that spot from our waitlist in the order they are listed.
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WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION, RESCHEDULING, AND REFUND POLICY?
If you wish to cancel, the request must be submitted via email to the camp director, Melissa Czinn (MCzinn@co.bergen.nj.us), at least 3 weeks prior to the camp start date for a refund (minus the Eventbrite fee and sales tax). If the cancellation request is submitted less than 3 weeks to the start of camp, refunds are dependent on us being able to fill your spot.
If you wish to reschedule, the request must also be submitted via email to our Camp Director - Melissa Czinn (MCzinn@co.bergen.nj.us) at least 3 weeks prior to the camp start date. Rescheduling is based on availability and is not guaranteed.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact Melissa Czinn - Camp Director
201 - 634 - 3108