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January 3
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Winter ZooCamp
Designed for your budding naturalists, grades K-9, Winter ZooCamp fosters an appreciation for the natural world. In these three-day camps, ZooCampers will be enthralled by the wonders of wildlife through special activities, arts and crafts, up-close animal encounters, and more.
Registration is now open.
Days of the week: Wednesday - Friday.
Dates: Week 1: December 27-29; Week 2: January 3-5.
Time: 8:30am-12:30pm
Grades: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9
See themes by grade below!
| Members | $225 |
| Non-members | $250 |
| EBT Card Holders | $25 |
*SNAP/EBT cardholders can register for any educational program during the 2023-2024 season at 10% of the listed price. The SNAP or EBT card holder must be present on the first day of check-in with their card and a valid form of photo ID to receive the discount. See the Museums for All Program for more information.
NEW! ZooCamp Extended Hours
Enhance your child's ZooCamp experience with our NEW Extended Hours add-on at The Living Desert! Available only to registered ZooCamp participants, this unique opportunity takes place on the same days as camp, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Your young explorers will be immersed in a world of animal-related crafts and engaging activities. Don't miss out on this opportunity to provide your child with an unforgettable and enriching experience!
Days of the week: Wednesday - Friday.
Dates: Week 1: December 27-29; Week 2: January 3-5.
Time: 12:30pm-3:30pm
Grades: K-9
| Members | $165 |
| Non-members | $185 |
| EBT Card Holders | $18 |
ZooCamp Themes
K-1: Super Species
K-1, Week 1 and 2 is SOLD OUT. Don't miss out— if you would like to join our waitlist click here.
Faster than a speeding Cheetah! More powerful than a Black Rhino! Able to huddle together for warmth like a Naked Mole-Rat! Wait, what?!? These are a few of nature’s superheroes that have become champions of their domain. Come and learn about these animal adaptations and many more at the Living Desert Zoo Camp.
2-3: Living Fossils
In this three-day camp, campers will discover the prehistoric Coachella Valley through basic hands-on paleontology techniques and methods. Learn about prehistoric animals, their adaptations over time, and the descendants that remain.
4-6: Surviving the Wild
4-6, December 27-29 is SOLD OUT. Don't miss out— if you would like to join our waitlist click here.
Raccoons, Rattlesnakes, and Ravens--OH MY! Discover how to survive in the wonderfully wild world in our very own desert valley. During this 3-day camp, campers will participate in activities and challenges that boost their appreciation and ability to care for the natural world we live in. This camp is only being offered the first week of Winter ZooCamp.
7-9: Zookeeper Academy
This career-based camp will explore what goes into keeping our animals happy and healthy. With the guidance of the Learning and Engagement 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, preparing animal food diets, creating enriched experiences, and designing safe and healthy habitats. This camp is only being offered the second week of Winter ZooCamp.
Check-In
Check-in will take place at the Education Gate, which will be on the far left side when you enter the main parking lot of The Living Desert. You can follow the purple flags to the Education Gate.
Camp check-in will begin 15 minutes prior to when camp instruction is scheduled to start. Pre-activities will be provided before instruction begins. We kindly ask that all parents and guardians exit the Education Gate by camp start.
Tips for Success!
All participants need to come equipped for outdoor exploration and play! Please bring: sunscreen, a hat, close-toed shoes, and a refillable water bottle.
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.
Refunds for program fees will not be issued to participants who fail to present their SNAP or EBT card and valid photo ID on the first day of the program. Failure to present the required documents on the first day of the program will result in the participant being required to pay the full program price or dismissal from the program without a refund. Program fees paid will be considered a donation to support our organization's initiatives.
Campers must be registered in the correct age group. 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.