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	Educational Programs Presented by

EDUCATION: Public Programs

Come and discover the many fun and educational activities going on in the Zoo’s “living classroom.” Classes operate rain, snow or sunshine. Please dress weather appropriate since most programs will include a short tour outside.

NEW: Parking: Scout groups, daycares and all MetaZoo program participants who are not Louisville Zoo members will be assessed a $5 parking fee per vehicle. For maximum convenience, reserve tickets and parking passes online.

Click here for our Public Classes FAQ.

Summer 2013 Programs

With over 30 years of experience, the Zoo’s Education Department will be offering the best summer ever for youngsters of all ages! Sign up soon as programs are very popular and fill up fast!

• By using the Zoo as a “living classroom” these programs encourage children to:
• discover, investigate, and observe the wonders of our world
• learn about the diversity of animals and plants
• expand their appreciation of the natural world
• become more aware how one can contribute to its protection

Classes and camps are designed to meet specific grade levels. Campers should register for the grade level they are entering for the 2013-2014 school year.

Your child will experience:

• Hands-on with animal biofacts
• Up-close encounters with appropriate animals and plants
• Arts and crafts activities
• Keeper training and enrichment demonstrations
• Games and story-time
• Inquiry-based activities
• Guided tours

Safari Day Camps

Camps are held Monday through Friday with the exception of the week of July 4. Children attending full day sessions from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. must bring a sack lunch and a drink. All campers will receive a t-shirt.

Cost: Half-day: Regular $130; Members $115

Full-day: Regular $200; Members $185

 

GRADES 1 & 2

Habitat Sweet Habitat

Animals call a wide variety of places “home” and have special adaptations that help them survive in their particular surroundings. Campers will look at where animals live and how they manage to survive in some of the harshest environments on earth.

Full-Day Camp: June 17–21, July 22–26 and August 5–9

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 

Half-Day Camp: June 3–7, July 15–19

9 a.m. – Noon
 

Hide and Seek

Uncover the animals’ secrets to survival as we disappear into the hidden world of camouflage. Discover how spots, stripes, patterns and colors protect both predators and prey.

June 10–14, 24–28, July 8–12 and July 29 – August 2

9 a.m. – Noon (half-day only)

 

GRADES 3 & 4

Class Investigations

Dig deeper into the subject of classification! Learn some of the characteristics that scientists use to classify animals. Campers will explore the different classes of vertebrates and their unique adaptations.

Full-day camp: June 17–21,
July 22–26, August 5–9

9 a.m.–4 p.m.
 

Half-day camp: June 3–7 & July 8–12

9 a.m. – Noon
 

World Travelers

No passport is required for this trip around the world as we investigate animals and their native habitats. Learn how people and animals coexist and bring home your own “souvenirs.”

Full-day camp: July 15–19 &
July 29–August 2

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Half-day camp: June 10–14 and June 24–28

9 a.m. – Noon

 

GRADES 5 THROUGH 7

The Zoo-mazing Race

Back by popular demand! This camp will include Zoo-related clues and tasks based on the reality TV show “The Amazing Race.” Complete with detours and roadblocks, campers will race around the Zoo! This camp will connect campers to animals and plants as well as teach them about communication, teamwork and sportsmanship.

June 17–22, July 22–26
& July 29 – August 2

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Conservation Planet

What does “conservation” mean to you? Campers will learn about some conservation heroes and how they can become one too. Campers will create their own conservation video to share with others!

July 15–19 and August 5–9

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

NEW! 
One-Day Safari Day Camps

(Grades 1–7)

Enjoy a one-day Safari camp. Each day will cover a different topic so register for one or all three!

Session 1: Monday, July 1

Session 2: Tuesday, July 2

Session 3: Wednesday, July 3

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost per day: Regular $55; Members $40

TRACK ‘EM, SMACK ‘EM AND ROAR

(Ages 8 – 12)

The Louisville Tennis Center, the Louisville Nature Center (LNC) and the Louisville Zoo will again be offering this week of non-stop excitement. Campers will be tracking native wildlife at the Louisville Nature Center, learning tennis skills on the courts of the Louisville Tennis Center, and visiting with the wild creatures at the Louisville Zoo. All three sessions are identical. If your child has a tennis racket we suggest that he/she bring it. Bring a sack lunch and drink, and dress appropriately for outside play (tennis shoes are required).

Session 1: June 10–14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Session 2: June 24–28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Session 3: July 8–12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: Regular $200;
LNC or Zoo Members $185

NEW! One-Day Family Camp!

Are you looking for ways to enjoy the summer as a family? Then our new family camp is designed just for you. Our camp is designed for families with children ages five and up.

Wednesday, July 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost per person: Regular $55; Member-$45

SproutZ!

(Ages 2 and 3 and one adult)

This Monday thru Friday program is designed to meet the individual needs of pre-school children. Please note separate times for each one. Due to limited classroom space, we ask that only one adult attend with the child. Extra adults attending will be $10 each.

9–10 a.m. (2-year-olds);
10:30–11:30 a.m. (3-year-olds)

Cost: Regular $105; Member $90

Small Wonders

Children will explore the big world of small animals. Stop and see the smaller things in life. Even the smallest creatures have a big impact on our lives. Children observe and investigate the small animals that live around us every day.

June 3–7, 10–14, 17–21 and 24–28

From Root to Fruit

Children will discover the parts of a plant and explore growing plants. Children will use their curiosity and imagination to guide them through how animals need plants to survive, pollinating insects and harvesting fruit and vegetables.

July 8–12, 15–19, 22–26 and July 29 – Aug 2

ZOOper Kids Camp

(Ages 4 – 5)

Children will enjoy Zoo walks, crafts, snack time, closely supervised contact with education animals and story time. All campers will receive a t-shirt.

Cost: Regular $125; Member $110

Animal Champs

Who are the best jumpers, the fastest runners, and the best swimmers? Children will learn about animals that are the best at what they do.

June 3–7, 24–28 and July 22–26,
9 a.m. – Noon

Life Cycles

From tadpoles to penguins, children will learn the diversity of life cycles of many animals on our planet.

June 10–14, July 8–12 and
July 29 – August 2, 9 a.m. – Noon

Storybooks Come Alive!

From brown bears to hungry caterpillars children will discover a new storybook every day.

June 17–21, July 15–29 and
August 5–9, 9 a.m. – Noon

NEW!
One Day ZOOper Kids Camp!

Children will explore different animal adaptations and how they survive in the wild.

Monday, July 1 and/or Tuesday, July 2, 9 a.m. – Noon

Cost per day: Regular $21; Member $18

TEEN SAFARI

(Grades 8 and 9)

This program is designed to activate the minds of young people using the wonderful resources of the Louisville Zoo. Classes, activities and behind-the-scenes tours provide an opportunity for teens to discover more about the Zoo, our planet, and personal choices.

Safari sessions are Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. On Thursday evening participants will meet at the Zoo at 7 p.m. for the Night Safari, which ends at 9 a.m. Friday morning. An evening cookout and breakfast will be provided. Don’t forget your sleeping bag.

“Go Team Green!”

Bring your enthusiasm and “green” ideas! We’ll learn how our Zoo staff, others in our community, and YOU can create a better world for all living things. The week will be packed with animal encounters, zookeeper talks and projects that will help us all become better advocates for our planet Earth!

Session 1: June 10–14

Session 2: July 8–12

Cost: Regular $200; Members $185

 

Night Safaris

The Louisville Zoo is a special place with rustling sounds at night and early morning ruckus. Your overnight experience starts at 7 p.m. followed by activities, time to set up your tenet if you wish to sleep outdoors (if not, accommodations are available indoors) and a nigth walk. After a light continental breakfast, you will have a guided tour and depart at 9 a.m. The Zoo's education staff will provide you with unique experiences throughout your Night Safari adventure. If you would like information on booking a private Night Safari, please call 502-238-5344.

 

Some Like it Hot! Night Safari for Adults (21+)

Saturday, July 20

Summers can be sweltering in the Ohio River Valley, but many animals don't mind at all! Join our education team and expand your knowledge of how animals survive in the world's hottest ecosystems. Your adventure will begin at 7 p.m. with a special tour of the Islands exhibit and end the following morning after a continental breakfast and morning tour.

Cost: Regular $55; Member $40

 

Gorilla Forest Family Night Safari

Saturday, July 27

Back by popular demand, the Gorilla Forest Family Night Safari experience will allow you and your junior primatologist to spend the evening learning about these Great Apeas and their habitat. Sleep close to the Gorilla Sanctuary at the Arundo Bai Research Center of Mudi Bai. Stake-free tents are encouraged. Your safari begins at 7 p.m. at the African Outpost parking lot (follow signs for bus parking). A continental breakfast will be provided followed by an early morning tour. Your adventure ends at 9 a.m.

Cost: Regular $55; Member $40

Family of Four: Regular $150; Member $125

 

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

1. Individuals who wish to cancel their registration in any class must notify the Education Department, in writing, no less than one week prior to the actual date of the class. We will refund 80% of the class fee upon receipt of a written or email (danita.robbins@louisvilleky.gov) cancellation.
   There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than one week prior to class date.
2. The Education Department reserves the right to cancel classes with insufficient registration.
3. There will be a $10 service charge for any changes in the original registration.
4. Pre-registration is required for all classes.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and camps fill quickly. Pre-registration is required for all classes.

1. Online registrations through our eTicket Store are available unless otherwise noted. Only credit card payments accepted. Confirmations are automatically emailed with your ticket.
2. Reservations will not be taken over the phone.

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