Conservation Camp for Summer 2025
From learning about wild animals to careers in conservation, campers will have a blast exploring and learning while making new friends!
Weeklong summer camps feature educational tours, games, creative projects, close-up animal encounters, and more. Campers will be grouped by grade level and experience the Zoo in small groups led by Zoo Camp instructors, staff, and volunteers.
Zoo Camps foster curiosity and creativity through STEM-based skills such as investigation, collaboration, problem solving, communication and more through fun hands-on art and science activities.
We believe that connecting campers of all ages to animals and nature will help to improve the outlook for both the camper and for the future of the natural world. When children grow up connected to nature, they are likely to continue to inquire, explore, and protect it.
Conservation Camp Themes for Pre-K through 6th Grade
Pre-K: Lil’ Explorers Base Camp
Explorers trek on safaris to various regions of the world to visit with amazing animals, insects, and birds at the SF Zoo. At Base Camp each day, they will engage in art and science projects related to their daily exploration discoveries.
Kinder: Wild Animals Adventure Club
With over 1000 animals, there is a lot to get wild about at the SF Zoo. Campers will discover animal life from Oceania to the Plains and everything in between! Through games and activities and a variety of hands-on discoveries, our Adventure Club campers will have a wild time exploring the diverse habitats and animals this summer.
1st & 2nd Grade: Earth Action Heroes
Everyone can be an Earth Action Hero and take steps to help our planet. Campers will learn about our endangered species and about conservation efforts to support them. Through a variety of art and science activities, artifact investigation, and visits from wildlife experts, campers will learn the many ways that species help, survive and adapt to a changing planet.
3rd & 4th Grade: Junior Zoologists
Have you ever wanted to learn more about animals? Zoology is the scientific study of the animal kingdom! From behavior to habitat and anatomy to classification, campers will journey into the world of animal science while learning about the Zoo’s animals and what makes them each unique.
5th & 6th Grade: Conservation Rangers
From the smallest microbes to the largest whale, every living thing plays an important role in helping our planet thrive. Campers will discover the science of wildlife conservation as they delve into the natural diversity of the world and its inhabitants. Through discovery and teamwork, campers will learn new ways to help protect Earth’s biodiversity.
Campers will be grouped by grade level. In an effort to accommodate the most families possible, we ask that you please do not register for more than 2 weeks of Conservation Camp.
Please sign your camper up for the grade level they will be entering Fall of 2025.
Camp Times
8 weeks of Camp Pre-K thru 6th grade.
June 16th- August 8th
- Week 1: June 16-20
- Week 2: June 23-June 27
- Week 3: June 30-July 3* (Monday-Thursday)
- Week 4: July 7- July 11
- Week 5: July 14- July 18
- Week 6: July 21- July 25
- Week 7: July 28-Aug 1
- Week 8: Aug 4-Aug 8
Pre-K Campers: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Kinder – 6th Campers: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Aftercare will be available from 3:30 – 5:00pm. (1st grade-6th grade only)
Pricing
Kindergarten through 6th Grade
$500 for Members
$550 for Non-Members
After-Care Available from- 3:30pm-5:00pm
$175 per week
Pro-rating not available
Pre-K, minimum age 4 by 06/01/24
$250 for Members
$275 for Non-Members
Financial Aid
Applications are open now, and will close on April 6th.
Scholarship Links
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English/Chinese
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Zoo Camp Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing by email.
- A 100% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received within 24 hours of registration. The timestamp on your email will serve as reference for potential refunds.
- A 75% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received by April 30, 2025. The non-refundable 25% will be forfeited completely and is non-transferable.
- A 50% refund will be issued for cancellation requests received by May 31, 2025. The non-refundable 50% will be forfeited completely and is non-transferable.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations starting June 1, 2025.
Inclusion & Camper Support
SF Zoo and Gardens Conservation Camps are traditional camps (not specialized for specific exceptionalities) that welcome all children to join in our explorations of nature at the Zoo. Our camp days are very active and engage campers in a variety of activities with quick transitions and sensory changes throughout the day. All campers are expected to follow directions, adhere to safety rules, and behave according to our Zoo guidelines. We encourage camper grownups to provide us with any information necessary to give your child the best possible camp experience! Although we cannot accommodate all needs nor provide one-on-one care for any individual camper, our team will do everything within our capacity to make each child feel welcome and included in a safe environment.
Have a Question? E-mail [email protected], call (415) 213-8148, check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or visit our app found in the App Store or Google Play.