Imagine a place where children can dive into the fascinating world of zookeeping, surrounded by the wonders of nature and wildlife. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary offers just that with its unforgettable Zookeeper Camp programs, tailored specifically for young animal enthusiasts aged 8 to 15. These camps are not merely an adventure into the world of animals but also a journey of learning and discovery. Throughout the Summer, Spring break, and the holiday season, camp attendees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in age-appropriate animal experiences, get behind-the-scenes looks at exclusive exhibits, participate in engaging games, tours, crafts, and much more. For detailed information on camp availability and registration, the Folsom City activities calendar is the go-to resource, accessible at http://webtrac.folsom.ca.us.
Within the heart of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary’s education programs lie two distinctive camps: the Junior Zookeeper Camp for ages 8-11 and the Senior Zookeeper Camp for ages 12-15. The Junior Zookeeper Camp encompasses a rich blend of activities, including daily zookeeping tasks, hands-on interactions, and crafting enrichment treats and toys for the animals. Campers can look forward to making giant frozen ice pops, hand-made piñatas, and special puzzles with treats that they will personally place in animal enclosures. Watching the animals explore and enjoy these treats provides an invaluable lesson in animal behavior and welfare. Meanwhile, the Senior Zookeeper Camp elevates the experience with advanced lessons on animal behavior, training techniques, health, and caregiving, blending educational insights with hands-on activities and deeper interactions with the zoo’s inhabitants. Conservation efforts and environmental stewardship are also key components of this advanced program, inspiring campers to become ambassadors for wildlife preservation.
What truly sets these camps apart is not just the range of activities they offer, but also how they subtly weave in lessons of empathy, responsibility, and environmental stewardship among the participants. Whether it’s through preparing animal diets, cleaning enclosures, or participating in conservation-focused discussions, campers gain a richer understanding and appreciation for the natural world and their role within it. These experiences at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary’s Zookeeper Camp programs illuminate paths to potential future careers in zoology, veterinary medicine, and conservation, all while instilling a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation. So, for the young animal lover in your family, a week as a zookeeper might just be the perfect adventure, filled with learning, excitement, and unforgettable memories.