Read the modifications below that we’re making to keep all of our campers, staff, and animals safe and healthy.
Our staff are keeping up to date on current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Camp Association (ACA), and Dane County Public Health.
Modifications are subject to change based on new recommendations.
Drop-off/Pick-Up Procedure
In order to limit the number of people entering our camp spaces, drop-off and pick-up will both occur at the car, and adults/parents will be asked to remain in their vehicles.
Camp Drop-Off
Drop-Off is between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. Pull up to the gate and remain in your vehicle. Once our staff is ready for you, we will signal for your camper to exit your vehicle, and we will check them in for the day.
Camp Pick-Up
Pick-Up is between 3:30 and 4:00 PM. Pull up to the gate and again remain in your vehicle. We will provide two camper pick-up cards at the beginning of the camp week for you to place in your window at pick-up. This card will ensure that only authorized adults pick up your child from camp. Our staff will verify the pick-up card, or ID if no pick-up card is present, and then radio for your child to come out to your car.
Email our Education department if you need to add additional authorized adults, or if you need additional pick-up cards.
Masks
Masks are optional during most of the camp day. However, campers will be required to wear masks when participating in certain animal encounters. Please send a cloth or paper mask with your child each day in case of those encounters.
What to Bring
Please bring a backpack labeled with your camper’s name that contains the following:
- Clothing appropriate for the weather – rain gear, a light sweatshirt for chilly mornings, sun hat, etc.
- Non-refrigerated lunch
- A snack
- Filled, reusable water bottle
- Close-toed shoes (required to participate in behind-the-scenes activities)
- Sunscreen – please apply a first layer of sunscreen before your child is dropped off in the morning. We will re-apply after lunch.
- A cloth or disposable mask (required to participate in certain animal encounters)
- Please DO NOT bring: gum, toys, electronics, or cell phones
Pick-Up and Aftercare
To avoid a line of cars at pick-up time, we are offering an expanded window for camper pick-up at the end of the day. Similar to the morning, we will have a window between 3:30 and 4:00 pm to help space out pick-ups, and hopefully reduce your waiting time.
We are not able to offer aftercare for 2023.
Illness
If your camper, or anyone in your household is experiencing any of the following symptoms, please do not bring them to camp. If your camper experiences any of these symptoms during the camp day, we will call you and ask you to pick up your child immediately.
- Coughing
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Find out more about COVID19 symptoms and recommendations on the CDC website.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
We have built more time into our schedule for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces in between activities, and for washing/sanitizing hands more frequently. All of our camp staff will be carrying hand sanitizer with them at all times, and we will take time before and after activities, and at the beginning and ending of each day, to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Cancellation Policy 2023
If you choose to cancel your registration, and notify us via email MORE THAN FOUR WEEKS prior to the start of camp, you can choose to receive a refund (less a 10% administrative fee) transfer your registration fee to a donation for the Zoo.
If you choose to cancel your registration, and notify us BETWEEN TWO AND FOUR WEEKS prior to the start of your camp, you can choose to receive a 50% refund, or transfer your registration fee to a donation for the Zoo.
If you choose to cancel your registration, and notify us LESS THAN TWO WEEKS prior to the start of your camp, no credits or refunds will be given. Your registration fee will automatically be transferred to a donation.
All cancellations must be made via email to education@henryvilaszoo.gov.
QUESTIONS?
Email the Education Department at education@henryvilaszoo.gov