Zoofari Summer Camp PARENT INFORMATION PACKET 2020 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / MONTGOMERY ZOO ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP PARENT INFORMATION PACKET
Dear Parent and/or Guardian,
Thank you for allowing your camper to attend Zoofari Summer Camp at the Montgomery Zoo. It is our joy and pleasure to provide your camper with a wildlife adventure like none other.
At Zoofari Summer Camp, we plan to provide your camper with an experience that will be fun, exciting, and also educational. We are going to take a walk through a wild winter wonderland as we discuss how animals are equipped to survive the change in their environments throughout the winter season.
Along with this packet, you have received a list of camp requirements, camp release form, disciplinary code, list of daily activities, and lunch schedule. Please go over this information with your camper so they are aware of the daily activities and camp expectations. This should help answer some of your questions about our camp.
Let me remind you, that many of our activities will be held outside. Please dress your camper appropriately for the daily temperatures and make sure to bring a water bottle. Also, if your camper has any special dietary needs, please make us aware and it may be best for you to provide the appropriate food and snacks for your camper.
Again, welcome to Zoofari Summer Camp! We are looking forward to a wonderful summer at the Montgomery Zoo. If we can be of any assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Danielle Crowe Education Curator O (334) 625-4909 | M (334) 354-6034 [email protected]
montgomeryzoo.com facebook.com/montgomeryzooandmannmuseum ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP PARENT INFORMATION PACKET
Please see the Zoofari Summer Camp release form that is included in your packet. We ask that you and your camper go over this form, sign it, and return it to the Education Department at check-in at the first day of camp. We must have this release form before your child can enter camp. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
> Drop off and pick up will be at the Front Gate of the Montgomery Zoo. A zoo representative will meet your child during these times:
Drop-off times:7:30am - 8am Pick up times: 5pm - 5:30pm
IMPORTANT NOTE: Should you need to drop-off your camper late or pick-up your camper early, please make the camp director aware prior to the day of the event so proper planning can be put into place.
> You will be given two ID cards to pick up your camper each day. The card must be displayed on the dashboard of your car. The second card can be given to a spouse or friend who may be picking up your child. More cards can be requested before camp begins. We will not release your child to a person without a card.
> A lunch menu has been provided for each day of camp (page 6 of this document). Lunch is at 12pm (noon) daily. If your camper will not eat the lunch provided for the day or has dietary restrictions, you may want to send an alternate lunch. Snacks will be provided daily (one AM and one PM), but you may send an alternate snack as well.
> Please send a water bottle with your camper every day. If they don’t have one, we will provide cups for them to use. We always have a cooler of fresh cool water. Please talk to your camper about drinking lots of water during the day. It is very hot in the summer and we do spend some time outdoors.
> This is not required; however, we do encourage all campers to wear a face mask. There are several instances where remaining six-feet apart will be difficult. In those times, the Zoo would like all campers to wear personal protection gear to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
> Tennis shoes are required for all campers. We do a lot of walking and spend time on the playground. Flip flops, sandals, and crocs tend to be hard to walk in and a safety hazard for children on the playground.
> Gift Shop day will be on the last day of camp. Your camper will be given an opportunity to go to both gift shops (Front Gate Main Admissions and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum). This is the only day that they will need money. Adult counselors are willing to hold money for the campers. If you would like us to hold your camper’s money, please place it in an envelope and label it with the camper’s name. We can only replace money if we are the ones that lost it.
> Please note: For insurance reasons and for the safety of all involved, the campers will not have any direct contact with the zoo animals.
> If you need to contact the zoo camp director or your camper, you may call the Zoo at (334) 625-4909 or (334) 354-6034. If it is an emergency, please call the Zoo’s Security staff at (334) 354-6243.
3 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP RELEASE STATEMENTS & CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT
Medication Waiver: I understand that camp staff will hold my child’s medication in a safe location. Camp staff is not responsible for reminding my child when to take medication, nor will they administer it to my child. It is my responsibility as Parent/Guardian to inform my child of proper dosage and release the Montgomery Zoo from any and all claims resulting from my child bringing medication to camp.
Authorization of Treatment: I hereby give my permission to the medical personnel selected by the camp director to order treatment and necessary transportation for my child in case of emergency. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give my permission to the physician to secure and administer treatment to my child.
Release Statement: I acknowledge that there are natural hazards associated with camp programs and related activities. I understand that this is an active camp and that many of the activities will take place outdoors on zoo grounds. I hereby affirm that my child is in good health and physically capable of performing the required activities of the camp. I hereby release and forever discharge the Montgomery Zoo from all claim of liability for any damages or injuries which may be sustained while my child is at camp.
Photo Release: I give my consent, to the Montgomery Zoo and the Montgomery Area Zoological Society, without compensation to me or the youth/applicant on this form to use any photographs or videotape taken of the youth/ applicant on these form in future promotional or marketing materials of Montgomery Zoo.
Camper Code of Conduct In order to maintain a safe, peaceful, and positive Zoofari Camp environment, we require parents/guardians and campers to read and comprehend the importance of abiding by the following code of conduct.
I will follow the camp schedule. I will bring only necessary items to camp (no weapons, no electronic items, no valuables, etc.) I will respect counselors, directors, other campers, and animals by following all proper behavior procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: foul language, name calling, bullying, teasing, and/or fighting. I will follow all safety rules set forth by the camp staff.
______Camper signature Date
Parents and/or Guardian: We ask that you and your camper go over this form, sign it, and return it to the Education Department at check-in at the first day of camp. We must have this release form before your child can enter camp. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
______Parent/Guardian signature Date Camp dates attending
4 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP DISCIPLINARY POLICY
Zoofari Camp Disciplinary Policy: Zoofari Camp is meant to be a fun, educational, and recreational activity. For the benefit of all campers, it is important that children behave appropriately within the summer camps. If it becomes necessary to take disciplinary action against a camper, the steps are outlined below.
Due to the current health environment, we are asking our campers to be more intentional in their behavior. We ask that each camper be more mindful of their own actions, as well as, how it may effect others.
> Maintain a six-foot distance from other campers. > When that six-foot distance cannot be maintained, all campers are encouraged to wear a mask. > Wash and sanitize hands and face frequently. > Campers may not touch one another, drink after one another, or eat after one another. > If a camper coughs/sneezes, campers are asked to cover their mouth with tissue, cloth, or into the fold of your elbow. Afterwards, the camper is asked to immediately wash their hands and face. > During craft / class project time, campers are asked to be mindful to only use their supplies and not their neighbors. All the supply packets will be exactly the same for each camper. > If your camper feels sick, please remain at home. > If your campers feels sick while at camp, please tell your counselor or the camp director immediately.
Camp Incident Step Policy: While campers are visiting Zoofari Camp, we want them to have an excellent time, have fun, create friendships, and make lifelong memories. However, camp also needs to be enjoyed by all attending. Should campers require disciplinary measures to correct a behavioral situation, this is the step policy we use a guideline.
1st incident: The camper will receive a verbal warning and an explanation as to why their behavior is inappropriate (whenever possible this will be done away from other campers).
2nd incident: Staff will determine an appropriate consequence for the camper’s action. For example, the camper may receive a time out or exclusion from participating in an activity. The camper’s parent/guardian will be notified of their behavior when they arrive to pick up the child.
3rd incident: The camper will be excused from camp without a tuition refund.
The Zoofari Camp Director and Zoo Director reserve the right to ban any child from zoo camp following a first incident in cases of serious behavior problems.
5 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP LUNCH MENU
Lunch is served at the Overlook Cafe at 12pm (noon) daily. If your camper will not eat the lunch provided for the day, you may send an alternate lunch with them. Snacks will be provided daily, but you may send an alternate snack as well.
Please see the daily menu below.
Monday: Hot Dog Combo
Tuesday: Hamburger Combo
Wednesday : Ham/Cheese Wrap Combo
Thursday: Chicken Nugget Combo
Friday: Pizza Combo
Note: All combos include chips, cookies and drinks (lemonade or water). On Friday, the cookie will be substituted for an ice cream sandwich.
6 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP MONDAY ACTIVITES
Today’s Event: Track & Field
Intro to camp -- Intro to each other and counselors -- Name tags, shirts, rules, camp expectations
Zoo Scavenger Hunt -- lead by Zooteens and Docents -- Clues will be left in the Zoo so that all participants will have an opportunity to see animals including but not limited to: 1) Cheetahs 2) Ostriches 3) Rheas 4) Zebras 5) Cougars 6) Poison Dart Frogs 7) Dama Gazelle
Animal Ambassador presentations -- all participants will have an opportunity to meet the following animals up close: 1) Anala, Australian Dingo 2) Styx, Uromastyx 3) Meep, Lady Ross Turaco 4) Chelsea, Patagonian Cavy 5) Feebee, Gunther, or Ike, Bettong 6) Wendy, African Serval Cat
Keeper talks -- Reptile House Keeper Talk & Tour -- African Hoofstock Keeper Talk
Crafts for the day -- Catepillar Racers -- Jumping Frogs -- Make a Baton
Extra outside activities -- Game/Conversation time -- Train, sky lift -- Sprint Race, Long Jump, Short Jump
Food / beverages -- AM and PM snack with drink (rest time) -- Noon lunch with drink
Follow along with the camper’s adventures on the Zoo’s facebook page at: https://business.facebook.com/montgomeryzooandmannmuseum/
7 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP TUESDAY ACTIVITES
Today’s Event: Water Sports
Zoo Scavenger Hunt -- lead by Zooteens and Docents -- Clues will be left in the Zoo so that all participants will have an opportunity to see animals including but not limited to: 1) Stingray Bay 2) Mata Mata 3) American Alligator 4) Caimen 5) African Pygmy Hippopatomus 6) Red River Hogs 7) River Otters
Animal Ambassador presentations -- all participants will have an opportunity to meet the following animals up close: 1) Dezzy, Desert King Snake 2) Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches 3) Kook, Blue-Winged Kookaburra 4) Gunner, Red-tailed Hawk
Keeper talks -- Hippo Keeper Talk with Enrichment -- Stringray Bay
Crafts for the day -- Turtle Racer -- Clothespin Alligator -- Hippo Enrichment
Extra outside activities -- Game/Conversation time -- Train, sky lift -- Water Gun Tag -- Turtle Race
Food / beverages -- AM and PM snack with drink (rest time) -- Noon lunch with drink
Follow along with the camper’s adventures on the Zoo’s facebook page at: https://business.facebook.com/montgomeryzooandmannmuseum/
8 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP WEDNESDAY ACTIVITES
Today’s Event: Gymnastics
Zoo Scavenger Hunt -- lead by Zooteens and Docents -- Clues will be left in the Zoo so that all participants will have an opportunity to see animals including but not limited to: 1) Chimpanzees 2) Siamangs 3) Ring-tailed Lemurs 4) Black-handed Spider Monkeys 5) Green Python 6) Peacock 7) Sarus Crane
Animal Ambassador presentations --all participants will have an opportunity to meet the following animals up close: 1) Oso, Kinkajou 2) Loretta, Tammy, & Conway, Sugar Gliders 3) Brittany Rose, Rose-Haired Tarantula 4) Sheldon, Three-banded Armadillo 5) Bandit, Pueblan Milk Snake 6) Spec, White-fronted Amazon Parrot
Keeper talks -- Chimpanzee Keeper Talk -- Spider Monkey Keeper Talk
Craft for the day -- Monkey/ Tree Balance Craft -- Snake Ribbon Pole -- Peacock Tail Fan
Extra outside activities -- Game/Conversation time -- Train, sky lift
Food / beverages -- AM and PM snack with drink (rest time) -- Noon lunch with drink
Follow along with the camper’s adventures on the Zoo’s facebook page at: https://business.facebook.com/montgomeryzooandmannmuseum/
9 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP THURSDAY ACTIVITES
Today’s Event: Weightlifting
Zoo Scavenger Hunt -- lead by Zooteens and Docents -- Clues will be left in the Zoo so that all participants will have an opportunity to see animals including but not limited to: 1) African Elephants 2) Bengal Tiger 3) African Lion 4) Reticulated Python 5) Black Bear 6) Jaguar 7) African Spurred Tortoise
Animal Ambassador presentations --all participants will have an opportunity to meet the following animals up close: 1) Neema, Black-throated Monitor 2) Homer, Ball Python 3) Spud, Rhinoceros Iguana 4) Desoto, Gopher Tortoise 5) Helena, Great Horned Owl
Keeper talks -- Giraffe Behind the Scenes Tour -- Lion Keeper Talk
Craft for the day -- Cardboard Tube Tiger -- Animal Footprint/ Handprint Craft
Extra outside activities -- Game/Conversation time -- Train, sky lift
Food / beverages -- AM and PM snack with drink (rest time) -- Noon lunch with drink
Follow along with the camper’s adventures on the Zoo’s facebook page at: https://business.facebook.com/montgomeryzooandmannmuseum/
10 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP FRIDAY ACTIVITES
Today’s Event: Final Ceremony
Zoo Scavenger Hunt -- lead by Zooteens and Docents --Clues will be left in the Zoo so that all participants will have an opportunity to see animals including but not limited to: 1) Giraffe 2) Old Wolrd Aviary 3) Maned Wolf 4) Flamingoes 5) Ocelots 6) Capybaras
Animal Ambassador presentations --all participants will have an opportunity to meet the following animals up close: 1) Taz, Bearded Dragon 2) Marina, Ruwenzuri Long-Haired Fruit Bat 3) Redd, Military Macaw 4) Phoenix, Harris Hawk 5) Starr, Indian Star Tortoise
Keeper talks -- Elephant Behind the Scenes Tour -- Maned Wolf Keeper Talk
Craft for the day -- Shadow Tracing Painting -- Tissue Paper Mosaic Craft
Extra outside activities -- Game/Conversation time -- Train, sky lift -- Award Ceremony
Food / beverages -- AM and PM snack with drink (rest time) -- Noon lunch with drink
Follow along with the camper’s adventures on the Zoo’s facebook page at: https://business.facebook.com/montgomeryzooandmannmuseum/
ALL CAMPERS REMEMBER TO BRING MONEY FOR SOVENIRS AND KEEPSAKES. FRIDAY IS SHOPPING AT THE ZOO GIFT SHOPS DAY!
11 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP COVID-19 PROTECTIVE MEASURES
As your campers are attending Zoofari Summer Camp, we want them to have a fun-filled, educational wildlife experience; however, we also want them to be safe. In efforts to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are following the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Alabama Department of Public Health, and the City of Montgomery. Here is a list of compliances for summer camp that you shoud be aware of.
> Daily camper health check: At the drop-off each morning, the camp director will take each camper’s temperature and ask a few basic questions. How do you feel today? Any coughing or sneezing? Stomach or any other pains; especially headache. If the camper’s temperature is 99 degrees or above, the camper will not be allowed to attend camp and advised to seek medical attention. > Camper education:Prior to camp starting, the camp director will go over a list of expectations for each camper. -- We feel by educating our campers, they know what is expected of them and are more easy to comply. > Keeping groups small: No camp group will be larger than 12 campers within a group. -- Keeper talks and behind the scene experiences will be broken down into groups of six or less -- This will allow us to maintain good physical distancing while also being able to enjoy this unique experience. -- Animal feeding sessions will be unavailable at this time for the safety of both the camper and the animals. > All campers will maintain a six-foot distance from other campers -- Classrooms, presentations, and activity centers will be set up to maintain proper distancing. > When a six-foot distance cannot be maintained, campers are encouraged to wear a face mask or facial protection. -- Campers need to provide their own face protection or purchase one at the Zoo gift shop. -- Multiple signs are placed throughout the Zoo reminding guests / campers to maintain a six-foot distance. -- Signs are posted in every restroom reminding guests / campers to wash their hands, and the proper technique. > Campers will frequently wash and sanitize their hands and face throughout the day. > Campers will not touch, hug, five-high, etc. other campers and/or counselors. > Zoo staff will be frequently cleaning high touch-points throughout the day. > Since the Zoo is largely an outdoor park, most activities will be help outside to help prevent any virus spread. -- We encourage all campers to bring water bottles to remain hydrated. The Zoo has a touch-free water fountain for refills throughout the day. All other water fountains throughout the Zoo will be unavailable. > Staff and counselor training:Our staff and team of counselors are trained to help maintain physical distancing, help clean high touch-point areas, and cope with campers experiencing symptoms and/or illness. -- NOTE: All camp counselors and Zoo staff’s temperatures are checked each morning prior reporting to work. > Craft and activity times -- There will be no sharing of craft / activity supplies. -- Campers will be provided their own set of supplies to prevent the transfer of any germ and/or virus. -- Campers will be assigned a station not to be shared by other campers. -- Craft / activity rooms/tables/chairs will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day. -- Camper classroom / pavilion / cafe will be cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day. -- Skylift and train chairs / carts will be disinfected in between rides. -- Playground and swings will be unavailable during this time. > Lunches and snacks: All lunches and snacks will be provided pre-packaged. See daily menus on page 6. -- All snacks and drinks will be served in pre-packaged containers. -- If your camper is unable to eat the food available or has food allergies, we suggest providing your camper’s food.
Remain at home > Campers are asked to remain at home if: -- If they feel sick in any form, COVID-19 symptoms or not. -- If they have a temperature of 99 degrees or above. -- If they have come in contact with any person that has tested positive for COVID-19 or displays symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. -- If your camper comes in contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, please notify the camper director immediately at (334) 625-4909 or (334) 354-6034.
If you have any questions, please contact the Camp Director at (334) 625-4909 or (334) 354-6034.
12 ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP / PARENT INFORMATION PACKET