Adventure Camps

Optional Camp T-Shirt: $14/shirt (plus tax) with youth and adult sizes available (additional charges apply for Adult 2XL and 3XL). Available at https://store.topekazoo.org/#/Education. Shirts will be given to students during their first camp day.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your camp registration 15 or more days before the start date, the Zoo will refund the registration fee, except for $10 for single-day camp registrations and $25 for the week-long registrations. This fee is applied per child per camp you cancel. The Zoo will not refund any registration fees if cancellation occurs within 14 days of the start date. If space is still available, you may transfer your registration to another camp week for no additional fee. If transferring, it must be to a camp within the same season (i.e. spring camp to spring camp). Please contact (785)368-9137 or education@topekazoo.org to cancel or questions.

Code of Conduct and Removal Policy:

CODE OF CONDUCT:

• • Respect-be respectful to yourself, your camp counselors, your peers, the facility, animals, other Topeka Zoo staff, and guests. Always listen to your counselor’s instructions and ask questions if needed. Respect the personal space of others and keep your body to yourself. Use appropriate recycling and garbage receptacles. Use kind language when talking to others.
  • Safety-stay with the summer camp counselors at all times. Always listen to your counselor’s instructions and ask questions if needed. Use walking feet and remain on all designated pathways, unless taken off path by Camp Counselors.

Examples of Unacceptable Behavior:

• Failing to follow the Code of Conduct (above)
• Disrupting programs (includes being asked multiple times to follow code of conduct/directions, etc.)
• Using inappropriate language (such as racial/ethnic slurs, swearing, etc.)
• Bullying, threatening, or physical abuse
• Mistreatment of animals, property, peers, Camp Counselors, or equipment

We believe that all children deserve a chance to change problematic behaviors with proper guidance from both our staff and support from their parents/guardians. We utilize behavior management techniques beginning with positive reinforcement for good behavior, redirection followed by verbal warnings, reduce free time, time outs, daily reports from staff, and communications with parents/guardians.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior:

The Topeka Zoo has the right to remove a camp participant from the program at any time.  Consequences for inappropriate behavior will be administered in the following order. *

1. Verbal Warning — Reminder of behavior expectations.
2. Cool Down — Time out of next activity.
3. Reset with Camp Counselors — Separated from the group.
4. Phone Call Home — Camp Counselor calls parent/guardian.
5. Dismissal — Participant must leave Zoo premises with parent/guardian.

*If a child’s actions are severe, steps may be skipped within this sequence. For example, physical violence toward anyone (peers, animals, Camp Counselors, other Topeka Zoo staff, etc.) is a zero-tolerance event. No refunds will be offered for expulsion from the program. The Director of Education will make a final decision for expulsion from a program.

If your child's registration in camp is revoked due to behavioral and/or non-compliance issues, then your ability to register for future camps will be forfeit for at least one calendar year from the date of the incident. The zoo reserves the right to extend this policy on a case-by-case basis.

KDHE Required Forms

The Topeka Zoo is a licensed School-Age Program through KDHE; as such, there are some forms we need returned before your child begins camp. These are kept on file for an entire calendar year–so you only need to fill them out once per camp year. These forms will be emailed to you at least two weeks prior to your first camp date, along with the camp letter which will explain all the logistics (drop-off, pick-up, what to bring, etc.).

Please contact the Education Department at 785-368-9137 or education@topekazoo.org with questions.