Parent’s Guide ~
A Parent’s Guide to 2019 Good Zoo Summer Camps
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your interest in the Oglebay Good Zoo Summer Camps! We have an exciting summer filled with fun and educational programs!
Through hands-on activities, experiments and live animals, participants will learn about wildlife, nature, science and the outdoors! Camps are available for ages 4 and up. Most camp programs are from 9 am – 3 pm with before and aftercare available. The zoo’s experienced team teaches these fun-filled, yet educational programs! The zoo’s team is trained in CPR and first aid. Lifeguards are on duty for all swimming activities.
Below you will find more information on our camp programs as well as Frequently Asked Questions.
We look forward to working with your children!
Sincerely,
Joe Greathouse, PhD
Zoo Director
Registration/Admission Policy
Pre-registration is required for all camp programs. A completed and signed registration form along with payment is required to register your child for camp. The registration form includes a list of individuals authorized to pick up your child and other necessary information.
Online registration links and a list of camp programs are available for download here.
Late Registration
Less than 7 days prior to the first day of the camp
Due to the nature of the camps, space is limited. We advise registering for camp as early as possible to ensure your space. If the camp you desire is filled, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified if spaces become available.
Camp registrations must be received at least 7 days prior to any camp program. If space allows, registrations will be accepted on shorter notice, but will require a late registration fee. If registering less than 7 days prior to the start of any camp program, please add $5 per child.
Before & After Care
Before and after care is available Monday through Friday from 7:45 am – 9 am and 3 pm – 5:30 pm. Activities for before and after care include games, art projects, movies etc.
Before and after care is available for full day, weekday programs only.
The cost for before and after care is $8 per hour.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Payment for all camp programs is required at the time of registration.
The zoo reserves the right to cancel any camp for any reason. If the zoo cancels a camp, participants will be notified by phone and/or e-mail at least 24 hours prior to the program’s start time. Participants of camps cancelled by the zoo will be given the opportunity to schedule into another open camp session (of equal value), apply the refund amount toward a camp session of a different value or receive a full refund.
2 weeks or more prior to first day of camp session: Full refund or scheduled into another session (during the current year)
7 – 13 days prior to first day of camp session: 50% refund* or scheduled into another session (during the current year)
No refunds will be granted less than one week from the camp’s start date and the camp fee is not transferable to another session.
Arrival Procedures
Camp check-in is at the zoo main building entry. During the week, before care begins at 7:45 AM and camp begins at 9:00 AM. If you require an earlier drop off time, please contact the zoo for availability. Participants arriving before 8:45 AM will be charged before care fees. When you arrive with your child, please check in with the team member on the porch of the zoo. Your child will then go to before care in the classroom or proceed with the camp instructor to the camp.
Departure Procedures
Camp dismissal occurs outside of the theater door of the zoo for all camps EXCEPT those going to the Oglebay outdoor pool. (The theater door is down the sidewalk to the left of the main entrance doors.) Parents are asked to wait on the sidewalk as the camp instructor dismisses each child. For safety reasons, parents may not pick up their children inside the zoo.
PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD! In order for your child to leave the zoo camp, our instructors MUST see a photo-ID and the person picking up the child MUST be on the authorized pick-up list. The authorized pick-up list is found on your registration form. If you must make changes to the pick-up list, contact the zoo office at 304-243-4100 or consult with the “check-in” instructor when dropping off your child.
The safety of your children is our priority! Photo identification must be shown every day. Even if our educators know you are the proper adult, you must show ID.
If your child is in a camp which goes to the Oglebay outdoor pool in the afternoon, you will pick your child up at the pool. The camps will dismiss children from the front lawn of the pool.
If you have a child to be picked up at the zoo and at the pool, please pick up your child at the pool FIRST! If your child has not been picked up at the pool by 3:15, they will be transported back to the zoo.
If your child is in aftercare, check with the staff at the admission gate and they will call the instructor(s) with your child. If the zoo is closed, please ring the doorbell found to the left of the zoo entrance, and someone will assist you.
Lunch & Snack Guidelines
Participants in full day programs will need to purchase the boxed lunches from the zoo or bring their own lunch. Campers are not permitted to go to the zoo concession stand during camp.
The boxed lunches provided by the zoo are $5.80 per day.
Boxed Lunch Menu
- MONDAY: Chicken Nuggets, Fruit Cup, Pretzels, Capri Sun
- TUESDAY: Taco in a Bag, Cheese Stick, Fruit Cup, Capri Sun
- WEDNESDAY: Half Wrap/Deli Sandwich (Turkey & American Cheese), Cheese Stick, Fruit Cup, Capri Sun
- THURSDAY: Mac & Cheese Wedges, Pudding, Pretzels, Capri Sun
- FRIDAY: Hotdog, Cheese Stick, Applesauce, Capri Sun
Menu items are subject to change.
The zoo will provide a daily snack. Snack choices vary, but may include animal crackers, fruit, yogurt, freeze pops, veggie sticks etc. Water will be provided throughout the day.