School Safari Camps

All Kindergarten through 5th graders can now join Sunset Zoo for unique animal experiences all school year when USD 383 is not in session. Campers will embark on journeys that will keep them engaged, both physically and mentally, while their teachers at school take time to plan for future lessons and grow professionally.  Journeys will include explorations into animal groups, individual species, ecosystems, and how they can help the natural world around them. Two age-specific classrooms are available during School Safari Camps, one for grades K-2, the Hyena Clan, and another for grades 3-5, the Chimp Troop.

Times & Fees

Parents can drop participants off as early as 7:30am and pick them up as late as 5:30pm.  Snacks are provided but participants must bring a sack lunch.

DescriptionFee
FOSZ Member Rate$30.00 per session
Non-Member Rate$34.00 per session

Registration Information

Enrollment will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. Enrolled students will receive a confirmation packet discussing schedule, dress code and camp checklist. Registration for Spring 2024 sessions opens Tuesday, Jan 2, 2024 at 8:00 a.m..

  • Online Registration 
    Register online from anywhere at anytime until classes fill.  Click here to register.
  • Phone or In-Person
    You can also register by phone at 785.587.2737 or in person during regular operating hours. 

Permission Forms & Parent Handbook

Sunset Zoo's School Safari Camps are licensed through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) and require a specific set of permission forms to be completed for each camper. Permission forms only need to be completed once, and updated if information, like address or emergency contact information, changes. We did change permission forms in 2021. Thus, anyone who hasn't attended a camp at Sunset Zoo since summer 2021, will need to complete permission forms.

All families are encouraged to read through Sunset Zoo's School Safari Camp Handbook. This outlines specific procedures, like drop off and pick up, as well as behavior expectations. Not following the policies, procedures, and expectations outlined in the Handbook, may result in a camper being removed from camp. The Handbook can be found here.

Refund Policy

A full refund is provided if registration is canceled prior to one week (7 days) of start date. Partial refund given if registration is canceled between one week (7 days) and 48 hours prior to start date. No refund given if canceled within 48 hours.  A full refund will be provided is Sunset Zoo cancels a camp.

Overview of Camps

Each camp is themed around a specific topic, and activities include live animal interactions, themed tours of the Zoo, crafts, games and nature hikes.  Depending on the camp classroom, special activities may be planned regularly with the hyenas, chimpanzees, and their zookeepers for the respective groups.  See below for more details about each session topic and the dates camps will be offered for the upcoming season.

  1. The Hyena Clan
  2. The Chimp Troop

The Hyena Clan is a School Safari Camp classroom at Sunset Zoo with day-long activities specifically designed for youth enrolled kindergarten through 2nd grade.  Hyena Clan campers will meet zoo animals throughout each day camp, explore numerous outdoor spaces in and around the Zoo, and engage in crafts and games connected to the day's theme.

Below are the themes for the upcoming school semester:

DateSession TopicDescription
Feb 9What's on the Menu?Explore what animals eat, why they eat it, and adaptations that help.
Feb 15The Garbage CrewLearn about animals that aid our ecosystem.
Feb 16Trash to TreasureDive deeper into conservation and pollution prevention.
Feb 19Disappearing AnimalsExplore the animals we are losing and why they are almost gone.
March 8Animal Invaders
Learn how some organisms are causing environmental harm.
March 11What's the Buzz?Get to know these flower-seeking pollen magnets.
March 12Fly, Fly Away!We have non-insect forms of pollination too!
March 13Monarchs and MoreThese pollinators don't mean to help, but they do!
March 14Stop and Smell the RosesLearn what to plant to help pollination in your own backyard.
March 15Food from NatureExplore some amazing foods we have thanks to pollination.
April 1All About EnrichmentsLearn how we help our animals get physical and mental exercise.
April 26Leaping Lily PadsThe differences between frogs and toads can be confusing.