Zoo Camp at The Living Desert Brings Wild Summer Learning to Life

Summer break doesn’t mean young minds have to go idle. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is launching its annual Zoo Camp, starting June 11 and running through July with four unique sessions tailored to students from kindergarten through 10th grade.

Zoo Camp offers a blend of outdoor exploration, up-close animal experiences, and engaging conservation lessons. “Getting to see animals up close and having that connection with nature is unparalleled,” say camp organizers. “It helps get kids off their devices, walking, exploring—and having fun.”

Each themed session delivers hands-on science and discovery. In the Myth Busters camp, kids find out whether porcupines can really shoot their quills. Spoiler alert—they can’t. But they can meet one face-to-face and learn the truth from expert zookeepers.

In Sounds of Nature, campers explore the diverse ways animals communicate—like the unique sounds African painted dogs make during feeding time.

Young architects will love Zoo Designers camp, which dives into animal care and habitat design. Campers even get to create their own mini habitat after meeting the wallabies and the zookeepers who care for them.

“Learning doesn’t have to end when school’s out,” said one staff member. “We make it fun and show kids how to love and protect the planet.”

Zoo Camp aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards—kids who will grow up with a deeper understanding of nature and their role in protecting it.

Zoo Camp starts June 11 and continues through early July. Registration details are available at livingdesert.org.

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