GULF SHORES, Ala. — With school out for the summer, parents across the Alabama Gulf Coast are searching for child-friendly activities and summer camps. The popular “Little Zoo That Could” is once again welcoming children to its affordable yet educational and fun summer camp. Zoo Camp is set for June 22-26 at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. 

This one-week camp for children ages three to 11 offers age specific games, arts and crafts projects and presentations from guest speakers in addition to meetings with the zoo staff and residents. New to the camp this year are the Australian Outback exhibit, a live tiger show and a baby Bengal tiger interactive program.  

Campers ages three to five will enjoy a half-day of fun for the duration of the week-long camp. These children (who must be potty trained) will stay each day from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration for this age group is $100 per child for the entire camp experience. Meanwhile, youth age five to 11 will enjoy a full day of camp activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Registration is $175. 

Budding artists are invited to participate in the T-shirt design contest. The winning entry will receive 175 zoo dollars, and submissions will be accepted until June 8. For more information or to download a contest registration form, visit alabamagulfcoastzoo.org. 

“This annual zoo camp means the world to our children and to the zoo,” said Lisa Murphy, zoo camp director. “Since this is a fundraiser for our beloved little zoo, we depend upon the generosity of our community. We are very fortunate to provide this week-long camp that helps children develop an appreciation and respect for the animals while also generating necessary zoo funds.” 

With newly implemented incentives, local businesses are invited to become zoo camp sponsors at the platinum ($1,000), gold ($750), silver ($500), bronze ($250) or pearl ($100) levels. These participating businesses will have their company name and logo displayed on a sponsorship sign located inside the zoo for one year. Businesses or individuals are also welcome to donate supplies for the camp or to make a financial (tax-deductible) contribution.

“We are also looking for volunteer counselors,” Murphy said. “These teenagers are a great asset to our certified teaching staff, who also graciously donate their time and knowledge.” 

Counselors must be at least 13 years of age and need to have parental consent if he or she is under 18 years old.

Finally, zoo camp officials are searching for local environmental or animal-related businesses who would like to be a guest speaker during the camp. 

All sponsorship, donation or counseling volunteer requests should contact Murphy at 251-968-1921 or lisa@jd-murphy.com.

Parents wishing to register their child or children for this week-long camp must download the registration form at alabamagulfcoastzoo.org. The completed form and payment can either be mailed or delivered in person to the zoo. Application will not be taken over the phone.

For any questions, please contact Kim Dahlgren at the zoo via 251-968-4910 or zoocamp@alabamagulfcoastzoo.org.