Summer Camp FAQs
Frequently asked questions:
Q: When does summer camp registration open?
A: Monday, March 30 for City of Boise residents and Wednesday, April 1 for non-residents. Registration opens at 7AM MST. To expedite the morning, you can pre-emptively make a wish list on WebTrac.
Q: I’m having trouble with the registration system. How can I get help?
A: Zoo Boise camp registration is handled by the City of Boise Parks and Recreation. Please call Fort Boise Community Center at (208) 608-7680 for assistance.
Q: How much do your summer camps cost?
•Half Day Camps (9AM – 12PM) for 4–6 year-olds are $180.
•Full Day Camps (9AM – 4PM) for 7-9 year-olds or 10–12 year-olds are $300.
Scholarships are available through the City of Boise. Information can be found HERE. Zoo staff are not involved in the distribution of scholarships.
Q: What age groups do you serve?
•We offer half day camps (9AM – 12PM) for 4–6 year-olds.
•We offer full day camps (9AM – 4PM) for 7-9 year-olds and 10–12year-olds.
Q: My child falls outside of the age range for a program, but I think they will do better with a different age group. Can I register them for a different age group?
A: We are able to offer age overrides in certain camps. We can be flexible if the age difference is within one year. We generally don’t allow children over 6 to enroll in 4-6 year-old half-day camps. Please email zooeducation@cityofboise.org with your specific request.
Q: How quickly do camp spots fill?
A: Some of our camps fill up the day registration opens. Please plan to enroll earlier if you know there is a specific camp or week you are looking for. The Activity Guide is available online ahead of the dates registration opens for you to plan ahead.
Q: If I need to drop-off late or pick-up early, what should I do?
A: Communicate any scheduling needs with by emailing our education staff. Our campers are often spread throughout the zoo for activities, so it may take 10-15 minutes to pick up your child early.
Please note, due to staff needs for end of day preparations for all camps and time for campers to clean-up and finish activities/projects, early pick-up will not be available between 3:30-3:55PM each day, unless arranged ahead of time.
Q: Are lunch and snack offered?
A: We set aside time in camps for an AM snack, lunch, and a PM snack. Zoo Boise does not provide any food to students due to allergies and food preferences. Camp time does not allow for campers to get food from the zoo café, microwaves, etc. during camp. We may occasionally provide treats that are pre-cleared with all parents and tend to be free of most major allergens.
Q: Is camp a drop-off program?
A: All of our camps are for youth and are drop-off programs. Our camp instructors are background checked and trained individuals, supervised by our permanent education team – comprised of several certified teachers and education personnel. Additionally, space in our classroom is limited and reserved for students. We understand drop-off can be a little nerve-racking, but your child is in good hands and all nerves typically disappear pretty quickly when surrounded by new friends.
If your child requires additional behavioral or health accommodations, contact zooeducation@cityofboise.org.
Q: Is there an option for early drop-off or late pick-up?
A: At this time, we are not able to offer any extended care. Kids are expected to be picked up at 4PM.
Q: Can we come to only some of the days?
A: Due to the popularity of camps and the planning that goes into weekly projects and activities, we conduct registration for the entire, five-day week. Prorated registration is not an option at this time.
Q: If I need to cancel my registration, what is the process?
A: We understand summer gets busy and things change! As part of the Boise Parks and Recreation team, we follow all of their registration policies, including cancellations and refunds. Requests for refunds can be made and honored up to ten (10) days before the activity begins. After that, we are unfortunately not able to honor refund requests unless there are extenuating circumstances.