We are very excited to present Digital Detectives as a new way to learn with the Minnesota Zoo! This new program is designed to bring this popular camp into our families’ homes…or backyards, or lake, or wherever you may choose to connect with us!
How Does Digital Detectives work?
- Each program is designed to be a one-week-long learning experience.
- Zoo staff and campers meet in a daily morning meeting, which starts at 10 am and lasts 20-45 minutes. Two of the five daily meetings will include live animal encounters through the virtual platform.
- A daily email provides follow-up activities for participants to complete at home to build upon what they learned! These activities take an estimated 1-2 hours to complete at home, depending on the learner.
- Connecting at home is easy. Learners only need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with audio and internet connection or cellular service.
- Programs are delivered through a secure platform where Zoo staff will deliver a live program and answer questions from our virtual participants!
- Campers get unique views of our animals, participate in engaging activities, and more!
- Zoom links will be sent by 9 am each day of camp. Please check your spam or junk folders for this email.
- Camps are designed for learners ages 5 to 12 years old. Younger children will need an adult helper. Siblings are encouraged to attend together.
- The cost for a week is $75 ($60 for Zoo Members) per household. This is an introductory rate just for this pilot!
Registration is limited!
These virtual programs are limited so that the Zoo can determine the best way to bring high quality to virtual programs to families in the future. For this reason, space is very limited! Please register early!
Kid Detectives: The Science of Cute
10:00 a.m.–noon
Ages 5 to 12
What makes our hearts melt when we see a puppy? Why don’t we feel the same way about a cockroach? Participants will be detectives answering the question “what makes an animal cute?” They will gather information about features and behaviors that lead us to think an animal is cute and how that might shape our feelings about that animal. We will explore the science of cuteness through live animal demonstrations, zoo cams, games, citizen science projects, and interviews with experts.
Fee: $75 ($60 for Zoo Members) per household. Special introductory price!
Aug 24–28
Kid Detectives: Animal Care
10:00 a.m.–noon
Ages 5 to 12
What does it take to be a zookeeper at the Minnesota Zoo? Roll up your sleeves and become a detective discovering what it is like to care for over 4,000 animals at one of the world’s best zoos. Campers will learn how we keep our animals healthy and happy inside the zoo, as well as the Zoo’s work to protect animals in the wild. We will explore these important topics through live animal demonstrations, zoo cams, games, citizen science projects, and interviews with experts.
Fee: $75 ($60 for Zoo members) per household. Special introductory price!
Aug 31–Sept 4
If you have questions about Virtual Zoo Camp, please contact us at [email protected].