Digital Detectives

Looking for a fun activity for your child to do while school is on a break? Whether you are virtual, hybrid, or homeschooling, we would love you to spend the day with us!

Digital Detectives is a new way to learn with the Minnesota Zoo! This program is designed to bring this popular camp into your family’s home…or backyard, or lake, or wherever you may choose to connect with us!

Registration is limited!

These virtual programs are limited to ensure high-quality programs! Please register early!

MEA Break Camp (October 15 & 16)

is offered during the school’s out days of October 15 & 16 for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. These are single day camps so you can register for one or both days of camp.

Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

Digital Detectives: Icky, Sticky, Stinky (The Nose Knows) – Thursday, October 15, 2020
Not all animals are cute and fluffy, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fascinating or important! Join us on a smelly scavenger hunt and learn what makes stinky animals special.

Digital Detectives: Icky, Sticky, Stinky (From Gross to Weird) – Friday, October 16, 2020
Have you ever wondered why llamas spit or how sea stars eat? Learn about the gross diets and weird behaviors of some incredible animals at the Zoo.

Ages: Grades K-2
Fee: $20 Members/ $30 Non-members per day
Time: LIVE Zoom Sessions: 9 am and 11 am

3rd through 6th Grade

Digital Detectives: Animal Planet (North and South) – Thursday, October 15, 2020
Embark on a learning adventure from the northern tundra to the southern wetlands, encountering forests and grasslands along the way. Explore animals that make these places their homes and why they’re a great fit.

Digital Detectives: Animal Planet (Wet and Dry) – Friday, October 16, 2020
Explore the world’s rainforests, deserts, and oceans. Meet animals found in these habitats and discover the secrets to their survival.

Ages: Grades 3-6
Fee: $20 Members/ $30 Non-members per day
Time: LIVE Zoom Sessions: 10 am and 11 am

Thanksgiving Break Camp (November 25 & 27)

is offered during the school’s out days of November 25 & 27 for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. These are single day camps so you can register for one or both days of camp.

Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

Digital Detectives: Beavers and Other Builders– Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Discover how animal engineers like beavers build their own lodges and dams and how they create homes for other pond animals! Try your hand at being an engineer, too!

Digital Detectives: Under the Sea – Friday, November 27, 2020
Sea stars, sea horses, and sea turtles, oh my! Discover why “down where it’s wetter, that’s where it’s better” as we explore the colorful world of the coral reef.

Ages: Grades K-2
Fee: $20 Members/ $30 Non-members per day
Time: LIVE Zoom Sessions: 9 am and 11 am

3rd through 6th Grade

Digital Detectives: Zoo Design – Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Have you ever wondered how zoo exhibits are designed? Learn about animal needs and how to identify the components that make an excellent exhibit. Plan and create your own zoo exhibit with the help of our design experts and your model-making team.

Digital Detectives: A Ferocious Feast – Friday, November 27, 2020
Can you imagine what it takes to feed the more than 5,000 animals that live at the Minnesota Zoo every day? From the ocean to the rainforest, discover what animals all over the world like to eat. Try out some of our recipes at home!

Ages: Grades 3-6
Fee: $20 Members/ $30 Non-members per day
Time: LIVE Zoom Sessions: 10 am and 11 am

How Does Digital Detectives work for School’s Out Camp?

Each program is designed to be a one-day learning experience.

Zoo staff and participants meet twice a day for 45-minutes.

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!

Participants get unique views of our animals, participate in engaging activities, and more!

Zoom links will be sent by 3pm the day before camp begins. Please check your spam or junk folders for this email.

You will receive an email that will include details about activities for campers to do at home the day of camp. This is for planning purposes for the next day. For the best camp experience, these activities are to be done the day of the School’s Out Camp and should take an estimated 1-2 hours to complete, depending upon the learner.

Two levels of camp are offered, one for kindergarten through second grade or third through sixth grade. Younger children will need an adult helper. Siblings are encouraged to attend together.

If you have any questions about these virtual camps, please email [email protected]

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