Scovill Zoo camps give kids hands-on experience with zoology, conservation

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) —The Scovill Zoo in Decatur is providing the opportunity to explore new topics and animals by joining the zoo crew this summer.

Each week, a series of day camps will campers more about zoology and caring for different types of animals.

Lizzie Van Ert, the Education and Volunteer Coordinator said, "We kind of try to hone in and focus on a certain topic for each day that fits within the general week-long theme to try and keep it interesting."

Organizers at the zoo are hoping that these camps will have kids walk away with more knowledge and appreciation for animals and their habitats. While getting kids interested in animals, they also hope to share about the importance of conservation.

"Our big end goal is always towards conservation action because if you get people to come here and fall in love with the animals hopefully that means they will then care about their wild counterparts."

The camps are providing unique experiences by giving kids hands-on experience with the animals. Recently campers had the opportunity to help give the Galapagos turtles a bath.

"We kind of do smaller groups so that we can get a little more one on one time and instead of just standing in front of the exhibit and talking about the animal we might be able to bring the kids in with them," explained Van Ert.

Campers are encouraged to have fun while they are learning about new topics. Organizers say that the experiences that they are providing are encouraging kids to step out of their comfort zones, not only getting more comfortable with the animals they may find out at the zoo, but even with animals they may see in their backyards like the cicadas that have taken over central Illinois this summer.

"We want the kids to have fun, you know we want them to learn a lot about the animals," said Van Ert. "But they are also playing capture the flag every day and filling up water balloons, so they still get to have that general camp experience too."

Campers have the chance to make connections with their peers, counselors, zoo staff and the animals at camp, while learning all about animals and what it takes to be a zookeeper.

Find more information about day camps here.