Scovill Zoo’s education programs offer opportunities for animal lovers of all ages to discover the animal kingdom. With zoo classes, guided tours, and a fantastic Mobile Zoo, Scovill Zoo provides fun, hands-on connections to the animal world.
Registration: Click here to register online, visit Scovill Zoo, or call the zoo at 217-421-7435. Registration for summer camps will be available on February 6th, 2023.
All children grow, learn, and benefit from the arts, recreation and play! The Decatur Park District recognizes that financial assistance may be required for some individuals to participate in Park District programs. To provide equal access regardless of ability to pay, a Youth Scholarship program has been established for qualified Decatur and Macon County residents. Awards are made without regard to race, religion, age, disability, or national origin. For details, please call Gabrielle Cliff at 217-422-5911.
Zoo Buddies (Ages 3 – 5)
With Zoo Buddies, our youngest zoo enthusiasts have their own pint-sized animal adventures! This class is held year-around and each month kids aged 3 – 5 will discover a new species or environment and take home a new zoo buddy toy. This is a one hour class with two different sessions—morning and afternoon—and within that time there will be a discussion, story, craft, and animal encounter.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $20 ($17 with resident discount)
*$1 off with a membership
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic Rabbits | February 14 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| Romantic Rabbits | February 14 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
| Floppy Frogs | March 14 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| Floppy Frogs | March 14 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
| Charming Chickens | April 11 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| Charming Chickens | April 11 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
| Killer Kookaburras | May 9 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| Killer Kookaburras | May 9 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
Critter Tales (Ages 5 & 6)
Kids aged 5 – 6 can join Scovill Zoo’s “book club”! Each week in June & July, a new zoo topic will be covered, and participants will add a new story to their home library. 90-minute sessions will include animal encounters and hands-on activities.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $22 ($18 with resident discount)
*$1 off with a membership
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
| Subject | Date |
|---|---|
| Who Would Win This Game? | June 8 |
| Animal Analogies | June 15 |
| Happy Birthday to Whooo? | June 22 |
| In My Backyard | June 29 |
| If Animals Built Your House | July 6 |
| Over in the Jungle | July 13 |
Age Appropriate – Each Zoo Camp curriculum is designed to be age appropriate to meet the attention, interests, and developmental needs of each age range, therefore it is important that the age guidelines are followed.
Duplicate Sessions – For each age range, there are multiple opportunities to attend Zoo Camp. For ages 7-8 years and 9-10 years, the AM session is the same as the PM session. Sessions in June are the same as the sessions in July. Please only register your child for one session (i.e. one week of camp).
Zoo Kids (Ages 7 & 8)
Ready to get your hands dirty, sticky, and slimy? 7 and 8 year olds are welcome to join us while we explore all things that are GROSS here at the Scovill Zoo! From roaches to slugs to animal dung, it is all icky, educational fun!
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $80 ($70 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| June 5 - 9 | 9 a.m. - noon |
| June 12 - 16 | 1 - 4 p.m. |
| June 19 - 23 | 9 a.m. - noon |
| June 26 - 30 | 1 - 4 p.m. |
| July 3 - 7 | 9 a.m. - noon |
| July 10 - 14 | 1 - 4 p.m. |
| July 17 - 21 | 9 a.m. - noon |
Zoo Camp (Ages 9 & 10)
Do wolves really howl at the moon? What exactly is in a camel’s hump? 9 and 10 year old campers will be exploring animal myths and mysteries in this week long adventure!
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $80 ($70 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| June 5 - 9 | 1 - 4 p.m. |
| June 12 - 16 | 9 a.m. - noon |
| June 19 - 23 | 1 - 4 p.m. |
| June 26 - 30 | 9 a.m. - noon |
| July 3 - 7 | 1 - 4 p.m. |
| July 10 - 14 | 9 a.m. - noon |
| July 17 - 21 | 1 - 4 p.m. |
Zoo Crew (Ages 11 – 13)
11–13-year-old camp kids will be spending a week learning about the problems that animals face in the wild and what they can do to help! Campers will also work together with the zookeepers to plan new and exciting experiences to help enrich the lives of our animals here at Scovill Zoo!
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $95 ($85 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| M - F | June 5 - 9 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| M - F | June 12 - 16 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| M - F | June 19 - 23 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| M - F | June 26 - 30 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| M - F | July 3 - 7 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| M - F | July 10 - 14 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| M- F | July 17 - 21 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Zoo Teens I
Download the Zoo Teen Volunteer Application!
If you’re 14 or 15 years old and interested in a career involving animals, Zoo Teens I is a fun, educational way to learn more. You’ll be trained in exhibit interpretation, presenting to the public, and assisting keepers in the petting zoo. Recommendation letter, volunteer hours, and a training day are required. Applications are due April 14th.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $95 ($85 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 - 15 | M - Sun. | June 1 - August 31 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
Zoo Teens II
Download the Zoo Teen Volunteer Application!
Zoo Teens II for 16 and 17 year olds, offers hands-on experience for caring for animals and educating the public on grounds and also off grounds in our mobile zoo program. You’ll be trained in exhibit interpretation, presenting to the public, and will assist camp counselors with Zoo kids and Zoo camp activities. Completion of Zoo Teens I is strongly recommended. Recommendation letters, volunteer hours, and a training day are required. Applications are due by April 14th.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $95 ($85 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-17 | Mon. - Sun. | June 1 - August 31 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 pm. |
Zoo Safari
Zoo Crew and Zoo Teens participants can join their favorite counselors on a Zoo Safari, traveling to other Central Illinois zoos and nature centers.
Fee: $160 ($150 with resident discount)
*$5 off with a membership
| Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 - 17 | M - Th | July 25-28 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
