School Safari Camps

All Kindergarten through 5th graders can now join Sunset Zoo for unique animal experiences all school year when USD 383 is not in session. Campers will embark on journeys that will keep them engaged, both physically and mentally, while their teachers at school take time to plan for future lessons and grow professionally.  Journeys will include explorations into animal groups, individual species, ecosystems, and how they can help the natural world around them. Two age-specific classrooms are available during School Safari Camps, one for grades K-2, the Hyena Clan, and another for grades 3-5, the Chimp Troop.

Times & Fees

Parents can drop participants off as early as 7:30am and pick them up as late as 5:30pm.  Snacks are provided but participants must bring a sack lunch.

DescriptionFee
FOSZ Member Rate$30.00 per session
Non-Member Rate$34.00 per session

Registration Information

Enrollment will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. Enrolled students will receive a confirmation packet discussing schedule, dress code and camp checklist. Registration for Fall 2023 sessions opens Monday, August 14 at 8:00 a.m..

  • Online Registration 
    Register online from anywhere at anytime until classes fill.  Click here to register.
  • Phone or In-Person
    You can also register by phone at 785.587.2737 or in person during regular operating hours. 

Permission Forms & Parent Handbook

Sunset Zoo's School Safari Camps are licensed through the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) and require a specific set of permission forms to be completed for each camper. Permission forms only need to be completed once, and updated if information, like address or emergency contact information, changes. We did change permission forms in 2021. Thus, anyone who hasn't attended a camp at Sunset Zoo since summer 2021, will need to complete permission forms.

All families are encouraged to read through Sunset Zoo's School Safari Camp Handbook. This outlines specific procedures, like drop off and pick up, as well as behavior expectations. Not following the policies, procedures, and expectations outlined in the Handbook, may result in a camper being removed from camp. The Handbook can be found here.

Refund Policy

A full refund is provided if registration is canceled prior to one week (7 days) of start date. Partial refund given if registration is canceled between one week (7 days) and 48 hours prior to start date. No refund given if canceled within 48 hours.  A full refund will be provided is Sunset Zoo cancels a camp.

Overview of Camps

Each camp is themed around a specific topic, and activities include live animal interactions, themed tours of the Zoo, crafts, games and nature hikes.  Depending on the camp classroom, special activities may be planned regularly with the hyenas, chimpanzees, and their zookeepers for the respective groups.  See below for more details about each session topic and the dates camps will be offered for the upcoming season.

  1. The Hyena Clan
  2. The Chimp Troop

The Hyena Clan is a School Safari Camp classroom at Sunset Zoo with day-long activities specifically designed for youth enrolled kindergarten through 2nd grade.  Hyena Clan campers will meet zoo animals throughout each day camp, explore numerous outdoor spaces in and around the Zoo, and engage in crafts and games connected to the day's theme.

Below are the themes for the upcoming school semester:

DateSession TopicDescription
Sept. 22Wildcat WondersTBA
Oct. 9Flamingo FrenzyTBA
Oct. 13Animal TrickstersTBA
Oct. 19Slither & SlideTBA
Oct. 20Creepy CrawliesTBA
Nov. 20 African SafariTBA
Nov. 21The OutbackTBA
Nov. 22Animals of the AmericasTBA
Dec. 21Amazing AdaptationsTBA
Dec. 22A Conservation CelebrationTBA
Dec. 26Polar AnimalsTBA
Dec. 27Deep DiveTBA
Dec. 28Animal Survival SchoolTBA
Dec. 29Fantastic FeetTBA
Jan. 2Hometown AnimalsTBA