CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
Thank you for your patience as we are following new procedures to keep everyone safe. Temperature checks will be done upon arrival and adults dropping off campers must not leave until campers have passed this step.
Camp check-in and check-out will be done on the green space to the right of the main zoo entrance this year. If it is raining, we will move drop off and pick up into the new covered tent on the green space. Please park in the main zoo parking lot and walk with your camper to the check in line. Parents and campers will be asked to remain 6 feet away from other families while waiting to be checked in.
At check-in, we will ask for the name of the person picking up your camper that day. At check-out, a photo identification is required each day for the person picking up the camper. If the pick-up person changes during the day, please send an email to kmanley@lincolnzoo.org with the camper’s name and the new pick-up person for that day.
Check-In:
8:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Check-Out:
4:15 - 4:30 p.m.
Campers should be checked in and checked out within the allotted time.
DAILY HEALTH PRACTICES
Each day upon arrival, and again in the afternoon, staff and children will have their temperatures taken. Any person with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will be removed from the group and parents will be called to pick up child immediately.
Any child or staff exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 including, but not limited to, sustained cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, or unexplained sore throat may not attend Zoo Camp. If our staff observes any of these symptoms, parents will be called to pick up their child immediately. Child may not return to camp until they are free of symptoms for 24 hours, not using a fever reducing medicine.
Important: If an individual in your child’s camp group tests positive for COVID-19, your camp is immediately suspended. We will not move campers to other groups.
Hand-washing Practices
• Each camp will be designated a specific restroom/sink to wash their hands
• Campers will wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water upon entering the Zoo
Hygienic Practices
• All high touch surfaces will be sanitized daily with disinfectant wipes and a sanitize log will be kept and monitored by camp supervisors
• Children or staff shall not share cups, utensils, bottles, etc.
• Campers will bring lunch from home or purchase a pre-packaged sack lunch from the Zoo
• Hand sanitizer will be available during the check-in and out process each day and in each classroom
Social Distancing & Face Coverings
• Teachers are required to wear a mask when in the Zoo
• Each camp will have a designated classroom
• When walking through the Zoo, appropriate social distancing practices will be observed between campers and other Zoo guests
Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures
• Parents please park in the Zoo main lot and come to the tent area (east of the lot) to drop off and pick up your child
• Parents must remain with their child while their temperature is taken
• Please practice social distancing during these times and give 6’ of space to others
• Teachers are required to wear mask when in the Zoo
• During drop off and pick up time, each camp group will remain separated from other groups
• Please plan for a lengthier drop off and pick up timeline during this time
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is our behavior policy with campers?
The Lincoln Children’s Zoo has a zero tolerance policy for any of the following behaviors: physical violence including but not limited to kicking, hitting, punching, or biting, inappropriate touching, spitting, or inappropriate language such as hate speech, cursing, name calling, or derogatory remarks. Any of these actions will result in immediate removal from camp without a refund.
Other behavioral issues are classified at the discretion of the Zoo Education Team. If behavioral issues arise that put your camper, the staff, other campers, or our animals in an unsafe or disruptive situation, we will utilize a 5-step behavioral policy.
- Verbal Reminder: Camper will be asked to stop the disruptive behavior.
- Environmental Change: Camper will be removed from the area and may be asked to sit out one activity.
- Behavior Report: A verbal account of the disruptive behavior will be given to the guardian at pick-up.
- Send Home: A camper will be sent home if the formally addressed behavior is repeated. They will be allowed to return the next day.
- Removal from Camp: If the behavior happens again after the previous four steps have occurred, the camper will not be permitted to return to camp for the 2020 season. No refund will be issued. Any other camps that the camper is registered for will be forfeited with no refund.
What is required of a camper attending Zoo Camp?
A zoo camper is required to be potty trained and be able to listen and follow directions. At all times, campers must maintain a safe environment for themselves, the camp staff, other campers, and our Zoo animals. If a camper is unable to do these things, they are not a good fit for Zoo camp.
If your child needs an aid, we allow one to accompany them at camp free of charge. Families are responsible for hiring an aid that is at least 16 years old and may not be a family member. Aids 19 and older will be required to pass a background check before the start date of camp.
What should a camper bring with them to camp?
Campers are required to bring a packed lunch (unless purchasing Zoo provided lunches available in the summer), a water bottle, any required medications they may need during the day, and a change of clothes if they are 6 or under. Optional items include a backpack, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Items that are not allowed are any outside toys or electronics. The Zoo is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged property that a camper brings with them to camp.
What should a camper wear to camp?
Each day, campers must wear their camp shirt which they will receive on the first day of camp, weather appropriate clothing, close-toed shoes, and sunscreen and/or bug spray as needed. We can happily remind your camper to reapply sunscreen/bug spray throughout the day but we cannot apply it for them.
What are the camp hours?
Camp drop off happens between 8:15 and 8:30 am. Camp pick up happens between 4:15 and 4:30 pm. Late pick ups are not an option and may result in a fee if picked up over 15 minutes past the end of the allotted pick up time.
What is the pick-up policy for campers?
At drop off, we will ask the adult who will be picking up the camper that day. The name we are given must be the person to pick the camper up that day. A photo id is required for pick up. If the pick-up person changes after drop off, the Education Coordinator must be notified of the new person who will be picking up the camper.
What if I need to drop off/pick up my camper outside of the allotted times?
If you are running late or will be dropping your camper off later than 8:30 am due to another commitment, you can bring your camper to the reception office to the right of the main Zoo entrance. You can go to the same office if you are needing to pick a camper up earlier than 4:15 pm. If you know ahead of time about the drop off or pick up changes it helps to let us know so we can make the transition as smooth and timely as possible.
Are there snacks provided at camp?
Camp snacks are provided by the Zoo. If your camper has allergies or dietary restrictions, we ask that your camper brings their own snacks to camp.
What is the size of the camp groups?
- 4-5 year olds: 15
- 6-7 year olds: 20
- 8-10 year olds: 25
- 10-12 year olds: 25
There may be camps that are smaller based on registration numbers. Camps with less than 10 registrants are subject to cancellation by the Zoo.
Will the Zoo ever cancel a camp?
The Zoo may have to cancel a camp due to things like severe weather and not having enough registrants in a camp. If the Zoo cancels your camp, you will be given a full refund, or if possible, offered a spot in a different camp if you prefer.
What if my camper cannot attend all the days of the camp?
We do not offer daily rates or prorate camps if your camper cannot attend all the days of the camp. We encourage you to schedule the camps around your other activities, but we will make sure your camper fits right in if they must miss any part of camp.
What if my camper has medication that they need during the day?
The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is not responsible for administering medication to children. We can remind them to take their medication by themselves if needed. It is required that you notify camp staff of special needs or medical conditions your child may have. In most cases, we can accommodate those needs and will do so to the best of our ability.
If my child has an allergy, can they bring an epinephrine injector?
Yes, your camper can either keep it on them during camp or the instructor can carry it for them. Please talk with your camp instructor about your camper’s allergies and specifics of the injector.
How do I get ahold of the Education Coordinator or my camper during camp?
If there is a change to the pick-up person or time, or an emergency and you need to get ahold of the Education Coordinator you can call 402-475-6741 or send an email to kmanley@lincolnzoo.org.
What if my camper gets sick during their camp?
If your camper gets sick during camp, we ask that you keep them home until they are fever free without medication for 24 hours. We do not offer refunds or prorated camp costs if your camper misses any amount of camp due to illness.
