You are here: Home » Education » Educational Programs
Educational Programs
File Downloads
The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History has an extensive and fun education program that offers something for everyone from preschool children to adults. We are excited about our great new line-up of Zoo camps and classes for 2008. You can view a listing of them in the box to the right. The easiest way to register your children for any of our camps and classes is on-line: Online Camp Registration. You can also us the registration form in the box to the right or you can call the Zoo directly at 605-367-7003 and we will register you over the phone as well. Camps and classes tend to fill up, so make your reservations soon!
Camps, classes and outreach programs like the ZooMobile are all part of the Zoo’s education program. In addition, we also offer school and group tours, birthday parties and Jr. Zookeeper programs.
Please check out all of the Zoo’s educational opportunities and come and join us for a wild time at the Zoo! If you have and questions, please call the Great Plains Zoo’s Education Department at 605-367-8313 ext. 14.
Activities, Camps & Classes
The Great Plains Zoo has a variety of educational programs that can be used to meet all sorts of educational goals. Our educational programs fall into five easy-to-use remember groups for your convenience. Choose one of the following links to see all the activities which fall into that group:
Program List
Biofact Tours – School or Group
Have you ever felt a piece of rhino hide? Held a tiger paw in both hands? Biofact tours are great ways to teach about adaptations. More Info
Birthday Parties – Group Activity
Parties are available year-round with reservations being made at least two weeks in advance. More Info
Delbridge Museum Tours – School or Group
Be our guest! Come on a guided tour of the Delbridge Museum of Natural History and its mounted animal collection. Whether student, teacher, or parent, all ages can enjoy what the museums has to offer. More Info
Explorers – Learning for Life – Grades 9th thru 12th
Hosted in conjunction with the Sioux Council Boy Scouts, the Explorers Program allows youth ages 15 to 20 to explore career options in biology, animal husbandry, zoo keeping, and veterinary science. See the Camp and Class schedule at the top of this page for more info or call 605-367-8313 ×14. More Info
Junior ZooKeeper Program – Grades 9th thru 12th
This volunteer program is a great opportunity for youth to spend the summer outdoors in a rewarding and professional atmosphere. The Junior Zookeeper Program can be a valuable way to develop discipline and the foundation for a good work ethic.
Junior Educator Program – Grades 6th thru 12th
The Junior Educator Program encourages youth to work closely with our ZooCamp Educators who lead our numerous summer ZooCamp sessions. After training, you will be involved in preparing crafts, singing songs and assisting with games for children age 3 years to 3rd grade.
Reptile Club – Grades 4th thru 6th
Have you ever watched an animal swallow something twice the size of its head? How about seen an animal run on the water? Our Reptile Club is designed for youth interested in learning some of the unique features of reptiles, as well as dispel many of the myths about these unique animals.
Summer Safari Science Camps – Grades 6th thru 8th
Summer Safari Science Camps take an in-depth look at specific animals here at the Great Plains Zoo. Each camp includes a detailed behind the scenes tour, an educational talk with a zookeeper, and a chance to get up close and personal with the animals being studied. These camps are fascinating experiences for anyone interested in getting a head start on a science fair project, pursuing a career in animal care or just wanting to know more about animals.
ZooCamp – Holiday – Grades Pre-K thru 1st
Holiday Camps are a fun way for children to spend their school vacations and holidays. It’s easy for parents too! Each session will introduce a different topic; then head off to tour an area of the zoo that ties in with the theme. Each camp includes games, crafts, snacks and animal encounters. More Info
ZooCamp – Summer – Grades Pre-K thru 5th
ZooCamp provides a fun and educational experience your child will never forget! Each day they’ll be introduced to a special animal topic; then head off to tour an area of the Zoo that ties in with the theme. Kids will learn about conservation, habitats, endangered animals and so much more. More Info
ZooCubs – Age 4 years only
ZooFour is the perfect natural science program for 4-year olds to show off and further develop their “wild” knowledge. We will go deep into the animal kingdom by way of hands-on discovery, stories, crafts, live animal encounters and in-depth tours of the zoo. More Info
ZooGarten – Kindergarten Group
We think Kindergarteners Rock! All ZooFour programs can easily be adapted to your kindergarten class in a blink of an eye. Just give us a call and we’ll schedule a perfect day and time for you. More Info
ZooKits – School or Group
ZooKits are hands-on educational kits available to teachers, day care providers, youth leaders, churches, senior centers and program directors. ALL ZooKits include a manual, reproducible handouts, hands-on activities, video, slideshow, puppets, storybooks and biofacts. More Info
ZooMobile – School or Group
When the ZooMobile pulls into your parking lot an adventure is sure to follow! The Great Plains Zoo will travel to your facility to present programs on a variety of topics using live animals and biofacts. All programs adhere closely to the South Dakota Content Standards for Science. More Info
ZooScience – School – Grades 1st thru 8th
ZooScience Programs assists teachers by helping students to learn about animals, wild spaces, cultures, and why animals are important. ZooScience is designed to support the South Dakota State Content Standards for science, math, reading, social studies and some art, too! Teacher packets with pre and post activities will be sent to use at your discretion. More Info
ZooTot – Grade Pre-K
ZooTot classes are perfect for young children and an adult partner to get acquainted with the amazing world of animals through stories, crafts, games, songs and nose-to-nose animal encounters with our education animals. More Info
ZooZnooze – Groups or Couples
ZooZnoozes are unique camping experiences intended to be fun and educational for everybody involved. Join us for pizza, animal encounters, educational programs and a flashlight night tour of the Zoo. Then wake up to a continental breakfast and morning tour of the Zoo. This wild overnight experience is great for scouting and church or civic groups, and a perfect option for families and their reunions. Offered also for couples. More Info
How to Register
Pre-registration is required for all programming. Visit the Zoo or by mail, phone or fax with a major credit card. Group bookings for all programs can be arranged. We welcome the opportunity to meet your group needs and to make you excited about visiting the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum, whether you’re a day care, school, church, home school, nursing home, scout group or civic organization. Confirmation of class registration will come in the form of a postcard or an e-mail announcement. Click here for the Registration Form.
For additional information concerning the following classes and activities: ZooMobile, Summer ZooCamp, Holiday ZooCamp, ZooTot, ZooFour, ZooCare, ZooGarten & Birthday Parties can call Derek, Senior Education Specialist at (605) 367-8313 Ext. 15 or e-mail him at dklawitter@gpzoo.org. Oftentimes, Derek is out on ZooMobiles and will return your call as quickly as possible.
For additional information concerning the following classes and activities: Family Winter Weekends, ZooZnoose, Junior ZooKeeper and Junior Educator Programs, Explorers Post, Reptile Club, Summer Safari Science Camps, ZooScience, Critter Cabin and Summer Discovery Carts can call Joe, Education Specialist at (605) 367-8313 Ext. 16 or e-mail him at jherreman@gpzoo.org. Oftentimes, Joe works weekends and takes two days off during the week. He will return calls as quickly as possible.
For additional Information concerning the following classes and activities: Grounds & Museum Tours, ZooKits, Career Fairs, and special requests, can call Wendy, Director of Education & Museum Collections at (605) 367-8313 Ext. 14 or e-mail her at wlewis@gpzoo.org. Questions and donations concerning the Delbridge Museum of Natural History may be directed to this individual as well.
Cancellation Policy – Must be made in writing at least two weeks prior to the scheduled activity or ZooMobile booking. Upon receipt of the cancellation, 50% of the fees will be returned. NO refunds will be made two weeks prior to the event or after it has begun.
Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes: ALL classes and tours may have messy activities and will go outside for short periods. Classes are held despite the cold, rainy or windy weather. If a snow day occurs, every effort will be made to reschedule.
The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Requests for wheelchairs may be made at the Admissions Desk. A supply of strollers is available outside the zoo entrance. There is no fee for wheelchair or stroller use, we simply ask they are returned to where you borrowed them.
Last Update:Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 12:04:48
