Summer Discovery Classes

John Ball Zoo Summer Day Camp

John Ball Zoo’s Summer Discovery Program is a unique, hands-on learning experience for children ages 3 years to those entering 8th grade! Whether you choose to attend during the day or overnight, the Summer Discovery Programs at the zoo are both fun and educational.
Each class follows its particular theme and uses a variety of methods to stimulate the learning process (role-playing, behind the scenes tours, games, stories, songs, and more). Special projects are often brought home throughout the week. Each class has their own room with a qualified instructor and educational aide, and will frequently spend time in the park and/or zoo setting. Class sizes are strictly limited to provide a high quality experience.
Every class participates in a fabric painting project. You provide the item of your choice, we provide the paint and fun! Each child creates a wonderful memory of their zoo class. You can expect your child to have a fun-filled learning experience! We hope you'll join us for an exciting Summer of Discovery!
Registration for Zoo Members begins on March 29. Registration for Non-Members begins April 12. Brochures were mailed to last year’s participants and Zoo Members on March 8th. If you would like to receive a brochure, please send us your mailing address via email at kathy.kemp@kentcountymi.gov.

Note: Descriptions for the following 3rd and 4th grade classes were accidentally not included in the brochure so be sure to check them out here:
Around the World (Grades 3-4)
We’re going global! It’s non-stop fun as we explore the wild animals and cultures of Australia, Africa, Asia and the Americas. We'll fill our passports and bring home a box of treasures from our travels.
Extreme Animals (Grades 3-4)
They’re the biggest, the fastest, the smartest, the strongest, the ugliest, and sometimes they break the rules. Nature’s champions are built to survive, even in the harshest environments. Join us as we meet some of these extreme animals up close.