Camp is full of fun and learning about the world of animals, nature, and science. A typical week of camp includes age-appropriate activities including up-close animal encounters, beach exploration, games, hands-on science projects, art-making activities, and songs. We plan to spend the majority of camp outdoors exploring our parks, exhibits and the beach so please be sure your camper is dressed for the weather. At New York Aquarium there are no dive or swim experiences for campers, however they may go into the ocean no higher than their ankles.

We plan to spend as little time as possible in our classrooms. Weather permitting, we will spend the majority of our time outdoors exploring our park, exhibits and the beach. Please be sure to apply sunscreen or bug spray each morning before camp. Camp staff will not be permitted to apply sunscreen or bug spray to campers. Also, send your camper to camp with a full, reusable water bottle to ensure your camper stays hydrated.

Each camp has one lead educator and two to four camp counselors depending on the age and size of the group.

Please dress your camper appropriately for the weather. We will be outside rain or shine, so rain gear may be needed. Please send your camper with beach shoes that can get wet and sandy. On the first day of camp, we will give your camper a special camp t-shirt and they will be required to wear this shirt every day of camp as it increases visibility. Additional t-shirts can be purchased for $25 when you register or on the first or second day of camp.

Please send your camper to camp each day with a nut-free lunch, snack, and a full, refillable water bottle. For campers attending extended care, please bring an additional snack. Do not send any snacks or food containing peanuts or tree nuts, due to allergy concerns. Sharing of lunch or snack items is not permitted except amongst members of the same household.

WCS utilizes restorative practices across all of our camps. It empowers campers to grow socially and emotionally. More information about this approach will be sent out with camp materials.

Registration for camp will open to the general public February 2024.

Camps at the same park with the same name and title do not change week to week unless otherwise indicated. We do not recommend campers attending consecutive weeks of the same camp. The Wildlife Conservation Society has camps at four of our parks (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Queens Zoo), and registering your camper for different camps at different parks is a great educational experience!

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all campers are welcome. In order to best meet the needs of your camper, we welcome you to contact us to discuss any accommodations your camper requires prior to camp. We are more than happy to discuss all available options. Our camp staff is not able to assist campers with toileting or medical needs, but if your camper needs toileting or medical support during our camp day, a care provider may attend camp with them (please reach out to discuss details with staff).

Camps are available for those entering Pre-K as a four year old and older.

Waitlist means we are currently full for that session. We encourage you to sign up for the waitlist as spots do open and we will try to fill that spot from our waitlist in the order they are listed.

All requests to cancel or reschedule must be submitted via email. Please include the camper's name, camp session, date, and the reason for cancellation.

• Cancellations: Our policies are designed to give families maximum flexibility while considering the realities of camp enrollment. We accommodate schedule change requests until June 1 (additions are dependent upon space availability). After June 1, all schedules are considered final. Should your child be required to attend summer school, we will make an exception, provided we receive official written notice in advance. All requests to cancel or reschedule camp must be made in writing to nyaeducation@wcs.org and will be subject to a $60.00 administrative fee. Refunds of 100% will be issued (minus a $60 administrative fee) if before June 1st and 4 weeks before camp, 50% if before June 1st (minus a $60 administrative fee) and 2-4 weeks before camp, no refund will be issued less than 2 weeks or after June 1st.
• Rescheduling: Requests to reschedule are subject to availability and will be subject to an administrative fee. All requests to reschedule programs must be made in writing to nyaeducation@wcs.org .
• Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Please email nyaeducation@wcs.org for more information.

We do not offer a multiple-child discount. We do offer a 10% discount to WCS Members and Donors.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation to and from camps.

Extended care options are available for caregivers who need extra time for pick up.

Following registration for camp you will be able to complete all the necessary forms digitally (medical, camper pick-up, and photo-release forms as well as our liability waiver). These forms must be completed prior to your child's first day of camp in order to attend.

Please visit the New York Aquarium Know Before You Go page to review park policies related to COVID-19.