PARENT INFORMATION GUIDE - NATURE EXPLORERS AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
NATURE
EXPLORERS AT THE
OKLAHOMA CITY
ZOO
PARENT
INFORMATION
GUIDE
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
Contents
Summer Camp Description…3 Guidance, Discipline, Expulsion…6-8
School’s Out Day Camp Description…3 Emergency Procedures…10-11
Arrival and Pick-Up Procedures…4 Health…10-15
Clothing and Personal Belongings…5 Food and Nutrition…15
Bathroom Accidents…5 Child Abuse Information…15
Animals…5 COVID-19…4, 5, 12-14, 15
Parent Resources…6
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES
Through positive, professional interactions, our campers can learn to care for
nature as much as we do. “Our goal isn’t just to fill campers with facts but
rather inspire passion by connecting them to our natural world.” In turn, they
may choose to learn more or make a conservation-friendly choice. What we
do as educators changes the future for everyone.
• To provide a high-quality camp experience that campers will enjoy
and remember for years to come.
• To inspire a passion for the natural world and help campers make
conservation-friendly choices.
• To build and maintain a friendly and professional relationship with campers and their families.
• To provide a safe physical environment for campers as well as safe interactions with other
campers and adults.
WELCOME STATEMENT
Thank you for choosing the Oklahoma City Zoo for your child’s camp
experience! Camp is held in the Rosser Conservation Education Center,
but may include satellite locations in the Zoo. Campers will also have
excursions intointo the zoo to visit animal exhibits and attractions.
This Parent Manual covers the procedures for children attending our
camp programs. For questions regarding zoo programming, contact the
Education Department at 405-425-0218.
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
SUMMER CAMP DESCRIPTION
Summer campers, ages 4 to 15, will enjoy a variety of activities including zoo play, exhibit tours, animal visits,
keeper chats, and enrichment at the zoo.
Summer camps meet Monday - Friday. ALL campers (half day and full day)
need to bring a lunch. Campers need to bring morning and afternoon snack
(full day). Half day campers need to bring morning snack.
Summer Camp Sessions: Half Day (9:00 am - 1:00 pm) and Full Day (9:00
am - 4:00 pm)
Parents can drop off between 8:00 am and 9:00 am for morning care at no
extra charge. Late pick-up fees of $10 per 10 minutes will apply.
Visit okczoo.org for summer camp dates and information.
Advanced registration and payment is required. Camper paperwork will need to be on file prior to your child
attending camp.
Examples of camp activities available on Page 9
SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMP / SPRING BREAK CAMP DESCRIPTION
School’s Out Day Camps/Spring Break Camps are fun-filled days for your child while
school is taking a break. Camps runs from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Drop-off is 8:00-8:30
am. Aftercare runs 4:00-5:15 pm and requires an additional fee. . Ages: 4-12.
Visit okczoo.org for School’s Out Day Camp/Spring Break Camp dates and
information.
Advanced registration and payment is required. Camper paperwork will need to be on
file prior to your child attending camp.
Sample Schedule on Page 9
GENERAL PROCEDURES
The following pages cover general procedures for zoo camp programs.
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURES
School’s Out Day Camp/Spring Break Camp
• Arrival: 8:00-8:30 am
• Departure: 4:00pm unless your child is scheduled for aftercare.
Summer Camp
• Arrival/Morning Care: 8:00-9:00 am
• Departure: 1:00pm (Half Day) or 4:00 pm (Full Day)
DAILY SIGN-IN
• Due to COVID-19, camper drop off will be done curbside. Do not leave your
vehicle.
• Education staff will conduct wellness screening with a temperature check every morning and
questions screening, expect the check in process to take longer.
• Expect that parents will not be allowed to enter the Education Building or camp spaces.
• Camper sign in/sign out will be verbal this summer.
• Develop single word password “safe word” in lieu of a photo ID that all adults picking up your
camper should know.
• Expect that your camper will not be admitted with a temperature of 100⁰ and expect to plan to pick
up your camper if they develop a fever or illness during camp.
• Expect that your child will not be allowed to attend or return to class until they have been fever-
free without the use of fever-reducing medications following CDC COVID-19 School Symptom
Screening Flowchart.
• To limit exposure, we suggest only sending one adult for drop off and pick up.
• Expect that it will take longer to retrieve your camper from satellite locations within the zoo should
you pick up your child early. If you plan to pick up your child early, please notify staff at drop off
so that we can try to minimize retrieval time.
LATE ARRIVAL
If you’re dropping your child late, please use the call box located at the door entrance to let Education staff
know you have a camper to drop off. Education staff will meet you at the door and sign your camper in after
their wellness screening.
PICK UP PROCEDURES
We will release your child only to those authorized to pick up listed on the child information sheet. We will ask
for the established code for picking up your child each day.
In the event whomever is picking up your child does not have the established code or photo ID, the child will
not be released until proper identification is verified and/or verbal contact with the parent is made to assure that
the appropriate person is picking up the child.
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
Summer Camp/Spring Break Camp: All camp pick-ups will be done
curbside.
Spring Break Drive-by Pick-up begins at 4:00pm. If your child is in
aftercare, you may pick up as late at 5:15. You will need to come to the
front of the education center and ring the doorbell. Summer Camp
Drive-By Pick-Up time is 1:00pm (half day camp) and 4:00pm (full day
camp).
You will receive a “Picking Up A Zoo Camper” pass to place in your front window. This pass will let security
know to allow you to enter the parking lot even if the lot is full. Drive along the front of the Rosser
Conservation Education Center. Your child will be delivered to your car. Please be mindful not to block traffic
in the parking lot.
CANCELATIONS
Cancellations for a full refund must be made a least 7 days before the Monday of your camp week. If
your child is sick, the Zoo will do our best to accommodate your child at a later summer camp date.
Please contact us to discuss your options.
BUDDY REQUEST
Did you want your same aged campers to be in the same class? We will do our best to accommodate buddy
requests. Buddy requests must be received by 5:00pm on Wednesday before your camp week. Email
education@okczoo.org.
CLOTHING
The best clothes for the child to wear are comfortable play clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and that the
child can take care of themselves. We will go outside every day (exceptions may be made for extreme weather
conditions such as tornado watches and warnings, extremely heavy rain, lightning, and freezing conditions) so
please dress for the weather. Comfortable tennis shoes are recommended. Campers will be walking into the zoo
and playing in play areas. No flip flops or heelies!
CHILD’S BELONGINGS
• Each child will store his/her belongings (bags, snacks, lunch, jackets, change of clothing) at their seat. It is
helpful if you send any of these items in a backpack. Note: items are not stored in a locked location, so
please don’t send anything valuable.
• Children are asked to refrain from bringing toys or unnecessary personal items.
• Car seats that need to transferred to another adult may be left with the camper.
BATHROOM ACCIDENTS
In the event a child has a bathroom accident that requires a change of clothes, two staff members will assist,
wearing gloves. Extra clothing is available to change into, and as a courtesy, the parents will be notified. Soiled
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
clothing will be bagged and return to the parents. Bathroom accidents will be handled with privacy and
professionalism. If you wish to return the clothing to the Zoo, please laundered all clothing except
undergarments.
ANIMALS
The Education Department has a collection of small animals that are used
regularly in children’s programming. These animals are contained in a separate
area of the building. Your child may have the chance to see these animals up
close or touch the animals under trained supervision. Children will not hold
animals or be left with an animal unsupervised.
After touching animals, children will wash their hands.
In addition to seeing animals on-grounds, on occasion, children may have the
opportunity to visit a behind-the-scenes area. Every effort is made to give your
campers a unique Zoo experience. Zoo staff will monitor these situations closely
and follow regulation safety procedures.
PARENT RESOURCES
Parents can learn more about our programming by looking on the zoo’s website www.okczoo.org. Parent input
is sought through various avenues, including verbal feedback and formal evaluations. Parents will receive daily
emails with the day’s activities their children participated in.
GUIDANCE
A positive guidance approach in which each child can develop a good self-concept will be the basis for
maintaining the classroom atmosphere. Children are in the process of learning a great deal about themselves,
others, and group situations. Misunderstandings will be handled on an individual basis as a “Learning
Experience.”
When a child chooses not to or can’t cooperate in a given situation, he/she will be redirected to another area or
activity until able to “try again.” The teacher will ensure that the child understands the nature of the problem.
Please note that zoo staff do not have specialized training for working with children who have extreme physical,
psychological or behavioral needs. Parents may hire their own assistant, at their own cost, but the assistant cannot
be alone with any other children in the program. Please contact Education 405.425.0218 or
education@okczoo.org for our Shadow Para/Aide Policy.
DISCIPLINE AND EXPULSION
Children who are extremely disruptive or exhibit unsafe behavior that causes physical harm to themselves or
others will be given a written warning, called an Behavior Report. Parents will be asked to sign the paperwork
and be emailed a copy if they choose. If extreme behavior continues, a meeting with parents will be called to
discuss the issue further and seek resolution. If the extreme behavior continues after meeting with the parents, the
child may be dismissed or temporarily excluded from the program until the conflict is resolved. Unfortunately,
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
there are sometimes reasons for expelling a child from our program either on a short term or permanent basis.
Zoo staff will work with the family of the child(ren) in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. All
names will be kept confidential.
The following list includes, but are not limited, to reasons we may have to expel or suspend a child from camp.
Please note that some infractions could result in immediately dismissal from the program, such as bringing
weapons or serious injury to others.
Child’s Actions for Expulsion
• The child is at risk of causing serious injury to other children, staff, or him/herself.
• Failure of child to adjust after a reasonable amount of time.
• Ongoing uncontrollable tantrums/angry outbursts.
• Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children.
• Destruction of property.
Parental Actions for Child’s Expulsion
• Failure to pay/habitual lateness in payments.
• Failure to complete required forms.
• Habitual tardiness when picking up your child.
• Parent exhibits verbal abuse or threatens physical or intimidating actions towards staff members.
Program fees are non-refundable for disciplinary or expulsion reasons. When the health, safety, or welfare of the
public, the students, and/or the Zoo employees are affected, the Executive Director has the authority to institute
any of the above disciplinary actions, up to and including expulsion, for any present or future programming at
the Director’s sole discretion.
BEHAVIOR RULES
At the beginning of the camp week, the group will collaborate to form
their own rules and expectations for behavior throughout the week. This
process allows for autonomy and accountability amongst the campers.
Camp instructors will guide the children using the following rules:
CAMP COMPONENTS
CAMP COMPONENTS
Themed Lesson Restroom Breaks Animal Ambassador
Story Playground or Nature Experience
Snack Play Special Event, such as
Craft S.T.E.A.M-based an attraction or chat
Zoo Visit (weather permitting) Activity with an expert
Drop Everything and Read Game or Movement Animal Enrichment
(D.E.A.R) Activity
Camp lessons are written to provide variety in the camper’s day and week. Instructors provide an immersive
experience by utilizing the camp components above. Not all camp weeks will include all components.
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
EMEGENCY PLANS AND PROCEDURES
Below is a summary of all Emergency and Safety procedures, which are detailed in the Education Department
Safety and Emergency Procedures Handbook, available to parents upon request. All education staff are thoroughly
trained in these procedures.
FIRE PROCEDURES
Fire Drills will be conducted. Children are led out of the education building and roll is called in a
location north of the OZS office or by the Sam Moore bird exhibits.
TORNADO PROCEDURE
Tornado drills will be conducted. Children are led to the Animal Room Hallway. If time allows,
children are led to the stairwell in Aquaticus.
Zoo grounds: Children will be led to the nearest safe area, such as restrooms or storage closets with no
windows.
BLIZZARDS/ICE STORM
If the Oklahoma City Zoo announces that it is closing due to approaching blizzard or ice storm, families will be
immediately contacted so they can come quickly for their child(ren).
EARTHQUAKES
In the event of an earthquake, you have seconds to respond: Drop to the ground, Cover your head and neck with
your arms, and if a safer place is nearby, Crawl to it and Hold On. Stay away from windows.
SHELTER IN PLACE
When severe weather approaches, staff and children should remain in the
building and avoid windowed areas.
LOCK DOWN
Lock down procedures may be instituted upon the orders of the Director of Education, Zoo Security, or Emergency
officials. In most cases, children will all move into classrooms and participate in quiet activities with the children.
Lock interior doors.
UTILITY SHUT DOWN
In the event that the Education Building is without power and/or water for any period of time during operation,
modifications to class locations and schedules may occur to continue camp. Classes may be moved to other areas
with power/water, to indoor areas where there is a significant amount of natural light (i.e. windows or skylights) or
moved outside if weather permits. If water is shut off and working water and restrooms are not accessible in any
part of the zoo, parents will be contacted to pick up their children.
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
INCLEMENT WEATHER
If the zoo is closed due to inclement weather, a decision will be made to either cancel camp or hold as scheduled.
These decisions are made on a case by case basis. An email will be sent to parents informing them of the
decision.
HEALTH
INJURY
The Zoo’s security team is available to assist your child in case of an emergency.
First aid kits are available in each camp room. Camp staff also carries first aid supplies when
on zoo grounds.
Every effort is made to keep your child safe; however, children are likely to acquire bumps,
bruises, and scratches. An incident report will be given to the parent/ guardian at pick up
notifying you of an incident. If the injury is serious, you will be notified by phone.
HOSPITAL TRANSPORT
If our security staff decide that an illness or injury requires emergency treatment, an ambulance will be called for
your child. The ambulance staff will select the most appropriate hospital.
You will be notified immediately. If a parent cannot be reached, a person listed on the Emergency Contact will be
notified. Parents are responsible for any cost incurred due to any emergency treatment, including ambulance
transportation.
The permission for emergency medical care (on the Child Information Page) will accompany the child. The
education staff member who accompanies the child to the emergency room should gather the child’s
emergency contact information and will stay with the child until a parent or guardian comes to assume
responsibility.
ILLNESS
If a child will be absent because of illness, notify the Registrar at (405)-425-0218, so the camp teacher can be
notified.
If a child becomes ill at camp, the parents or guardian will be notified to pick up the child. The child may be removed
from class and wait with an assistant or education staff until the parent or guardian arrives. A child who can’t
comfortably participate in activities and could possibly compromise the health and safety of the other children, must
be kept home.
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OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
SYMPTOMS WHICH REQUIRE SEPARATION FROM OTHER CHILDREN
Upon arrival each day, the child will be observed for symptoms of illness. No ill child will be admitted in order to
maintain a healthy environment. Please do not bring your child if he/she is showing signs of illness of the following
symptoms:
12OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
No Test Result:
means the students
COVID-19. Fever of 100.4 or greater, cough, sore throat, shortness
of breath, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting, runny nose, body/muscle are not getting COVID
aches, loss of taste or smell. testing due to health
care recommendation
Close contact with a person who has COVID-19: or parent choice. A
o Positive Test Result: negative test result-
Stay home for at least 10 days after symptom onset +
would allow students
symptoms have improved + 24 hours without fever and no
use of fever reducing medicine. to return to camp
o Negative or No Test Result: sooner.
Stay home and quarantine for 14 days after last contact
with a person who has COVID-19.
ANY Symptom of COVID-19:
If there is moderate risk of transmission and above based on
Indicators for School Decision- Making:
Positive for COVID or No Test Result:
Stay home for at least 10 days after symptom onset +
symptoms have improved + 24 hours without fever and no
use of fever reducing medicine.
o Negative COVID Test Result:
Stay home until symptoms have improved, 24 hours
without fever and no use of fever reducing medicine to be
readmitted to the program
13OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
WHAT TO DO IF A STUDENT HAS THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:
Auxiliary (armpit) temperature of 100 or higher without
other symptoms of illness. Please see symptom screening
flowchart.
o Positive for COVID or No Test Result:
Stay home for at least 10 days after symptom onset
+ symptoms have improved + 24 hours without
fever and no use of fever reducing medicine.
o Negative COVID Test Result:
Stay home until symptoms have improved, 24 hours
without fever and no use of fever reducing medicine
to be readmitted to the program
Vomiting and/or diarrhea (3 or more episodes of a water
consistency in an 8-hr. period); Please see symptom
screening flowchart.
o Positive for COVID or No Test Result:
Stay home for at least 10 days after symptom onset
+ symptoms have improved + 24 hours without
fever and no use of fever reducing medicine.
o Negative COVID Test Result:
Stay home until symptoms have improved, 24 hours
without fever and no use of fever reducing medicine
to be readmitted to the program
Sore throat with fever; Please see symptom screening
flowchart.
o Positive for COVID or No Test Result:
Stay home for at least 10 days after symptom onset
+ symptoms have improved + 24 hours without
fever and no use of fever reducing medicine.
o Negative COVID Test Result:
Stay home until symptoms have improved, 24 hours
without fever and no use of fever reducing medicine
to be readmitted to the program
Vomiting and/or diarrhea (3 or more episodes of a water
consistency in an 8-hr. An infectious disease (chicken pox,
measles, strep throat, etc.; readmission is based on a
Pediatrician guidelines);
Ear infection with discomfort and fever (follow readmission
rule for fever above; be able to participate in all activities
comfortably);
Croup (until symptoms subside)
Lice (may return after shampoo treatment and removal of nits);
Any explained rash (until a doctor has released the child to return to the
center);
Any skin infection- boils, ringworms, impetigo (may return 24
hours after treatment and the infection is covered);
Pink eye or other eye infections (may return 24 hours after
treatment and the symptoms are gone.)
Please do not allow your child to return until they are well enough to participate in all activities, including outdoor
play. They must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to camp.
14OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
CONTAGION PROCEDURES
Please notify Zoo Staff immediately if your child has been exposed to any contagious disease.
When a child becomes ill, he/she will be cared for until arrangements can be made for his/her removal from the
center as promptly as possible. Parents must provide the center with the phone number of a person to contact in
case of emergency if you are unavailable.
Parents will be notified when the child has been exposed to a communicable disease. Readmission to the center of
any child recovering from a communicable disease or disabling condition must be under physician advisement. If
your child has been exposed to a communicable reportable disease or condition while at the education center, we
will notify you the same day we are notified. Parents will be given a letter describing the condition and steps to
take if your child displays any of those symptoms. The name of child carrying the disease or condition will be kept
confidential.
ALLERGIES
List all allergies in your child’s paperwork. If the allergy is life-threatening and necessitates an Epi-pen or inhaler,
please inform the staff at check-in. See the Medication section below for further information regarding
medications. All allergies are posted in the classroom in a manner that allows staff to easily access, but without
being visible to the public.
OTHER SPECIFIC NEEDS
Be sure to list all other specific needs as well in your child’s paperwork. This includes special needs and needs
relating to your child’s routine care, behavior, communication or eating. Please equip us with the information we
need to best care for your child while in camp. Let us know what would make a good day for your camper and a
bad day for your camper.
If your child has a need that requires advanced medical training or a need that requires individual attention, please
call to discuss with us ahead of time.
MEDICATIONS
Camp staff can dispense prescription or over-the-counter medication only if the parent has completed a
Medication Permission Form. A doctor’s note is required for medication administered to a child that does not
follow the package guidelines. Prescriptions and dosages must be clearly labeled in the original container,
which will be stored in the office, out of reach of children, or in the staff refrigerator if needed. Each
medication requires a separate form. Medication will be returned to parents when the permission period ends
or upon expiration. Staff will immediately document each dose administered.
Note about Epi Pens and Inhalers: Medications for life-threatening conditions, such as epinephrine (epi)
pens and rescue inhalers will remain in possession of camp staff, but still in close proximity to the child for
immediate administration when needed, such as being in the same classroom area or taken outdoors for play
and zoo tours. Any zoo staff may administer rescue epinephrine or inhalers.
15OKC Zoo Parent Handbook for Camps, Updated February 2021
SUNSCREEN
Parents will be responsible for applying sunscreen on their children in the
morning.
Before going outside in the afternoon during the summer months,
campers will be given time to reapply sun screen. Camp staff will apply
sunscreen to young children and encourage older children to apply it
themselves,. Parents must give their consent for sunscreen to be applied
to their child. This permission is included in child’s paperwork. No-Ad
Baby Sunscreen SPF 50 will be used. Parents may choose to send their
own brand, but no spray sunscreen is allowed.
INSECT REPELLENT
Camp staff will apply insect repellent to your child, as needed, with parent consent from the child’s paperwork.
POISON INJURY OR EXPOSURE
If a child is exposed to poison, staff will immediately contact the security department on zoo grounds to determine
next steps. An incident report will be filled out and given to parents.
Poison Emergency Hotline 1-800-222-1222
COVID-19
Expect that social distancing especially for younger campers is a difficult goal and that there will be times
throughout the day despite our best efforts that your child will not be social distancing from staff or other
campers. The public will be present while campers are on grounds visiting Zoo animals. Campers will also be
visiting with Zoo experts outside of our camp staff.
2021 SUMMMER CAMP GUIDELINES
• Class size will be limited to 15-20 campers.
• All students are required to wear masks throughout the day unless eating or
during a socially distanced “mask break”.
• You will need to provide both a morning and afternoon snack, as well as a lunch, for your camper.
• We will be limiting who has access to camp spaces. Families will no longer
be allowed inside the education center.
• Camper drop-off will be curbside and include wellness screening.
SANITIZING AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
• Enhanced sanitizing procedures will be in place.
• Parents will not be allowed to enter the education center or camp spaces.
• All Zoo staff members will be wearing masks. Campers are required to wear masks except while eating,
drinking, or taking a socially distanced mask break. It is helpful to provide extra masks for the camper in
case masks are lost or get wet.
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• Campers and staff will be directed to wash their hands in between activities.
• If your child needs to bring a comfort toy with them, please include items that are easy to wash.
• All Zoo staff are required to check their temperature before reporting to work. Employees with a fever or
who are feeling sick will not be allowed to work until they are well.
• If your child feels sick, we ask that they not come to camp.
FOOD AND NUTRITION
All campers must bring a lunch, even if attending a half day camp. Lunches must be portable.
There are times when campers will eat lunch on zoo grounds. No microwave or refrigeration is
available for children’s lunches.
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Anyone with reason is required by law to report evident or suspicion of child abuse, neglect or Child Trafficking.
The statewide Child Abuse Hotline is (1-800-522-3511). A person who reports suspected abuse in “good faith” is
immune from criminal or civil liability.
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