Program Information
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All staff are screened for excellence in programming for children. Every staff
member is required to have previous experience with children; many of the staff
return year after year. Typically,
a staff member has worked for public schools, OMSI, Outdoor School or Audubon.
Most are college graduates or are currently working on a degree.
Staff to student ratios are 1:8, K-1st grade, and 1:10, 2nd-8th grade.
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At no time is any child left unsupervised. The number of staff ensures thorough
supervision and monitoring. In addition, the Zoo's full time security staff respond
immediately to any emergency situation.
All security staff are first aid, cpr and automatic emergency defibrillator trained.
The Portland Fire Department responds in 3-5 minutes and can be brought
on grounds to any location in the Zoo. All camp staff are trained to respond
to emergency situations.
The Zoo grounds are completely fenced and all employees are aware of the ZooCamp
program.
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All camps are held at the Zoo using classrooms and all of the Zoo exhibits. Animal
Investigators and Wild Design meet across the parking lot at the World Forestry Center and spends
all non-classroom hours on the Zoo grounds. Wild Design takes an off-grounds field
trip.
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Behavior is managed to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all. Children
are expected to behave appropriately. In the event a child is disruptive, time-out
may be used.
If
disruptive behavior continues, the parent will be called to help find a solution.
If improvement is not realized, the child may be asked to not return to camp.
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Due to safety concerns and the availability of animal-care staff we are not able
to offer behind the scenes tours for most camps. Animal Investigators and Wild
Design and Animal SOS camps include some limited behind the scenes experiences presented by education
staff.
Animal contact experiences are provided for all camps throughout the week. back
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Can Parents stay with Kids? |
Our camp program is designed for children who are able to be successful in group
oriented programs without parent involvement. back to top |
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Lost and found items are turned in to Zoo Security at the end of each camp week.
To check on lost items after your child's camp week, call 503-226-1561, extension
5300. back
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Medication cannot be administered or dispensed by staff. Campers must be able
to take their own medication. However, staff can carry medications and help children
remember to take them. Every camp has staff members who are first aid trained
and the zoo has full-time security staff with first aid training. Lead staff are trained to assist with Epipens. back
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Special needs (physical, academic, or social) please describe on the registration form any special needs your child has that our staff should be made aware of.
Special needs will be accommodated to the best of our ability. If your child is not self sufficient you will be asked to provide a non-parent aide for the week of camp.
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