Conservation & Careers (ages 13-15)

Get WILD About Your Future!

Conservation & Careers offers programs for teens ages 13-15. This unique summer experience offers teens the chance to learn about careers in zoos, aquariums, and nature conservation while interacting with Birmingham Zoo leaders and building skills to jumpstart their own future.

Conservation & Careers Sponsored by the Poarch Creek Indians

A Unique! EXPERIENCE DESIGNED FOR TEENS

In this weeklong experience, teens will have a chance to choose which path they would like to travel in order to learn about conservation efforts and career options for their future. Each week culminates in a hands-on project that teens will present to the public at Birmingham Zoo.

• • • Project: LOCAL allows teens to discover more about what our city, state, and nation are doing to save animals and green spaces right here at home. 
    • Project: GLOBAL lets teens explore what international efforts are happening and how they can affect change across the globe.
      

NEW! Volunteer Pathway Program

Teens will have a chance to choose which path they would like to travel in order to learn about conservation efforts and career options for their future. Each week culminates in a hands-on project that teens will present to the public at Birmingham Zoo.

Teens who are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Birmingham Zoo have a unique opportunity through our Conservation & Careers program. If a teen enrolls in at least one full week of Conservation & Careers and successfully completes the program, they will be invited to join the Birmingham Zoo Teen Volunteer Program. 

Invited teens will participate in a special volunteer onboarding session held in September. Following onboarding, teens may begin volunteering during: 

• Fall and Winter Break Zoo Camps 

• Seasonal Zoo events such as Hoots and Howls. 

While teens are highly encouraged to take advantage of this volunteer pathway, participation in the Teen Volunteer Program is completely optional. Teens may attend and enjoy the Conservation & Careers summer program regardless of whether they choose to pursue volunteering. 

Dates: 

• Project LOCAL: June 1-5  

• Project GLOBAL: June 15-18  

• Project LOCAL: June 29-July 3 *Sold Out 

• Project GLOBAL: July 13-17 *Limited Space Available

• Project LOCAL: July 27-31 *Limited Space Available

NEW! Extended Care: Birmingham Zoo’s Learning Team is proud to announce we are bringing back Extended Care options for an additional fee. Extended Care options are available each day camp is offered. 

Rise & Roar (before care- 7:30am to 8:30am)   

Activities may include:   

• Dance party  

• “Ready, Set, Stretch” animal themed stretching   

• Zoo themed and music trivia  

• Ice breakers  

Wild Wind-Down (after care – 4:00pm to 5:30pm)  

Activities may include:   

• Snack (included) 

• Biofact exploration  

• Animal themed yoga  

• One small craft that will vary per day  

• Free choice nature play (playtime at Sticks or Rocks Nature Play Spaces) 

Camp Times:  

• Drop off is from 8:30am to 9:00am 

• Pick up is from 3:30pm to 4:00pm* 

• All campers must be picked up by 4:00pm unless they are enrolled in Wild Wind-Down extended care. 

• *Any camper not picked up at 4:00pm will automatically be transferred to Wild Wind-Down and registrants will automatically be charged the $15.00 fee if not already enrolled. 

Camp Costs:  

• $420.00 – Summer camp is sold by the week  

• $50.00 Rise & Roar – Extended Care is sold by the week

• $75.00 Wild Wind-Down – Extended Care is sold by the week

***Members recieve a 15% discount on registration costs. Member discount does not apply to extended care pricing for Rise & Roar or Wild Wind-Down.  

***Scholarships: Scholarship applications are closed for the 2026 season.

Families who opt into the volunteer pathway for their Teen should note that all initial onboarding fees are fully covered for any teen accepted through the Volunteer Pathway Program. 

Fees cover: 

• Tee-shirt 

• Background check fees 

• Name badge 

Additional Information

WHAT ABOUT YOUNGER KIDS?

Click HERE for information on Summer Zoo Camp for ages 5-12. 

RULES & REGULATIONS  

Please click HERE to view details, rules, and regulations for 2026 Zoo Camps.

Have questions or need additional information? Contact your Birmingham Zoo Learning Department at [email protected]. Or give us a call at 205.879.0409 ext. 4.

Quick Tips for a Successful Experience  

 What to Bring  

• A positive attitude and sense of curiosity  

• Comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty  

• A reusable water bottle with student’s name clearly and permanently displayed 

• Close-toed shoes  

What NOT to Bring  

• Electronics, game cards, money, collectables, and jewelry  

• Fireworks, lighters, or other dangerous or inappropriate items  

Grouping & Supervision  

• Campers will be grouped based on age for the best experience possible  

• Classes average 12-15 students with one teacher and 2-4 volunteers  

• Needs for accommodation should be emailed to [email protected]   

Lunch & Snacks  

• Caregivers are required to pack an allergen-free* daily lunch and snack for their camper or teen. Birmingham Zoo will provide a limited option of snacks. *please clarify what you mean by allergen-free 

• Allergy Alert  
  • “Allergen-free” refers to food that does not contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions such as nuts or shellfish.

• • Please disclose all food and environmental allergies to Learning Department Staff.  

• • Traces of nuts may be found in areas that animal feedings/demonstrations take place.  

• • Staff have limited training to recognize and respond to allergic reactions. Important Note: Birmingham Zoo staff are not fully trained medical professionals and will contact emergency responders immediately in the event of a medical crisis.

Communication  

• Ensure your information is up-to-date on the registration website. This is crucial for staff to be able to reach you on behalf of your camper if needed.  

Behavioral Expectations  

• Zoo Camp is a safe, respectful, accepting, and courteous place for all. Age-appropriate corrective action will be taken for behavior that does not meet these expectations. Contact [email protected] if you have further questions regarding this.  

Medical Policy & Procedures  

• Campers must be free of contagious symptoms for 72 hours before attending any Zoo Camp   

• Caregivers will be notified immediately if signs of illness appear.  

• First Aid will be administered for minor cuts, bumps, and insect bites by staff.   

• Campers may only self-administer medication which has been documented and provided to staff at the start of the day.  

• Important Note: Birmingham Zoo staff are not fully trained medical professionals and will contact emergency responders immediately in the event of a medical crisis 

Weather  

• Zoo programming occurs rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, programs may be delayed, end early, or be cancelled.   

Animal Contact  

• For the safety of all, direct, physical contact with Zoo animals is rarely possible. Birmingham Zoo Ambassador Animals will be utilized for meet-and-greet experiences.  

SAFETY STATEMENT
The Birmingham Zoo Education Department closely follows American Camp Association, state, local, and federal guidelines to provide for the safety of campers, staff, and animals.  

Questions? Contact the Education Department at [email protected] Or Call 205.397.3864