Potawatomi Zoo’s Education Department offers a variety of classes and programs for children and families.

Your children can learn about animals throughout the year by attending Zooper Edventures or ZooCamp.

Our classes and programs are fun and edzoocational, so be prepared to have a wild time

Offered in Spring, Summer, and Fall, Tiny Explorers are for 3 and 4 year olds with an adult. Junior Naturalists and Future Zoologists are presented in Spring and Fall. These classes are for students only.

To Register:

• Print out and complete a registration form.
• Please note the age requirements for each class. Only students of the listed age will be enrolled.
• Registration closes one week prior to class. No registrations will be accepted beyond this cut off date.
• If a class is filled, you will be placed on the waiting list and notified in case a space becomes available.
• You may fax your registration form to 574.235.9080
• Or mail your registration to Potawatomi Zoo Education Department / 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. / South Bend, IN 46615

Payment:

• Payment must be received with the registration form in order to be processed.
• If paying by credit card, you should include the security code. This code can be found on the signature strip and is composed of the last three digits listed there.

Cancellations/Refunds:

• If you cancel your registration 1 week prior to class, you may opt to receive a voucher in the amount of your registration fee, or a refund check for 50% of the original registration fee.
• If you cancel your registration at least 48 hours prior to class, you will receive a voucher than can be used towards future education classes and programs.
• The Education Department may cancel a class due to low enrollment or inclement weather. If the Education Department cancels a class, you will be refunded the class cost.

View our Events page for upcoming Zooper Edventures!

NYATI (5 & 6 year olds)
NYOKA (7 - 9 year olds)
NYUNI (10 - 12 year olds)
ZOO CAREER CAMPS (13 - 17 year olds)

Summer ZooCamps

Remember that Members can start registering for summer ZooCamps in March!  If you are not already subscribed to the Education Department’s mailing list, join now!  Contact the Education Department at #574.235.9070 or hdowney@southbendin.gov.

Registrations:

• You can mail your registration form and payment to Potawatomi Zoo Education Department / 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. / South Bend, IN 46615 or fax your form and credit card information to 574.235.9080
• Only register one student per form. You may copy the registration form or download another form below if you are registering more than one student.
• Please note the age requirements for each camp. Only students of the appropriate age will be permitted. Please call the Education Department 574.235.9070 if you have any questions.
• The Education Department will only accept MEMBER registrations during March. Registration will open to everyone in April.

• If you cancel your registration with at least one week’s notice, you may opt to receive a voucher in the amount of your registration fee or a refund check for 50% of the original registration fee.  
• If you cancel at least 48 hours prior to the start of your camp session, you will receive a voucher in the amount of your registration fee.  Vouchers may be used towards future education programs.

Session Selections:

• You may select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice of zoocamp sessions.
• If your 1st choice is filled, you will be added to the waiting list and registered for your 2nd choice.
• If both your 1st and 2nd choices are filled, you will be added to both waiting lists and registered for your 3rd choice.
• If all 3 sessions are filled, you will be added to the waiting lists and your payment will be returned to you.

• Be sure to fill out the release information on the back of the registration form.
• T-Shirts - Each camper will receive a zoocamp t-shirt. You must select a t-shirt size on the registration form.
• You may want to allow for some minor shrinking when selecting a shirt size.
• Available youth sizes include:  small (6-8), youth medium (10-12), youth large (14-16).
• Please have students wear their t-shirt to camp.

• A snack will be served during zoocamp. Please be sure to list any allergies on your registration form. If you prefer to supply a snack for your child, please notify the Education Department (574.235.9070)
• Students enrolling in Nyoka, Nyuni, and Zoo Career Camps must bring a packed lunch.
• Students may bring bottled water.

• Students should dress appropriately for the conditions. They will be inside the classroom and outside on zoo grounds.
• Students should wear appropriate shoes that are comfortable for walking and playing games. We recommend closed-toed shoes.
• Students may bring hats and/or sunglasses to wear during zoo walks. The Education Department and Potawatomi Zoo are not responsible for any lost items during camp.

• The Education Department reserves the right to dismiss any student who is disruptive or threatening to their classmates.
• The Education Department will notify guardians of a behavioral problem before dismissing a student except in extreme circumstances.

Junior Educators are teenagers interested in volunteering to assist Education Staff with the summer ZooCamps.  Responsibilities would include setting up the classroom, assisting students with crafts and activities, cleaning up after camp, and helping with other jobs as needed.

Qualifications:

• Must be 13-17 years old
• Able to volunteer at least 2 weeks during the summer

• Complete a Junior Educator application form.  Click here
• Mail application to:
  

  Potawatomi Zoo Education Department
  500 S. Greenlawn Ave.
  South Bend, IN 46615
  

  or Fax to: (574) 235-9080
  
• Applications must be received by April 15th to be considered for the upcoming summer.  Applications received after this deadline will be held until the following year.

• A Junior Educator Orientation will be held in May prior to the start of summer ZooCamps
• Applicants will be notified of the orientation day and time at the end of April