January 16, 2008

Camp Zoo at the Long Island Game Farm

MANORVILLE, N.Y. — The Long Island Game Farm is inviting children from all over Long Island to Camp Zoo for the summer! Camp Zoo is a weeklong day camp where children learn about animals, zoology and environmental conservation from an experienced teacher and animal-lover. A series of five consecutive weekly sessions begins on July 14th and will run until August 15th. Designed for children 4-11 years of age, Camp Zoo will provide children with a fun-filled, rich learning environment they will remember all year.

Each day at Camp Zoo will offer new and exciting experiences such as zoo-tours, up-close animal encounters, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, pond life exploring and keeper talks with the Game Farm's zoo keepers. In addition, there will be arts and crafts activities, animal stories and sing-alongs, nature-related games, and informative animal tours. Special behind the scenes activities will be offered, and are only available to children who attend Camp Zoo.

Camp Zoo has been developed with the guidance of Irene Nowell, former Superintendent of Schools at Remsenburg-Speonk UFSD and current Education Field Supervisor at Dowling College. Deirdre M. Cardarelli, a certified teacher of children from birth to grade 6, will return to serve as the Camp Director. Deirdre has designed a 5 week discovery-learning based curriculum in zoology, nature, and environmental science for elementary campers. In addition to her previous experience with the Long Island Game Farm, Deirdre holds a Masters of Science, Elementary Education and has extensive knowledge in child care and education with a New York State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 6. Her teaching background, as well as her certification in CPR and First Aid, makes her return to Camp Zoo especially welcomed.

Registration for Camp Zoo begins this week and campers will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. The Long Island Game Farm can accept about 25 campers for each session of Camp Zoo, so sign up early. A waiting list will be established for weeks that are filled. Each session will take place at the Game Farm from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Game Farm is located in Manorville just off exit 70 on the Long Island Expressway and no more than an hour from just about anywhere on Long Island.

"We can't wait to get started with our fifth year of Camp Zoo. This program is as exciting for us as it will be for the young campers. The camp is the ultimate animal experience where children will learn in-depth about different animals and wildlife issues. Our mission has always been to offer high-quality fun and education to families across Long Island and Camp Zoo takes that concept one step farther to really get the kids involved," said Melinda Novak, Co-Owner of the Long Island Game Farm. She adds, "This looks to be our most fun year yet!"

This year the Camp Zoo schedule is as follows:

July 14-18: For ages 4-8

July 21-25: For ages 7-11

July 28-August 1: For ages 4-8

August 4-8: For ages 7-11

August 11-15: For ages 4-11 (children will be broken into appropriate age groups)

Again this year, Camp Zoo is offering the position of "Junior Counselor" to 12 to 14 year olds that have completed at least one week of Camp Zoo. Junior Counselors will get the opportunity to educate younger children while learning more about their favorite animals and earning their Long Island Game Farm Junior Camp Counselor certification. Junior Counselors attend camp for a reduced rate.

The Long Island Game Farm Wildlife and Children's Zoo features hundreds of animals, including zebra, a 18-foot giraffe, red kangaroos, kinkajous, buffalo, cougars, Barbados sheep, alligators, peacocks, and the only lemurs born and bred on Long Island. The Game Farm also has many interactive areas where guests can touch and, unlike most zoos, actually feed the animals! During the summer season, a 500 seat amphitheater serves as center stage for entertainment and educational programs. Children can also enjoy one of the carnival-style rides such as the carousel, Rio Grande Train, or Teacups. The Game Farm offers pony rides as well.

Considering the limited class sizes, Camp Zoo is expected to fill up quickly. To register, or for more information about Camp Zoo, call (631) 878-6670 or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com/edzoocation/campzoo.html.