As I mentioned in What Sounds Fun This Week, the Pt.Defiance Zoo is open every day again, and there are some fun story times for the preschool set this week. There are also some exciting opportunities coming up at both the zoo and Northwest Trek for older kids, especially if you have a tween or teen who might be interested in a future career working with animals.
First, on March 5th, Northwest Trek is offering a Free Career Day Event for high school and college students. Kids under 16 do need to be accompanied by a full paying adult, and the program is limited to the first 50 participants, so register now if you’re interested. This event will include talks and demonstrations about possible animal careers. If your teen is already sold and looking for real hands on stuff, you might want to consider one of the upcoming opportunities at the zoo.
Coming up on March 5th, the zoo offers one of its Keeper for a Day classes for teens 13-17. Kids get a full day of doing the real life work of zookeepers. It’s o.k. to admit you’d like your teen to scoop a little poop! Class is limited to six participants, with a minimum of three. I have no idea whether the March 5th event is filled, but give a call to see. These classes are offered monthly, and there is a level II program after they complete level I.
If sea creatures are more their style, your teens can also take part in a similar zoo program called Marine Biologist for the Day. The next one is on the 19th.
You can get information on all these Career Discovery Programs right here.
Your tween age kids aren’t left out either. The zoo has programs for kids 8-12 called junior zookeeper and junior aquarist.
Now, the zoo programs are a bit spendy, although I think they’re a good value for the experience they offer. The zoo does typically do a free career day in the Fall. I’ll be sure to let you know if one comes around again
Your kiddos aren’t quite big enough? Another new zoo offering is Zoo 4 U a program similar to the Critter Club designed for kids 4-7.
Don’t forget that registration has already opened for the zoo’s popular summer day camps.
If you can’t get enough of creature encounters, be sure to visit the excellent, free HC Mast Center at Redondo which has touch tanks and is open every Saturday. Mast has also offered an excellent summer camp in past years. I’ll let you know if they announce one again.