Spring Camp at Chehaw in Albany, Georgia turns a school break into a hands-on nature lab for ages five to twelve. Over four days (9AM–3PM daily) campers follow the flight paths of bees and butterflies through the zoo’s flower beds, meet ambassadors in animal encounters, and build simple crafts and activities that explain pollination and plant life. The program runs as a day camp, with drop-off from 8:30–9:00 AM, pick-up 3:00–3:30 PM and optional after-camp care to 6:00 PM; full session fee is $145 or $38 per day.
This camp’s strength is the way it translates a large park and zoo into a small, curious world. Key features include dedicated pollinator gardens where children can observe bees and butterflies at work, close-up animal encounters with zoo staff, and hands-on stations for planting, insect observation, and games. The setting is practical and educational rather than theatrical: open flower beds, interpretive signs, shaded picnic and activity areas, and short walking routes tailored to young legs. Camp leaders use the zoo’s living collection and cultivated native plants to teach ecological roles, life cycles, and simple stewardship—lessons that stick because kids see the connections in situ.
Visitors should note what makes this camp a standout in the region: it combines formal zoo resources with an age-appropriate curriculum focused on pollinators—an increasingly important topic— and puts kids outdoors for structured play and problem-solving. The format blends animal handling demonstrations, a guided walk through pollinator habitat, and craft projects that encourage repeat visits to local gardens and green spaces. For families visiting Albany, Spring Camp offers a concentrated, low-risk way to expose young children to wildlife education without overnight logistics.
Practical details: camp is located at Chehaw in Albany, Georgia; space is best secured by reserving the session via the provided booking link. Bring a refillable water bottle, sun protection, a light jacket for variable spring weather, and closed-toe shoes for walking. The staff adapt activities by age, and daily schedules balance active outdoor time with quieter craft and circle sessions. Whether you’re from town or passing through, this four-day program is a spirited primer on pollinators that gives kids tangible skills—how to spot a bee versus a fly, how to help a garden support wildlife, and a memorable first-hand visit to a local zoo.
Expect small-group rotations so each child has direct time with educators and animals, and simple take-home activities that extend learning to backyard gardens. The camp’s pace suits early-elementary attention spans: reminders, short hikes under shade, and water breaks throughout the day. Parents appreciate the clear schedule, on-site staffing, and the way learning is structured around observation and play—practical lessons that nudge kids toward curiosity and responsible outdoor habits. It’s hands-on and joyful.