What is the age range for campers?

This camp is designed for teens ages 11 to 17 years old.

Is prior experience with animals required?

No previous animal experience is needed—campers learn everything on site.

Are phones and electronics allowed?

The camp encourages a tech-free environment to help campers connect with nature and peers.

What types of animals will campers interact with?

Campers engage with a variety of animals including native wildlife and exotic species at the park.

Is tent camping mandatory?

Tent camping is part of the experience, but accommodations may vary depending on camper preferences and availability.

What safety measures are in place?

Staff are trained in animal care and camper safety, ensuring supervised, secure interactions.

Unplug and Explore: The Ultimate Teen Overnight Camp at North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park

Set in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park near Cleveland, Georgia offers a distinctive adventure for teens longing to escape the digital world and connect with nature. The Teen Overnight Camp is a four-day, three-night immersive experience designed for young outdoor enthusiasts ages 11 to 17 to deepen their appreciation for God’s creation through hands-on animal encounters and spiritual growth amid the wilderness. This camp provides a rare chance to disconnect from screens and engage directly with wildlife, creating an unforgettable blend of education, adventure, and reflection.

Participants stay at the Wildlife Park’s grounds, where tent camping is a possibility, providing an authentic outdoor overnight experience. The park is home to diverse species including exotic and native animals, all central to the camp’s interactive curriculum. This isn’t your typical summer camp; it’s a faith-driven journey that integrates camp songs, daily devotions, servant leadership roles, and evening Vespers — a peaceful sunset prayer service that punctuates each day with a moment of spiritual connection.

Teens get their hands dirty with real animal interaction, learning about animal care and the environment that sustains them. From feeding giraffes to observing rare wildlife, campers gain insight into stewardship of the natural world. The experience strengthens cognitive, physical, and social skills while fostering a meaningful relationship with nature and faith.

The camp runs in two sessions: Week 1 from June 24-27, 2025 for ages 11-14, and Week 2 from July 8-11, 2025 for ages 12-17. The small group size, capped at 25 participants, ensures personalized attention and an intimate group dynamic. Cameras and phones take a backseat here – technology is set aside so teens can fully absorb the sights, sounds, and rhythms of outdoor life.

Set against Georgia’s rich Appalachian backdrop, Cleveland provides a gateway to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain vistas that enrich this wildlife-focused camp. The park itself is a rare gem in the region, offering accessible wildlife experiences impossible to replicate in urban settings. This camp is ideally suited for families seeking a wholesome, nature-forward experience that blends adventure with growth and reflection.

Whether your teen dreams of working with animals or simply needs a refreshing break in nature, the North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park Teen Overnight Camp delivers an enriching summer escape that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. In a world overwhelmed by screens, this camp rekindles a vital connection to the outdoors and the incredible creatures that inhabit it.