Important Information For I Love The Zoo Kids Only Bunk

Transcription

1 Important Information For I Love The Zoo Kids Only Bunk Welcome to your overnight adventure at the Denver Zoo! To make your child s stay enjoyable and safe, please read carefully the following information. What You Can Expect We want your Bunk with the Beasts overnight adventure to be a fun and memorable one. Please take a look at the following information regarding our expectations of your group, and what you can expect from us. Please share this information with everyone attending We ll see you soon! What You ll See Your group will explore exhibits, learn fun facts and anecdotes, and participate in learning games, crafts, or stories that focus in on your Bunk topic. The Denver Zoo encompasses 80 acres, and is home to more than 4000 animals representing over 750 different species. You won t see everything or learn all there is to learn in just one visit, but you will delve deeper into the topic at hand. What You ll Do Bunk with the Beasts overnight adventures offer a more intimate, personalized exploration of the zoo. Each Bunk with the Beast overnight adventure includes different activities specific to the theme, but you can count on an active, fun-filled experience that includes: An intro or ice breaker activity A guided zoo tour focusing on animals relating to the Bunk theme Animal encounters (you won t touch a tiger, but you will get up close and personal with some of our education animals) A variety of educational games and activities, including use of night vision scopes. An opportunity to see the zoo at night, without the large crowds! All Bunk participants will receive a take home souvenir as a reminder of their overnight zoo adventure. Rules of the Zoo Overnight participants are given special access to the zoo when it is normally closed to the public. We hope that you will enjoy this special privilege and help us by doing the following: DO treat animals kindly. Remember, this is where they live and they are not used to having company in the evening and early morning. Please use quiet voices and do not touch exhibit glass when on tours. 1

2 DO treat all campers, staff, and volunteers with respect. DO keep your nametag visible at all times. It identifies you as a camper who is allowed on zoo grounds after-hours. DO stay in a group with your tour guides. DO walk. It gets dark and running is not safe. DO remember the Denver Zoo is Smoke-Free and Bunk with the Beasts is Alcohol-free. Program Start & End Times Please note that your child s overnight adventure begins promptly at 6:00pm. Arrival after 6:00 p.m. could result in missed dinner, tours, animal encounters, or other activities. Activities are planned from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. the following day. All parents or guardians must sign their child in and out of the program in person, to a Bunk staff member at the Gates Wildlife Conservation Education Center. Please remember you must bring a photo ID when picking up your child. Late Arrival/Early Departure Policy Due to planned tours and program activities led by staff and the secure closure of the zoo after public hours, late arrivals and early departures are difficult to accommodate. After public hours, all participants must be escorted to and from the main gates by a Bunk staff member. If someone in your party is considering a late arrival or early departure from the Bunk program, please be aware of the following: You must contact the Bunk with the Beasts registration line ( ) as soon as possible to arrange the late arrival or early departure. Late Arrivals scheduled more than 30 minutes after your program start time will be charged an Accommodation Fee of $5 per person. We are unable to accommodate any arrivals after 10:00 p.m. Early Departures from the Bunk are also subject to the $5 per person Accommodation Fee, since they require an escort out of the zoo. Exceptions to this are a window between 9:30-10:00 p.m. and 7:00-8:00 a.m. No fee will be assessed for departures during those times. Please note that we are unable to accommodate any morning departures before 7:00 a.m. and any evening departures after 10:00 p.m. Unplanned departures due to illness or emergency situations are not subject to fees. Parking for Drop Off and Pick Up The most convenient parking will be on Level 2 of the parking garage. Once parked, escort your child to Gate 1, across from the parking garage and near the Gates Wildlife Conservation Education Center. This is the gate to the west of the Main Entrance. A Bunk with the Beasts staff member will meet you at 6:00 p.m. for checkin. Participants will not be admitted to the zoo before their check-in time. Please remain with your child until check-in is completed. For pick-up, please park your car and come to Gate 1. At 10:00 a.m., a Bunk with the Beasts staff member will greet all adults picking up children. At that time, you may proceed to the Gates Wildlife Conservation Education Center to complete the check-out process with your child. Please be sure to bring a photo ID with you to pick up your child. Please note that pick-ups more than 15 minutes late will be charged a late pick-up accommodation fee. 2

3 Parking Map: Level 2 of the Parking Garage will be nearest your check-in at Location A Weather Many of the zoo s exhibits are outside. The overnight adventure will take place in any type of weather. Planned outdoor activities will occur, rain, snow or shine, so please make sure your children bring appropriate clothing and gear. In extreme weather conditions, indoor activities may be substituted for outdoor activities. Food Your Bunk with the Beasts program includes a pizza dinner, evening snack, and hot breakfast. (See sample menu below). Outside Food and Beverages are not allowed. Due to the volume and varied nature of food allergies, if you cannot eat from the menu below, we will allow you to bring your own food for those individuals with food allergies or special dietary restrictions. We do have a refrigerator and microwave available for your use for these individuals. It is OK to bring a personal water bottle. If you have any questions, please call us at Bunk Menus include the following, but are subject to substitution: Dinner: Evening Snack: Breakfast: A selection of pizza (i.e. cheese, pepperoni, mushroom, pineapple) Fresh veggies and ranch dip Lemonade or water Popcorn Lemonade or hot cocoa, water Scrambled Eggs with tortillas, salsa, green onions, and cheese on the side Crispy Home Fries Fresh Fruit Cereal and Milk Orange Juice/Water Coffee and Tea (adults only) 3

4 Sleeping Accommodations Your child will be sleeping on non-padded floors in a studio or classroom of the Gates Wildlife Conservation Education Center, supervised by staff. It is highly recommended that participants bring foam ground pads or air mattresses for extra comfort. Bathrooms are located in close proximity to the sleeping areas. What to Bring (It s a good idea to label your items with a name & phone #) Foam pad or air mattress (highly recommended Sleeping on hard floors is uncomfortable) Sleeping bag and a pillow Appropriate clothing; pajamas or sweats for sleeping (dress for the weather, and consider layers. Indoor and outdoor temperatures can vary greatly). Comfortable walking shoes or boots Personal toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, washcloth, etc. (Please note that no shower or bathing facilities are available). Camera (Note that flash photography is not allowed on zoo tours after dark) In summer, mosquito repellant & sunscreen (the zoo is a proactive West Nile testing site, taking preventative measures, but we do recommend taking the precaution of mosquito repellant) Your favorite stuffed animal. What NOT to Bring Flashlights. Animal exhibits are sensitive to flashlights, so Bunk staff will carry any necessary lights. Electronic devices such as radios, ipods, MP3 Players, ipads, mini DVD players, or video games. Also no headphones. Gum, food, snacks or beverages. Nonessential items like jewelry and valuables are discouraged. The Denver Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Cell phones are discouraged, except for emergency use. No Heelies (roller skates) please. What s the Agenda? Your Bunk with the Beast overnight adventure includes different activities specific to the theme you registered for. Our instructors and volunteers will guide you through each experience, making sure everyone gets to participate. Although the exact agenda is subject to modification, here s a general idea of how your Bunk will go After check-in and dinner, you ll head outside for a fun-filled private tour of the zoo! Educational games, activities or stations may be part of your tour, or you may be doing them later in the evening, depending on how the schedule is running. Your group will have the opportunity to experience animal encounters in the evening (you won t touch a tiger, but you will get up close and personal with some of our education animals), and check out what it s like to be nocturnal, exploring the zoo with special night vision scopes after dark. The next morning we ll help the group rise and shine, as you get dressed and pack up your gear before breakfast. Once everyone has enjoyed our breakfast buffet, you ll head back out in the zoo for more tours and activities. Your Bunk memories will then come to a close, but don t forget you can always use your Bunk with the Beasts nametag to enjoy the zoo for the rest of the day to enjoy unseen exhibits, rides and experiences! 4

5 Supervision Adult Bunk with the Beasts staff and volunteers will lead the group in activities, games, and tours. There is a staff to child ratio of 1 to 8. All staff and volunteers have undergone background checks and are experienced in Bunk with the Beasts programs and working with children. They are here to ensure a safe, fun, educational experience for your child. Cancellations, Refunds or Additions Bunk with the Beasts adheres to a no refund cancellation policy. In the case of a conflict for one of the participants, we do encourage you to find substitutes of appropriate age for the program. If the zoo must cancel a program, full refunds will be issued. Security/Lost and Found/First Aid The Denver Zoo has 24 hour security officers, trained in first aid and CPR. If someone needs to get in touch with you during your overnight adventure (for emergencies only, please), they can call the Security Office at Lost items will be taken to the zoo s main Lost and Found. Please contact Lost and Found directly at if you discover an item is missing after the Bunk. Frequently Asked Questions Q. Can I bring an unregistered child or other family member to the overnight and register them when we arrive? A. No. All registrations must be taken care of at least four weeks prior to your overnight, and must be of appropriate age (children ages 6-13 only). Q. If a participant cannot come at the last minute, can I bring another in their place? A. Yes, if age-appropriate, but you must call us prior to your overnight and provide us with the information that we need about that person. Q. Can I register my younger child who will be of the required age in a few months? Can I register my child that is older than the listed age range? A. Generally no. The program is designed for the best experience of the children attending, and the age parameters are in place to help ensure that. If you have a special needs child or unique circumstance relating to age, please contact us before registering. Q. I have a participant that needs to arrive late/leave early. Can we make arrangements? A. Due to security measures in the zoo after hours, and the nature of the Bunk with the Beasts program, late arrivals and early departures are difficult to accommodate, and will result in missed activities. Please review the Late Arrival/Early Departure Policy and contact us to discuss your situation. QUESTIONS? Contact us at or bunkwiththebeasts@denverzoo.org. 5

6 PARTICIPANT INFO FORM Child s Name Program Title Please complete a separate form for each child. Child s Age: PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION Name(s): Address: City, State, Zip: Phone number you can be reached at TONIGHT during child s program: Alternate Phone: address: Alternate Phone: PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO PICK UP MY CHILD Please list the names of anyone authorized to pick up your child, including yourself and your spouse, if applicable. A current Photo ID is required for pick-up, every day. Your child will not be released to anyone not on this Authorized Pick Up List. SPECIAL NEEDS/CONCERNS, ALLERGIES, MEDICAL CONDITIONS Please list anything regarding your child that Instructors and Bunk administrators should be aware of, including special needs, concerns, allergies, medical or behavioral conditions and dietary needs. Please contact us in advance at or bunkwiththebeasts@denverzoo.org if your child requires medication of any kind, or if any of these concerns may require advance preparation on our part. Thank you! I, the undersigned, have read and understand the Denver Zoo Bunk policies and procedures detailed in my camper s Bunk IMPORTANT INFORMATION document. I understand the ID policy and my responsibility to inform all persons on my child s Authorized Pick-Up list of said policy. Parent/Guardian signature Date 6

7 Bunk with the Beasts/CampOUT Photo Release Permission and Consent: We/I acknowledge that Denver Zoo might from time to time take photographs of the participants and attendees of Zoo programs and activities, and that such photographs might be used in Zoo brochures and Zoo program advertising (the Photographs ). I further acknowledge that as a result of my child s participation in Zoo programs and his/her presence on Zoo premises, his/her image might be included in the Photographs. We/I hereby authorize Denver Zoo and its agents to take, use, display, publish, reproduce and distribute any and all Photographs that include my child s image and to create derivative works based upon all such Photographs. Name of Child/Participant Bunk/CampOUT Date Signature (Denver Zoo requires a signature from a parent/guardian of each child listed.) Date 7