2024 Day Camp Parent Handbook

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

2024 Day Camp

Parent Handbook

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Welcome p.3

Registration Forms & CampDoc p.5

Arrival p.6

Dismissal p.8

Attire p.10

Adventure Island p.11

Attire p.10

Camp Safety p.12

Dining & Shopping p.15

Code of Conduct p.16

Camp Schedules & Itineraries p.17

Kindergarten p.18

& 2

Grade p.19

& 4

Grade p.20

& 6

Grade p.21

& 8

Grade p.22

& 12

Grade p.23

Refunds & Cancellation p.24

Contact Information p.25

Table of Contents

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Welcome

Thank you for choosing Busch Gardens Camp for your child’s summer camp program. We are

dedicated to creating a safe, enriching and fun atmosphere for all of

our campers. We provide memorable experiences that will last a

lifetime. Busch Gardens Camp programs are accredited by the

American Camp Association (ACA). To achieve and maintain this

accreditation, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay complies with or exceeds

standards set by the ACA.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Busch Gardens is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the

animals in our care. We have worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside

consultants, and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and

cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving

industry standards and methodologies, public health and governmental directives, and

advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.

We are excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable

experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time.

Staffing

The Education Department at Busch Gardens has a year-round team of experienced camp

personnel. The senior camp team has years of experience teaching students of all ages. Our

seasonal camp counselors are highly motivated, experienced college students and teachers

that are carefully selected and screened. All camp staff participates in a wide range of

training including classroom management, child development, and discipline strategies. Our

counselors possess American Red Cross (ARC) First Aid/CPR/AED certifications, medication

administration training, and review safe driving practices. It is our goal to ensure a safe and

enjoyable camp experience for all.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Things to Share with Your Camper

Whether you are 6 or 96 years old, homesickness is a very normal reaction at camp. The

combination of unfamiliar surroundings and new people can be unsettling at first. We

encourage parents/guardians to thoroughly read through the confirmation packet and to

address expectations with your child in preparation for camp.

Following arrival and check-in, campers participate in several “icebreaker” activities to help

everyone get acquainted. The activities are simple and include topics such as favorite

animals, favorite hobbies or even why they decided to attend a Busch Gardens Camp.

Busch Gardens Camp Goals

Based on a long-term commitment to education, Busch Gardens Camp strives to provide an

enthusiastic, imaginative and intellectually stimulating atmosphere to help campers develop

a lifelong appreciation, understanding and stewardship for our diverse natural environments

and resources.

Busch Gardens Camp goals are...

• to create a stimulating environment that encourages campers to become stewards of the

natural world

• to focus on creating an atmosphere of building self-esteem in our campers with positive

interactions and situations that build confidence

• to provide campers with opportunities for team work and problem solving

Our goals encourage our campers to be future ambassadors for this world we all share. You

can be a part of this outcome with your camper by simply asking them the following

questions each day after camp.

What animal(s) did you meet/see today?

What did the animal feel like?

What did the animal eat?

What did the animal look like?

What did you learn about today?

What was interesting about it?

What activity/craft did you do today?

What attraction did you experience today?

How did the habitat design help the animal

living in it?

What was unique/special about the

animal’s habitat/area?

Where does the animal(s) that you learned about today live in the world?

What animals do you see near where you live?

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Registration Forms & CampDoc

All confirmation packet components, including

health history and release forms, need to be

completed and signed prior to camper

participation in any camp. This summer, Busch

Gardens Camps is partnering with

CampDoc.com, the leading electronic health record system for camps. You can now

complete and sign your camper’s health information and releases electronically! The

security and privacy of your camper's information is very important to us. The CampDoc.com

site is secure, encrypted and password protected. Only the Busch Gardens Camps team will

have access to your camper’s information.

Having signed up for camp, you will receive an “Invitation” email from CampDoc.com. This

“Invitation” email will include instructions on how to create and track your unique account.

CampDoc.com sends out periodic reminder emails for incomplete information. These

notifications will come from CampDoc.com, so please add this to your safe sender list to

avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders.

Please note that CampDoc.com supports the current and previous major releases of Chrome,

Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari which provide improved security and performance for

health information. If you have any questions regarding CampDoc.com, please contact us at

education@buschgardens.com.

Please plan to review, complete, and sign ALL confirmation materials at least three weeks

prior to your camp date. Be sure to review the insurance information, medical history and

over-the-counter medication forms carefully.

Registration Check List

Here is a check-list of all forms you will have access to on your camper’s CampDoc

profile. Registration is complete once you have reviewed and electronically signed all

forms listed below:

• Camper Information and Health History

• Camper Medication Information and Over-The-Counter release

• Medical Consent and Assumption of Risk

• Photo Release, Liability Release, Voluntary Assumption of Risk and Indemnity

Agreement

• Vehicle Pass & Parent Handbook

This profile must be fully completed prior to the camper being admitted into the

program. If you do not receive your link or need to change the email associated with the

camper’s profile, please contact us at Education@buschgardens.com.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Arrival

Monday Morning

On Monday morning, check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. and lasts until approximately 8:30 a.m.

After parking your vehicle, please proceed to the check-in table and follow all instructions

given.

Camp Staff will confirm we have received your completed registration forms. You will also

confirm who is authorized to pick up your child besides the legal guardians stated on your

CampDoc profile. All names in CampDoc profile must be legal names listed on identification,

no nicknames or shortened names. Please note that any missing forms from your CampDoc

profile will need to be completed at this time and will delay your child’s check-in process.

Please arrive on time as late arrivals may miss program elements and will experience check-

in delays.

Upon the campers’ arrival, Camp and Health Service staff will review any medical concerns

with campers & parents individually. Some examples of questions campers could be asked

include any changes to medications they are taking, current health status, any cold

symptoms, or special medical needs. Health history summaries are confidential and remain

with the counselors during the course of the program. Campers (and their parents) may be

required to visit the Health Service’s Station if:

• They are checking in medications

• Discussing any specific medical concerns

• Reviewing any paperwork completed during check-in

Once campers have visited the check-in table and the Health Services’ station (if

applicable), they can proceed to the final stop, the T-shirt station to receive their camp

shirt.

After visiting all three stations, campers will be escorted by camp staff to the Welcome

Pavilion, where they will meet their counselor and receive a camp water bottle. Once all

campers have arrived, campers and their counselors will leave the check-in area to begin

their day.

Remainder of Week

For the remaining week of camp, check-in will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. only. We

recommend limiting the people arriving to only the camper(s) and their parent/guardian

when possible.

Upon arrival each day, please park your car and walk your camper(s) to the Check-in table

and sign them in. If your child will be late or absent, please call the Camp Leaders On Duty

between 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at (813) 600-0178. Unfortunately, missed days are not

refundable.

NO PETS are allowed on property, please leave pets at home.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Medication

Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications must be given to health services staff during

check-in. Only Health Services or trained Camp Staff will administer medications, as

prescribed in writing by a physician, or as indicated by the manufacturer’s directions. All

medications must be in their original containers displaying original labels with a physician’s

instructions or with manufacturer’s directions. During the check-in process, a Busch Gardens

health services staff member will confirm and collect any medications from the camper,

ensure medication is in its original container, and log dosage information for counselors to

reference throughout the program. We recommend not bringing unneeded over-the counter

medications since Busch Gardens will provide most over-the-counter medications as needed.

Medications will not be dispensed without written physician and/or parent/guardian

permission.

While at camp, campers may experience certain general ailments such as headaches,

upset stomach, menstrual cramps, cuts or scrapes, etc. The Busch Gardens’ Medical

Director has provided an appropriate dosage for the over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

provided by the park. These medications do not need to be sent with your camper. See

CampDoc for the OTC medications we provide. Please contact us if you have questions

regarding OTC Medications.

Directions to Check-In

Enter Busch Gardens through the “Bus Drop-off/Pick-up” entrance on the west side of 40th

Street (McKinley). Follow the Busch Gardens Camp signs towards the main entrance of the

park to the security gate. The entrance to the security gate is to the left of the main

entrance of the park. Stop at the security gate and present the vehicle pass to the guard on

duty. (Be prepared for a brief vehicle search, which is a routine procedure for any vehicle

entering a back area). No pets, please. After the security gate, please proceed slowly and

follow the directional signs to the check-in area.

Adventure Island

Busch Gardens Apprentices, Splash Seekers, Thrill Seekers, SEA Trekkers, and BG

Voyagers camps will be attending Adventure Island on designated days, and will need to be

dropped off and picked up at that location.

Enter Adventure Island through the main parking entrance toll booths. Please

display your vehicle pass* and proceed through the cones at the toll booth.

Follow the camp signs to the Picnic Pavilion at the rear left of the main parking

lot. Be advised, the main parking entrance will not open prior to the 8:00 a.m.

drop-off time.

A map to Adventure Island drop-off and pick-up and the day your camper will be attending,

will be available at Monday morning check-in., and is available on CampDoc.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Dismissal

Camper Dismissal will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. We recommend

limiting the people arriving for dismissal to only the camper(s) and their parent/guardian

when possible.

Upon arrival, please park your car and proceed to the pick-up area.

A mandatory I.D. check is in effect to pick up all campers. Only adults 18 years of age and

older who have been authorized on the camper’s CampDoc profile are permitted to pick up

the camper. There are no exceptions to this rule. All names in CampDoc profile must be

legal names listed on identification, no nicknames or shortened names. Only government-

issued identification will be accepted. Camp Staff will verify your I.D. against our authorized

pick up list and have you sign-out your camper(s).

Anyone not indicated on the CampDoc profile who arrives to pick up a camper must be

verified by Camp Staff via phone call directly to the parent/guardian. Under no exceptions

will campers be released to an unauthorized individual without verbal consent directly from

the parent/guardian.

Campers at Busch Gardens are to be picked up at the Welcome Tent (the same location

where they were dropped off).

Extended Care

Extended care is a service provided by Day Camp counselors that allows for a flexible pick

up time. For an additional fee, you can extend your campers’ pick up time to between the

hours of 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Classroom based activities are provided for campers with

games, crafts, and age appropriate videos.

Pricing varies, please visit www.buschgardens.com/camps for details.

Late Pick-up Policy and Fee

Please note that dismissal ends promptly at 3:30 pm, after which time we reserve the right

to charge $1.00 per minute until the camper is signed out. If charged, parents will be

contacted by the Busch Gardens Reservation team the following morning to process payment

for the late pick-up. There is no cut off time for this fee and the authorities will be notified

for any children left at camp one hour past camp end time.

Early Pick-Up

If a camper needs to be picked up before 3:00 p.m., please notify Camp Staff during check-

in that morning. All early pick ups must take place prior to 1:45 p.m. All camp staff are

preparing for Camp Dismissal from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. so we are unable to accommodate

any early pick up request during that time.

To help us ensure that your child is ready to be picked up at the appropriate time, or if you

have an emergency after camp begins, please call the Camp Leader On Duty 30 minutes prior

to your arrival at (813) 600-0178. It may take up to 30 minutes to get you camper to the

front of the park depending on where their camp is located at that time.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Adventure Island

Busch Gardens Apprentices, Splash Seekers, Thrill Seekers, SEA Trekkers, and BG

Voyagers camps will be attending Adventure Island on designated days, and will need to be

dropped off and picked up at that location.

Enter Adventure Island through the main parking entrance toll booths. Please

display your vehicle pass* and proceed through the cones at the toll booth.

Follow the camp signs to the Picnic Pavilion at the rear left of the main parking

lot. Be advised, the main parking entrance will not open prior to the 8:00 a.m.

drop-off time.

A map to Adventure Island drop-off and pick-up and the day your camper will be attending,

will be available at Monday morning check-in, and is available on CampDoc.

After-Camp Park Admission

After camp concludes each day, Day Camp participants may be readmitted to the park at no

additional charge

Busch Gardens Re-Admittance

Campers must be picked up from inside the park in order to be re-admitted into the park.

Parents must park in the general parking lot (parking fee will apply). Parents will need to

purchase park admission, if they have not already done so, and then enter the park through

the main turnstiles. In-park camper dismissal takes place from 3:00pm—3:30pm at the

Outpost Classroom. The Outpost Classroom is located next to the front-of-park Security/First

Aid Station. A Camp Staff member will be stationed inside the classroom to facilitate

Camper Dismissal.

Please Note: We no longer provide a hand stamp to re-enter Busch Gardens. If parents pick

up their campers from outside the park, they will be required to purchase admission, or use

a season pass to re-enter the park.

Adventure Island Re-Admittance

(Only Valid on the date your camper attends Adventure Island)

Campers must be picked up from inside the park in order to be re-admitted into the park.

Parents must park in the general parking lot (parking fee will apply). Parents will need to

purchase park admission, if they have not already done so, and then enter the park through

the main turnstiles.

Parents must notify staff the morning that they will be picking campers up inside the park,

and instructions and location will be given at that time.

Discounted Tickets for Camper’s Family Member

(Only Valid for Busch Gardens)

Discounted tickets for camper’s family members will be available for purchase Monday

morning at check-in. Tickets are valid for one day admission to Busch Gardens during the

week your campers is attending camp.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Attire

Campers should dress appropriately for the outdoors and forecasted weather. Keep in mind

that Florida is hot and humid during the summer. All camp programs spend time outdoors

and involve a considerable amount of walking. Campers have the potential to get wet any

day of the week due to water attractions or from

Florida’s summer rain showers.

Camp T-Shirt

The Busch Gardens Camp t-shirt, issued at check-in

on the first day of camp, should be worn daily. The

camp shirt is easily identifiable for Camp and Park

Staff and allow counselors to manage their groups

more effectively. Please note that camp t-shirts that

are altered in any way, and have been deliberately

cut, ripped or torn, will not be allowed.

Additional camp shirts will be available for purchase

for $10 each (Busch Gardens has gone cashless—

credit/debit only please). Campers are welcome to

wear past years’ camp t-shirts as well.

Shorts

Campers should wear comfortable, quick-dry shorts. Quick-dry shorts allow campers to

continue to comfortably enjoy the day if they happen to get wet.

Footwear

Please dress your camper in comfortable, walking shoes. Campers are permitted to wear

open-toe footwear, as long as it has a heel strap. No sandals or flip-flops, please.

Water Bottle

Each camper is given a camp water bottle on their first day and it is highly recommended

that they bring their camp water bottles each day. There will be opportunities during camp

to visit water refill stations to refill bottles.

What To Bring

BUSCH GARDENS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR STOLEN OR LOST MONEY OR VALUABLES.

Clearly label anything your camper brings

Suggested items your camper can bring:

• Small backpacks

• Travel sized sunscreen/insect repellent

• A hat

Items your camper should not bring:

• A raincoat/umbrella (Camp staff provides

one-time use rain ponchos during inclem-

ent weather)

• Large Backpacks

• Money or Valuable electronics

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Camp Safety

Medical Services

Safety is first and foremost a part of every element of Busch Gardens Camp. For all minor

injuries and illnesses that occur at a park, the Busch Gardens, Adventure Island or SeaWorld

Health Services team is available and will address your camper’s medical needs. Counselors

are trained in American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED and equipped with a first aid kit and

AED while offsite. In the unlikely event a serious injury or illness occurs, participants will be

transported to Advent Health—Tampa, which is within two miles of Busch Gardens. A Busch

Gardens representative will contact you in case such an emergency arises. In order to

administer medical services to your camper, all medical liability releases, health history

forms, and insurance information must be completed and signed before arriving at camp.

Please make sure at least one phone number is U.S. based.

Weather Emergencies

Camp management and counselors balance the components of the program with the current

weather conditions. Weather conditions are monitored closely by our Security department.

The enjoyment of the park elements is contingent upon the proximity and nature of weather

factors such as lightning or high winds. Rain and afternoon thunderstorms are common in

Florida and may affect some camp activities. In the event of lightning or tornado warnings in

the immediate vicinity, campers will be moved to the closest indoor location until the threat

has passed. Indoor activities are planned if thunderstorms prevail.

Our park observes strict weather protocols. When lightning has been spotted within 3 miles

of our park, for everyone’s safety, guests and team members are required to seek shelter.

Once the weather passes, we can resume activities.

Camp dismissal may proceed as normal during inclement weather, but be advised that

campers’ arrival at the pick-up area may be delayed. You are welcome to wait until the

inclement weather passes before proceeding to the pick-up area as dismissal will be

extended to ensure everyone’s safety. Parents will be notified via text message if Camp

Dismissal will be impacted due to inclement weather. To receive text notifications, you must

opt in on your CampDoc profile.

During more severe weather, such as a hurricane, camp management will make a decision

about canceling a camp on a case-by-case basis. Once camp is canceled, it cannot be

rescheduled for the original date even if the weather clears or other factors change.

Parents/guardians will be contacted in a timely manner should such an event occur. Camp is

not canceled for rain. In the event of dangerous weather (i.e. hurricane) we will notify you

the day before about camp closure.

Rides

All park guidelines for guests when riding a ride also apply to campers (i.e. height

restrictions and disabilities). Campers who choose not to participate in this element will

participate in another activity with a counselor until the entire group has disembarked the

ride.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Illness

Please keep your camper home if they seem listless, unusually irritable, complains of a

stomachache, headache, earache, or seems to be unusually pale or flushed. It is better

to be overcautious than to risk exposing the rest of the children and staff to a contagion.

Face Coverings & Sanitation

Camp operations will follow all posted park policies regarding face coverings for Busch

Gardens and Adventure Island. Please visit us at https://buschgardens.com/tampa/park-

info/park-safety/ for more information regarding our current face covering policy.

*Campers may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. face coverings

and gloves) in some behind-the-scenes animal areas.

Key areas of camp operations, including activity and lunch areas, will be sanitized

between groups to ensure campers are utilizing sanitary environments. We have also

offer frequent handwashing opportunities, especially before and after eating.

Please contact us at educati[email protected] or (813) 987-5808 for any specific

questions regarding our face coverings policies or sanitation procedures.

COVID-19 Protocols

In the unlikely event that a camper exhibits any symptoms related to COVID-19, A

Communicable Disease Plan has been developed to prepare Health Services and Camp

Leadership to respond safely and efficiently to ensure the safety of the individual affected

and the group.

If a member of our Health Services team determines that a camper present symptoms

that could be related to COVID-19, the following steps will occur:

• Camp staff will escort the camper to our designated rest area, and provide an

opportunity for the camper to rest while they wait for their pick up.

• Camp Leadership team will notify the camper’s parent and/or emergency contact

that their camper is displaying symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 and that

immediate arrangements need to be made to have their camper picked up.

• If a camper is sent home due to displaying symptoms related to COVID-19, they are

only permitted to return to finish out that session of camp if they can produce a

negative test result. Camp Leadership will work with the impacted family to

determine what options exist, including rebooking to a later date (pending

availability).

Camp Leadership will also notify families if an individual in their camper’s group is sent

home because they exhibited symptoms that could be related to COVID-19. For privacy,

individuals will not be identified.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Camper Conduct

The following actions/behaviors will result in an immediate dismissal from camp at the

parent’s expense:

• Consumption or possession of: alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco or vaping

products

• Possession or use of a weapon— weapons are defined as guns of any kind

(Including toy guns), slingshots, penknives, switchblades, box cutters, or any

other item prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

• Sexually explicit language or behavior

• Physical assault, fighting, bullying or harassment

In addition to the aforementioned actions/behaviors, stealing, damaging property, lying,

cheating or the use of profanity is also not tolerated under any circumstance. Campers

who display these behaviors could be asked to leave camp depending on the severity or

frequency of the behavior.

Use of tobacco or vaping products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chewing

tobacco) is not allowed. Any such item will be immediately confiscated and the incident

reported to parents/guardians.

Security Search

Busch Gardens Security reserves the right to search through any person’s belongings

upon entering the park, or if it suspected that an individual may become in possession of

items that are harmful or inappropriate.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Lunch

Campers are required to bring their own lunch each day. Please take the following into

consideration when packing your camper’s lunch:

• Clearly label your child’s lunch box with their first and last name

• Lunches are stored in secure locations, however refrigeration is not available. We

recommend that lunches contain non-perishable items or an ice pack to keep perishable

items cool.

• We ask lunch containers to be standard size so they can fit within the storage areas

provided. Due to limited storage space, please send only soft sided lunch boxes—No hard

coolers.

• Campers are not permitted to share any of their lunch items with other campers.

• Campers attending SEA Trekkers, Splash Seekers, and BG Voyagers will not need to

bring lunch.

Snacks

Busch Gardens Camp will provide a snack each afternoon. Some available food products may

contain or have been processed in proximity to peanut and/or other allergenic ingredients.

Please specify any food allergies and/or restrictions on your CampDoc profile. If the snack of

the day contains your camper’s allergen, an alternate snack will be provided.

Shopping

Campers will not have time to shop during camp, and Busch Gardens is not responsible for

lost money or valuables. If you are interested in purchasing any Busch Gardens souvenirs,

please visit our online store at www.buschgardensshop.com.

BUSCH GARDENS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR STOLEN OR LOST MONEY OR VALUABLES.

Dining and Shopping

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Code of Conduct

Be nice: Behave respectfully towards counselors, campers, other park guests and animals.

Be safe: For the safety of counselors, campers and animals, reckless/unsafe behavior is not

tolerated.

Be smart: Be enthusiastic, listen to others and participate to the best of your ability.

Camp Policies

All campers are expected to act in a responsible and courteous manner at all times. Upon

arrival to the program, counselors will review examples of acceptable and unacceptable

behavior. Use of profanity, stealing, damaging property, lying, cheating, fighting, bullying or

harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Campers are expected to be

responsible citizens.

Camp Expectations

Busch Gardens Camps offer enriching academic and social experiences that encourage

campers to pursue their interests in animals and the environment.

Each camp program will be as fulfilling as the campers make it. We encourage and expect

every camper to be responsible for him/herself by participating in all field activities and

projects and making many new friends. Campers should be interested in animals and their

environments, and prepared to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences! Throughout the week,

whether rain or sunshine, campers may have an opportunity to meet giraffes, parrots,

lizards, rhinos, or other species—face-to-face—and have an opportunity to talk with animal

care professionals from different zoological backgrounds.

Behavioral Concerns

Campers are expected to adhere to guidelines set forth by the counselors. If a behavior

problem arises, counselors will first discuss the problem with the individual. If the problem

continues, the camper may forfeit participation in future program activities, and the parent

will be contacted to discuss the problem. If the problem is severe, the parent will be

contacted to discuss the problem. Finally, if the problem is not rectified, the parents are

responsible for providing transportation for the participant to leave the program and a

refund will not be issued.

Inclusivity Statement

Busch Gardens Camps strive to create an inclusive camp environment that is free from

discrimination and harassment and that values the differences of our campers and staff.

Specifically, Busch Gardens Camps prohibits discrimination or harassment based on age,

race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression

and disabilities.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Camp Schedules & Itineraries

Campers participate in a variety of activities every day and our schedule is fluid to

accommodate the unique nature of a zoological theme park. Campers will spend their day

enjoying attractions at Busch Gardens, experiencing immersive exhibits showcasing animals

from around the world, participating in interactive activities/crafts within our educational

classrooms, and connecting with our animal ambassadors up close and personal.

Our camp activities and schedules are

subject to change due to weather, animal

needs, park operation or various other

unforeseen circumstances without notice.

For this reason, we do not provide a written

schedule to hand out each day. In this

section, you will find your specific camp

highlighting important details, including:

• General description

• Camp-o-Meter

Camp-o-Meter

In an effort to better help campers and their parents prepare for their camp experience, we

have developed a Camp-o-Meter. The graphic below showcases the three overarching

elements that make up our camp programs and highlights the degree at which campers may

experience each element. Our camp icon is placed on a sliding scale to highlight how present

an element is within a specific camp. Elements are rated as:

• Mild—This element is still present within the camp’s itineraries, just not a main focus

• Wild—This element is a main focus for this camp

• Middle—Element is considered balanced within the itinerary when icon is in middle

The three elements that make up the majority of our camp itineraries are:

• Animals— Experiencing our diverse animal collection

• Attractions—Experiencing our world-class attractions

• Activities—Experiencing in-depth activities/games/crafts centered around the theme

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Kindergarten

Critter Kids

Nature-loving kids can embrace their wild side as they learn all about how their favorite

animals get around. Campers will get up-close with some of our critters as they learn about

the different ways they can move. Compare your locomotion skills to theirs as you become a

true Critter Kid!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Storybook Safari

Join us for a week of fabulous fables and terrific tales! Through up close animal encounters

and creative crafts, stories will come to life before your eyes!

Camp-o-Meter

Explorers Mini-Camp

If you’re looking for a taste of what our camps have to offer, then BG Explorers is the camp

for you! Whether you’re facing a raging river rapid, enjoying a world class show, or meeting

one of our animals face-to-face, you’re sure to have a BLAST!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

& 2

Grade

Animal All Stars

Big, small, short and tall–kids will discover how their favorite animals measure up at Busch

Gardens. Campers will search for animal opposites from fastest to slowest and biggest to

smallest. Throughout the week, kids will discover how each species uses their adaptive

advantages to be all-stars of the animal world.

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Troopers Mini-Camp

If you’re looking for a taste of what our camps have to offer, then BG Troopers is the camp

for you! Whether you’re facing a raging river rapid, enjoying a world class show, or meeting

one of our animals face-to-face, you’re sure to have a BLAST!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Natures Navigators

Can you think of a more exciting place than Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to learn fascinating

facts about animals? You will navigate through the zoo learning about all of our incredible

creatures from magnificent mammals to rockin’ reptiles. You are guaranteed to become a

zoo camp animal expert by the time the week is through!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

& 4

Grade

Olympic Champs

Every 4 years the world is amazed by the athletes competing in the Summer Olympics!

This year, Busch Gardens puts its own spin on the Summer Olympics. Campers will learn

about the qualities Olympic athletes possess, participate in our own Olympic events, all

while experiencing our Gold Medal rides and attractions at the park.

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Trekkers Mini-Camp

If you’re looking for a taste of what our camps have to offer, then BG Trekkers is the camp

for you! Whether you’re facing a raging river rapid, enjoying a world class show, or meeting

one of our animals face-to-face, you’re sure to have a BLAST!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Zoo-ber Eats

Busch Gardens is home to over 2,000 animals—that’s a lot of meals to deliver. See how

zookeepers make our animals’ dietary dreams come true as you learn about the interesting

foods animals like to eat. Learn which animals enjoy bugs for breakfast, lettuce for lunch,

and dates for dinner!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

& 6

Grade

Wildlife Warriors

Our planet is home to billions of inhabitants—people, plants and animals—yet its fragile

environments and all the species are susceptible to changing weather patterns, pollution and

habitat loss. During this week long adventure, your camper will meet some amazing animals

while participating in valuable lessons designed to help us preserve Earth’s natural

resources!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Travelers Mini-Camp

If you’re looking for a taste of what our camps have to offer, then BG Travelers is the camp

for you! Whether you’re facing a raging river rapid, enjoying a world class show, or meeting

one of our animals face-to-face, you’re sure to have a BLAST!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Apprentices

Do you like the sound of being a VIP? Busch Gardens Apprentices will make you a “camper

with clearance”! Whether it’s learning about baking our delicious sweet treats, operating

one of our exhilarating roller coasters, or finding out what it takes to become a zoo

veterinarian, discover what it takes to operate our world-class theme parks!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

& 6

Grade

Splash Seekers

A returning favorite! Are you ready for the ultimate camp experience? Explore Busch

Gardens, Adventure Island, and SeaWorld Orlando!

Camp-o-Meter

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

SEA Trekkers

Are you ready for the ultimate camp experience? Explore Busch Gardens, Adventure Island,

and SeaWorld Orlando!

Camp-o-Meter

& 8

Grade

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

& 8

Grade

Junior Zookeepers

There are over 2,000 animal residents at Busch Gardens, and caring for them takes a lot of

hard work! Get a glimpse into the professional world of animal care as you learn about

animal nutrition, watch animal training sessions, and meet zookeepers and veterinary staff

throughout the week!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Trailblazers Mini-Camp

If you’re looking for a taste of what our camps have to offer, then BG Trailblazers is the

camp for you! Whether you’re facing a raging river rapid, enjoying a world class show, or

meeting one of our animals face-to-face, you’re sure to have a BLAST!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Thrill Seekers

Ever wonder what makes our parks so thrilling? Find out as you experience an amazing

combination of world-class rides, shows, and animal attractions. Go behind-the-scenes to get

an up-close look at our coasters, learn how they work, and put your STEM-skills to the test!

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

- 12

Grade

Counselor in Training

This hands-on experience provides high school students with unique training as they work

side-by-side with some of the best in the field to learn about child development and zoo

careers.

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Voyagers Mini-Camp

If you’re looking for a taste of what our camps have to offer, then BG Voyagers is the camp

for you! Whether you’re facing a raging river rapid, enjoying a world class show, or meeting

one of our animals face-to-face, you’re sure to have a BLAST!

BG Voyagers is a 3-day camp that includes the following:

• Day 1 (Busch Gardens), 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Day 2 (SeaWorld Field Trip), 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Day 3 (Adventure Islnad), 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Camp-o-Meter

Mild

Wild!

Animals

Mild

Wild!

Attractions

Mild

Wild!

Activities

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Refunds & Cancellations

In the event that your child is unable to attend camp, our cancellation/refund policy is:

• Cancellations received six weeks prior to camp will result in a 100% refund

• Cancellations received three to six weeks prior to camp will result in a 50% refund

• Cancellations received less than three weeks prior to camp will not be refunded.

• Partial refunds are not granted for any of the following: late arrivals, camper’s choice to

leave early, partial week attendance at the parent’s request, or asked to leave due to

non-compliance of the camper code of conduct.

• Campers who experience a medical emergency prior to the start of their camp session

can receive a full refund, minus the processing fee, if a written notice (provided by their

doctor) is submitted advising they do not participate in the camp program.

• Campers have the option to rebook their camp to a different camp of equal value and

within the same calendar year, pending availability, at no additional charge.

While unlikely, Busch Gardens Camp does reserve the right to cancel an entire camp offered

due to lack of enrollment, unforeseen severe weather conditions, or other scheduling

conflicts. Parents will be notified as soon as this decision is made. If the Busch Gardens

camp leadership team decides to cancel a camp program, a full refund will be processed.

Camp is not cancelled for rain.

Busch Gardens Education Department

2022Day Camp: Parent Handbook

Contact Information

Contact Information Reason for Contact

Camp Leadership on Duty

(813) 600-0178

Send a text or leave a message for Camp

Leadership. Messages are checked

throughout the day.

• Camper will be absent

• Camper will be arriving late

• Camper needs to be picked up early

Education Reservations

(813) 987-5808

Call our reservations team

• General Camp Questions

• Reservations

• CampDoc Questions

Education Reservations

education@buschgardens.com

Email our reservations team

• General Camp Questions

• Reservations

• CampDoc Questions