Summer Wild Adventure Programs
Questions about the program? Email Bob Clark, Wild Adventure Program Director, at earthltdsummerprogram@gmail.com
*Please note that the Wild Adventure Program and Junior Zookeeping are separate programs organized by different staff members.
2025 Summer Program Sessions
EARTH Member Discount
EARTH members receive a 15% discount on Summer Wild Adventure Programs. When you register, click “enter promotional code”. Your code is the email adress connected to your EARTH Membership.
*Must be a current EARTH member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.
Zoo Babies & Animal Behavior
Grades 2-6
June 18 – June 20: 9:00am-12:00pm
$175 Non-Member / $148.75 EARTH Ltd Member
This mini-camp focuses on two of our favorite topics: animal behavior and zoo babies! Students will learn all about how animals live and interact with their habitats. Students will also help create enrichment for a variety of species to gain a better understanding of what enrichment is, why it’s important, and how it can promote natural behaviors. Students in the program will also learn more about the many baby animals currently found in Southwick’s Zoo!
There’s No Such Thing as a…
Animal Myths vs Reality
Grades 4-6
June 23 – 27: 9:00am-4:00pm
$450 Non-Member / $382.50 EARTH Ltd Member
Did you know that porcupines can’t actually shoot their quills? Or that owls can’t really turn their heads 360 degrees? This program will clear up many common animal misconceptions as well as explore which animals are a part of mythology and legends across different cultures. Using literature, art, science, and storytelling, we will look at myths and realities in the animal world.
Teen Zoology: Middle School
Grades 7-8
June 30- July 2: 9:00am-4:00pm
$375 Non-Member / $318.75 EARTH Ltd Member
This three day program is ideal for middle school kids interested in learning about careers in biology, zoology, or similar fields. This program will also have a focus on animal conservation as well the impact of climate change on wildlife. Topics covered will include native species, animal behavior and care.
From T-Rex to Turkeys
Grades K-2
June 30 – July 2: 9:00am-12:00pm
$175 Non-Member / $148.75 EARTH Ltd Member
This 3-day half-day program focuses on how modern animals evolved from their prehistoric ancestors. By examining evolution, we can discover some surprising connections! Did you know that the T-Rex is connected to turkeys and chickens? Students will explore the connections between different species of animals and what makes them alike and unique.
Going, Going, Gone
Grades 2 – 5
July 7-11: 9:00am-2:00pm
$375 Non-Member / $318.75 EARTH Ltd Member
This program focuses on the many endangered species across the globe. Students will learn about what species in Southwick’s Zoo are listed as endangered well as how their actions and choices have an impact on wildlife and the environment.
Teen Zoology: Middle School
Grades 7-8
July 14-18: 9:00am-4:00pm
$595 Non-Member / $505.75 EARTH Ltd Member
This five day program is ideal for middle school kids interested in learning about careers in biology, zoology, or similar fields. This program will also have a focus on animal conservation as well the impact of climate change on wildlife. Topics covered will include native species, animal behavior and care.
Teen Zoology: High School
Grades 9-11
July 21-25: 9:00am-4:00pm
$695 Non-Member / $590.50 EARTH Ltd Member
This five day program is ideal for high school students interested in learning about careers in biology, zoology, or similar fields. This program will also have a focus on animal conservation as well the impact of climate change on wildlife. Topics covered will include native species, animal behavior and care.
* This program also includes a whale watch.
From T-Rex to Turkeys
Grades K-2
July 21-25: 9:00am-12:00pm
$295 Non-Member / $250.50 EARTH Ltd Member
This half day program for younger children focuses on how modern animals evolved from their prehistoric ancestors. By examining evolution, we can discover some surprising connections! Did you know that the T-Rex is connected to turkeys and chickens? Students will explore the connections between different species of animals and what makes them alike and unique.
Animals, Habitats, & Ecosystems
Grades 4-6
July 28 – August 1: 9:00am-4:00pm
$450 Non-Member / $382.50 EARTH Ltd Member
Going, Going, Gone
Grades 2 – 5
August 4 – 8: 9:00am-2:00pm
$375 Non-Member / $318.75 EARTH Ltd Member
This program focuses on the many endangered species and why they are endangered. Students will learn about what species in Southwick’s are threatened as well as how their actions and choices have an impact on wildlife and the environment.
FAQs
I'm an EARTH Member, how do I get my discount?
EARTH members receive a 15% discount on Summer Wild Adventure Programs. To receive your member discount, when you register, click “enter promotional code”. Your code is the email address connected to your EARTH Membership.
*Must be a current EARTH member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.
Where and when do I drop my child off?
Drop off for each week will be 9:00am (note: please arrive at 8:45am on the first day of your child’s program). The 2025 drop off/pick up location will be updated in early June before programs begin.
Where do I pick up my child?
Children will be picked up at 12:00pm, 2:00pm, or 4:00pm depending on the end time for the program your child is registered for. The 2025 drop off/pick up location will be updated in early June before programs begin.
What should my child wear?
Make sure your child is dressed for the weather. We spend most of the day outdoors and do a large amount of walking, so we recommend that children wear comfortable shoes and do not wear sandals or open toed shoes.
What should my child bring?
- A mask or other fabric face covering such as a bandana. Children will only be required to wear a mask when indoors or if in an area where they cannot socially distance. *Mask requirements will be subject to current Department of Public Health guidance when the programs take place.*
- Sneakers or boots only (no sandals, flip flops, or open-toed shoes). Shoes must be comfortable enough for children to walk all over the zoo.
- Backpack
- A pencil bag with colored pencils, markers, crayons, small paint brush and regular pencils.
- Additional clothing depending on the day’s weather forecast (i.e. extra socks, raincoat, sweatshirt, hat, etc.)
- Water bottle – We have water available to refill bottles, but, to minimize contact, we recommend packing two water bottles each day.
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lunch & snacks – We provide snacks and water during morning and afternoon snack time. Snacks will be individually packaged, single serve snacks. Since kids are active all day, they tend to get hungry, so you may wish to send more than you typically would for school lunch.
- Hand sanitizer – We have installed a hand washing station, staff will have hand sanitizer, and hand sanitizer is available in various locations in the zoo, but we recommend that children bring their own to help minimize contact.
For more information, please contact:
Bob Clark, Program Director, at earthltdsummerprogram@gmail.com
2 Southwick Street
Mendon, MA 01756
1-800-258-9182