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Q: What are the living conditions like during Adventure Camps programs?
A: Most Adventure Campers stay at Mzinga Lodge, Busch Gardens' on-property dormitory, which houses up to 60 campers. Males and females have separate sleeping quaters, locker rooms, and bathroom facilities. Each bathroom facility contains four private shower stalls, sinks, and toilets. There are full-sized lockers for storing and securing personal possessions and toiletries-bring a standard combination lock. Sleeping arrangements consist of two bunk beds separated by a corridor, four campers to a bunkroom. Mzinga Lodge is air-conditioned and contains a classroom, commons room, dining area, infirmary, and laundry room. Please limit the size of your suitcase to no more than 9 inches thick so that it will fit beneath the bunk beds.
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Q: Who are the Busch Gardens Adventure Camps team members?
A: The Education Department at Busch Gardens has a year-round staff of experienced camp personnel. Senior camp staff have years of experience teaching students of all ages. Our seasonal resident camp counselors are highly motivated, experienced college students that are carefully selected and background screened. They spend two full weeks training at the zoo facility prior to campers' arrival. Our entire resident camp staff train and possess First Aid, CPR, AED, Medication Administration, Epi-pen Administration, and participate in a safe driving practices class.
The American Camp Association (ACA) accredits Busch Gardens Adventure Camps, which exceeds ACA standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience for all. Busch Gardens follows ACA's suggested guidelines for establishing the number of counselors necessary to oversee a resident camp group. Camps for elementary, secondary, and college students are often on the premises at the same time and properly trained staff allow for a well-managed atmosphere when conducting these camps simultaneously.
For campers ages 9-14 years of age, there is one Adventure Camp team member per eight overnight campers.
For campers ages 15-18 years of age, there is one Adventure Camp team member per ten overnight campers.
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Q: How close and how often will my camper see animals?
A: All Busch Gardens' resident camps include a safari tour onto the Serengeti Plain and face-to-face animal encounters with Education's animal ambassadors. Over the course of every camp, we will introduce campers to crocodilians, snakes, tortoises, lions, hyenas, tigers, hippos, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, flamingos, parrots, and many more. Adventure Camps are progressive in design and each grade level correlates to the appropriate Florida State Sunshine Standards and National Science Standards in order to prepare campers for more in-depth experiences in the next camp.
For Young Explorers, Young Xtreme, Zooventures, and Xtreme Adventures, campers experience daily animal encounters on habitat, on sidewalk strolls, and in the classroom at Busch Gardens. These campers will tour many areas of Busch Gardens' zoo throughout camp, including some behind-the-scenes visits. Weather permitting campers also share some quality fun-in-the-sun time at Adventure Island water park located across the street. Young Explorers travel to the Florida Aquarium to enjoy the "Swims with Fishes" program and snorkel among salt water fish in the main aquarium. Zooventurers participate in a conservation project which includes a trip to the USF computer Lab or a conference call to a science researcher or educator in the field. And, all Xtreme camps visit SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove to experience the wonders of marine life.
For Zookeeping 101, Zookeeping 201, and Zoo Careers, participants become amateur zookeepers during camp, working alongside professional zookeepers and camp counselors to assist in maintaining and cleaning habitats, preparing diets, and observing behavioral training or medical treatment sessions as needed and as time permits. Daily zookeeping duties include such tasks as raking hay and shoveling manure, cleaning windows, washing buckets, hosing pens and feeders, measuring and delivering diets, and experiencing unrivaled encounters with many of the diverse species at this facility. Each zookeeping level is planned to develop a camper's husbandry skills and heighten animal knowledge by building upon previous experiences. We encourage campers to attend Zookeeping 101-201-Zoo Careers consecutively.
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Q: What are the differences between Zookeeping 101, Zookeeping 201, and Zoo Careers?
A: Zookeeping 101 is for students in 10-12th grade and is a first level zookeeping camp. Campers rotate through different zoo areas, working alongside zookeepers and counselors from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The zoo area rotations are chosen by lottery and campers have the opportunity to experience husbandry for all types of animals: birds, reptiles, primates, carnivores or hoofstock, or design diets in the Zoo Nutrition Center. This camp includes a field trip to a local park or offsite animal facility.
Zookeeping 201 is for students in 10th grade-college and is an advanced level zoo experience, therefore previous attendance in Zookeeping 101 or Careers at SeaWorld is preferred. Previous work or volunteer assistance in another animal care facility is acceptable. Contact our Reservations department with any questions or concerns. These zoo area campers work full shifts alongside the zookeepers and counselors, rotating through zoo areas from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This camp includes several interactive sessions in a cultural conservation program and a day trip to SeaWorld Orlando.
Zoo Careers for students 11th grade through college is the highest level zookeeping camp. Previous attendance in Zookeeping 201 or Career Camp at SeaWorld, prior experience working or volunteering in an animal care facility, or current enrollment in a zoologically focused degree program are preferred. Zoo Careers includes an expanded zoo experience in one zoo area and some zoo areas include evening shifts. Each camper becomes proficient in a selected zoo area: education ambassadors, birds, reptiles, primates, carnivores or hoofstock, and at this level only- vet/zoo hospital and elephants. Campers fill out and submit three zoo area choices on a questionnaire that will allow camp team members to fairly place students in one of the preferred zoo areas. Zoo Careers includes interactive workshops focused on animal husbandry and a day trip to Discovery Cove.
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Q: Do Campers have to participate in all activities?
A: We design events to be enjoyable and realize that sometimes the schedule includes something new for some participants. Everyone is encouraged to participate to the best of their ability during group activities.
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Q: Do I need to sign and send back all the registration forms and releases?
A: For campers to attend Busch Gardens Adventure Camps, it is mandatory that all forms and releases for both minors and adults be filled out accurately and completely, signed by an adult parent/guardian, and returned by May 1, 2009.
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Q: What are some possible health concerns of the program and how can they be prevented?
A: Participants will have the opportunity to ride roller coasters and other theme park rides on which they may experience high speeds and zero gravity. Campers will also be in close proximity to many species of animals where they may encounter the animals and associated dander, feathers, or food items. It is imperative to note any health issues or known food, animal or insect and plant allergies on the Health History Form, and elaborate on the severity of any condition or reaction.
While every zoo encounter is a controlled experience, the animal world is not totally predictable and a quill prick or nip is possible, though unlikely. Off-site, campers may accidentally contact jellyfish or stingrays if at the beach, or fall victim to mosquitoes, wasps, or fire ants almost anywhere. These Florida inhabitants can inflict bites or stings that are readily treatable with Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications. Be sure to review and sign the OTC Medications Release Form. Busch Gardens staff CANNOT DISPENSE ANY MEDICATIONS WITHOUT PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION.
Sun, heat, and humidity can be a dangerous mix in Florida. Participants must wear sunscreen and protective clothing (e.g. light, cotton clothing, a hat, and sunglasses) and drink plenty of water to prevent sunburn and overheating.
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Q: Are there health concerns for which my child may be sent home?
A: Some skin conditions, respiratory ailments, and other diseases are highly contagious for people and animals. If Health Services staff identifies your camper as being infectious or that he/she has an elevated temperature upon arrival, we may be forced to send him/her home at your expense. Please evaluate any skin irritations or general health problems before coming to camp in order to avoid any inconvenience, expense, or disappointment.
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Q: Do I need to send Over-the-Counter medications with my child?
A: Health Services keeps the most common Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications on-hand for all our park guests, including campers. Because we cannot dispense any medication without parental and/or physician authorization, please be sure to sign the OTC Medication Release Form and note the available OTC medicines. Please do not send any of these medicines to camp! For safety of all campers, all medicines, OTC and/or prescription, are collected by Health Services upon arrival and dispensed as required. YOU MUST SEND ALL CAMP MEDICATIONS, PRESCRIPTION OR OVER-THE-COUNTER (NONPRESCRIPTION) MEDICATIONS IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING. We CANNOT accept or dispense medicines received in any containers other than the original bottle with a clean, legible label that includes the physician's name or product administration directions.
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Q: What is the procedure in a medical emergency?
A: For all minor injuries and illnesses that occur at a park, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, SeaWorld Orlando, or Discovery Cove's Health Services team is available. For minor injuires that occur off-site, counselors carry a first aid kit and AED, and are trained in basic First Aid, CPR, AED, Medication Administration, and Epi-pen Administration. For serious injuires and illnesses, participants will be transported to the closest hospital. The University Community Hospital is within two miles of Busch Gardens and Sand Lake Hospital is within three miles of SeaWorld Orlando. For your child's safekeeping, it is required that all your medical liability releases, medical history forms, and insurance information are complete and signed before registration is considered complete. A Busch Gardens representative will contact you in case of an emergency.
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Q: Are campers able to wash their own clothes?
A: A laundry day is scheduled and fulfilled by camp staff for each camp session. Each camper carries, loads, and unloads his/her own gear in preparation for laundry day-just pack what you need! Since zoo activities involve getting dirty, counselors set aside time to launder work clothes during camp. Combo campers will have all their necessary items washed for the upcoming camp week(s) between camp programs (so only pack for seven to eight days). See the suggested Packing List and be sure to pack a collapsible, washable laundry bag. Campers will be given two camp T-shirts for each camp session. If you would like to purchase more, please do so on-line or by calling 1-877-BGT-CAMP. Please limit the size of your suitcase to no more than 9 inches thick so it will fit beneath the bunk beds.
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Q: What type of food is served during the program?
A: Busch Gardens provides all meals throughout the course of the program. Breakfast is continental style and includes juice, milk, cold cereals, bagels, toaster pastries, and fresh fruit. Most other meals are eaten at the park restaurants, with foods ranging from burgers to spaghetti to fajitas, and pizza is delivered one evening.
Note: Some available food products may contain or have been processed in proximity to peanut and/or other allergic ingredients. Please specify any dietary preferences, allergies and/or restrictions on the Health History Form, and elaborate on the possible reaction if consumed. While Adventure Camps can accommodate a simple vegetarian diet, please provide non-perishable supplements for more complex dietary needs.
You may bring non-perishable, individually sealed snacks such as cookies, crackers, and granola bars. Counselors will collect and store all food items upon arrival. Campers may not store or eat foods in the bunk or locker room areas. Refrigerators are not available for personal food items.
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Q: What happens during inclement weather?
A: Rain and afternoon thunderstorms are common in Florida and may affect some camp and free time activities. Most program components are not usually affected by wet weather. A camp supervisor will determine if any activities need to be postponed or canceled, and we will reschedule an event if the camp schedule allows. Indoor activities are planned if thunderstorms prevail.
Tropical storms and hurricanes are possible threats in Florida during June through November. If the Weather Service forecasts a potential threat to the Tampa Bay area, we will advise parents to begin seeking alternative transportation for participants to leave early. Camp staff will prepare stranded campers to ride out the storm. Attending counselors will stay at the Outpost Classroom, an on-site secure facility that is rated to withstand hurricane forces and is fitted with an emergency power generator. Camp staff will accompany any stranded and/or special needs campers to the University of South Florida evacuation shelter designated by the Emergency Operations Center as a "Special Needs" facility.
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Q: How can participants be contacted during the program?
A: If your camper is flying counselors encourage them to contact their parents upon arrival at the dormitory. Campers may use dormitory pay phones (we recommend calling cards) or personal cellular phones. To leave a message at Mzinga Lodge call (813) 987-5172. Remember that Adventure Camps are very active and you may not recieve a call back from your camper until the evening. In an emergency only, call our Adventure Camps Hotline pager at (813)987-5848 and leave a detailed message and phone number where you can be reached. An Adventure Camps representative is automatically paged from this emergency hotline and will respond or forward the message to the participant.
Camp staff will collect and store all cell phones upon arrival to monitor usage. Counselors will distribute cell phones to campers during free time at the dorm for calling home and friends, or if there is a family emergency. Carrying cell phones or other electronic gear during a regular camp day or after LIGHTS OUT is not permitted because of disruption to programming and rest.
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Q: Does Busch Gardens provide transportation throughout the program?
A: Busch Gardens provides transportation throughout the program in vans or commercial buses. All resident camp staff attends a corporate sponsored safe driving practices workshop. For extended off-property field trips, we contract a commercial bus line for transportation.
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Q: What are the pick up and drop off procedures for campers flying in and out of Tampa International Airport?
A: Make sure the Travel Information Form is completed and mailed within 6 weeks prior to start of camp! For campers flying into and out of Tampa International Airport, camp staff will meet arriving campers at the tram gate in the Main Terminal. We have enclosed a nametag sticker. Please instruct your camper to wear this nametag upon arriving at the airport so camp staff can quickly identify your child for pick-up. Camp staff will be wearing Busch Gardens Adventure Camps apparel (polo shirt or camp T-shirt, khaki shorts). Camp staff will deliver all departing campers to the Security checkpoint at the appropriate tram gate in the Main Terminal unless he/she is traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor.
Busch Gardens strongly suggests that parents of younger campers or first time air travelers consider sending their campers as Unaccompanied Minors. This status assures that the airline provides an escort for the camper from the time they leave parents/guardians until our staff can pick them up from or deliver them into the hands of airline personnel. The airline staff delivers young travelers back into the hands of designated parents/guardians upon arrival at their destination.
For campers traveling as Unaccompanied Minors, most airlines require identification information about the escorting Adventure Camps staff. The Education Department can accommodate this requirement 48 hours prior to their arrival/departure time. Please call ahead no earlier than 48 hours at (813)987-5172 to request this information and an Adventure Camps team person will return your call.
There is usually an extra fee associated with a camper traveling as an Un-accompanied Minor, however, this status does allow Camp staff to better monitor a camper's arrival and departure. Please note that parents/guardians are responsible for prearranging and prepaying all fees associated with children traveling as Unaccompanied Minors.
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Q: What is the Busch Gardens Adventure Camps refund policy?
A: Adventure Camps are paid in full at booking. If written notice of cancellation is received more than SIX WEEKS prior to the session, 100% of the camp fee will be returned. If written notice of cancellation is received between FOUR TO SIX WEEKS prior to the camp session, 50% of the camp fee will be returned. If written notice of cancellation is received FOUR WEEKS OR LESS prior to the camp session, the entire camp fee will be forfeit. Rebooking into an open session within the same calendar year with a $25 administrative fee is an option. If a participant leaves camp early, or is dismissed, no refund will be given.
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Q: What photo opportunities will campers have?
A: Campers will have the ability to practice their photo and video skills park wide just as any other park guest, and in a few behind the scenes areas as designated by Zoo Management. Photo and video equipment are prohibited in certain ride and zoo back areas, therefore campers will not be able to take photos or videos at these sites. Counselors will inform participants where they may or may not use cameras and camcorders.
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Q: What are the pick up and drop off procedures for SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Combo campers?
A:For SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Combo campers, the SeaWorld Education Entrance opens to campers traveling by vehicle at 4 PM on the first day of camp. Early arrivals cannot be accommodated. For 2-park combo campers, it is important to schedule the hours of arrival between 10 AM and 2 PM E.S.T. into Orlando International Airport or an additional travel fee may be assessed. Please complete and return the separate SeaWorld Resident Camp Travel Information form provided by SeaWorld directly to SeaWorld Education, 7007 SeaWorld Dr. Orlando, FL 32821.
On the final morning of SeaWorld Camp, Busch Gardens' camp staff will meet and transport combo campers to Busch Gardens to begin the first day of Busch Gardens Camp. It is necessary for you to pick up your campers from Mzinga Lodge at Busch Gardens Tampa on the final day of the Busch Gardens Camp OR make flight arrangements for the camper to depart from Tampa International Airport (TPA).
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