Frequently Asked Questions about Camp BioPark

Camp BioPark 2008 was a blast! Things are quiet around the Education Building without our campers, but we will start planning for next year soon. Details about Camp BioPark 2009 will be posted on the website in February.

• About Camp BioPark
• Camp BioPark Teachers
• Registration Process
• Choosing a Camp
• Camp BioPark Logistics

Back to Camp BioPark Program Descriptions

 

About Camp BioPark

What is Camp BioPark?

Camp BioPark is a series of conservation camps for children from preschool through grade 9. Each class has its own theme, and all classes provide students with opportunities to learn about the fascinating world of plants and animals. Students learn through hands-on activities, games and art.

What is a typical day at Camp BioPark?

A typical day will include:

• Walking around to view animals and plants on exhibit
• Indoor activities
• Games and crafts to reinforce concepts taught that day
• Snack time
• Lunch time (full day camps only)

What special opportunities do campers have at the BioPark ?

Camps for 3rd grade and up will include at least one behind-the-scenes tour, led by BioPark staff, to further investigate the concepts taught in class. Younger students will have the oportunity for an up-close encounter with an education animal or a ride on the Rio Line Train. All Zoo classes include a ride on the Thunderbird Express.

What are parents saying about Camp BioPark?

"This was my child's first camp experience, and he absolutely loved it! We will definitely be returning for future camps."

"My daughter loves this class! She has been full of information to share each day when she comes home. I love the security and safety and attention to each child. I know that she is safe and well cared for while learning at the Zoo."

"We have tried many programs throughout the city, and this is the only one my son begs to attend year after year. He learns new information every time."

"My child loved camp and learned so much. He wishes school would be as interesting and hands-on. Thanks so much for making an awesome camp."

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Camp BioPark Teachers

Who teaches Camp BioPark classes?

Camp BioPark teachers are well-trained and qualified educators who enjoy working with children and are knowledgeable about the BioPark. Camp teachers work with BioPark Education staff to plan the curriculum and activities for their classes.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

For grades K-2, each class has one instructor per a maximum of 10 children. For grades 3-9, each class has one teacher and a maximum of 12 students. Teen and adult volunteers provide assistance. Parents are included in the preschool camps. All other Camp BioPark classes are designed for children who are able to be successful in an active, group-oriented program without parent involvement.

How do I apply to teach a Camp BioPark class?

Teachers for Camp BioPark are hired each spring. The application for summer 2008 has now closed.

If you are interested in applying next year, Jobs openings and requirements are posted on the City of Albuuerque's employment website. Jobs for the BioPark are listed under Cultural Services. For more information, please email us at biopark@cabq.gov.

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Registration

How do I register for Camp BioPark?

Call the number listed with the camp description. Camp BioPark class sizes are limited. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Your payment is your reservation, and your credit card payment will instantly secure your child's place in the class. You must also fully complete and send in the Camp BioPark Registration Form.

For ALL reservations, fully complete the registration form and mail it to Albuquerque BioPark Education, 903 Tenth Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

You may also fax the completed form to 764-6243 (Zoo) or 848-7192 (Aquarium/Garden/Tingley).

What phone number do I call to register?

For Zoo programs, please call (505) 764-6214.

For Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach programs, please call (505) 848-7180.

If you are unsure, refer to the class information under its Camp BioPark Program Description.

When I call the number, it sends me straight to voicemail. What do I do?

During the first few days of registration, the phone lines will often be busy. Please leave a message with your name and a phone number where you can be reached. Do not leave payment information in the voicemail. Messages will be returned in the order they are received.

How can I make my payment?

You may pay over the phone with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). You may also send a check made payable to Albuquerque BioPark. Please note that calling to register with a credit card payment is the only way to reserve your space immediately.

Do you offer a discount for members?

Yes, NMBPS members receive a 10% discount for all education camps and classes. To qualify, you must be a member and have your membership number at the time of registration. For more information on becoming a member of the New Mexico BioPark Society, please visit www.nmbioparksociety.org or call the NMBPS Office at (505) 764-6280.

How do I know if a class is filled?

We update the Camp BioPark website daily to reflect which classes are full.

When do I receive confirmation?

Confirmation letters will be mailed in May.

What is your refund policy?

Requests for a camp refund must be received in writing by BioPark Education three weeks prior to the first day of class. Call 764-6245 to confirm that your letter has been received. Written requests must state the reason for the camp refund, name of child, name of camp class, your name, address, social security number of person receiving the refund, method of payment used at time of registration and amount paid. A $25 processing fee, per class/per child, will be deducted from all refunds issued. Once the class begins, no partial refunds can be issued. Please allow adequate time for the City of Albuquerque to process the request. No other refunds will be given.

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Choosing a Camp

Do I enroll my children based on the grade they are in now?

Camp BioPark enrollment is determined by the grade your child will be entering in Fall 2008.

My child’s best friend is a year younger.  Can I sign them up together, even though they are in different grades?

Only if the grade levels are grouped together in the camp description.  If they fall into different categories, please sign them up for different camps.  They will have opportunities to make new friends and face challenges on an individual basis.  And at the end of each day, they can compare stories and teach each other new things!

My child is very advanced.  Can I sign him/her up for a higher grade level camp?

No.  Please follow the grade level requirements listed for each camp.  Camp classes are designed for physical, emotional, and intellectual development.  Teachers will structure the lessons and activites to ensure that every child is challenged and has an enriching experience. 

Can I sign my child up for two different half-day classes? 

Yes, you may sign your child up for two different classes (for example, Explore the Rio and Eco-Explorers). However, you are responsible for transporting your child between camps.  The BioPark is unable to provide transportation.  You will need to make arrangements to sign-out from the morning class and sign-in to the afternoon class.

Can I sign my child up for the same camp for two weeks in a row?

No. Teachers design a one-week curriculum for the camp and repeat the lessons and activities each session.

My child came to Camp BioPark last summer. Will this year's class be the same?

No. Teachers plan and prepare a new curriculum each year. While they may include similar activities, the classes will vary from year to year.

Do you have any classes for students older than Grade 9?

No, students ages 14 and older have the opportunity to volunteer at the BioPark. For more information, please visit our Volunteer Program webpage.

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Camp BioPark Logistics

 

What time does Camp BioPark begin/end?

• Full-day classes begin at 8:30am and end at 4:00pm.
• Half-day morning classes begin at 8:30am and end at 12:00pm.
• Half-day afternoon classes begin at 12:30pm and end at 4:00pm.

Do you offer aftercare?

No, aftercare will not be offered this year.  Please be prompt in dropping off and picking up your campers. 

What if I am running late or need to pick up my child early?

Late arrivals, early departures and midday interruptions adversely affect the quality of the Camp BioPark experience.  Please schedule your child’s other activities around Camp BioPark time.  We can only guarantee that Camp Staff will be available to check your child in or out at 8:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm or 4:00pm. If you cannot avoid being late, please call to let us know.

Where does Camp take place?

Zoo Camps

• Animal Behaviors
• Discover the BioPark – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
• Discover the Zoo
• Eco-Explorers
• Explore the Zoo
• Underwater Explorations – Wednesday only
• Wild Careers – Monday and Tuesday

Aquarium/Garden Camps

• Discover the BioPark – Monday and Tuesday
• Exploring Farm Life
• Explore the Rio
• Farm Sprouts
• Flower Power, Fishy Fun
• Land and Ocean Locomotion
• Rio Adventures
• Underwater Explorations – except Wednesday
• Wild Careers – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Nature Beginnings will begin at the Aquarium/Garden and then alternate weekly between the Aquarium/Garden and Zoo. You will receive a detailed schedule when class begins.

Campers in classes that visit Tingley Beach should be dropped off at the Aquarium/Garden. (Except for Tingley Trekkers - Parents and preschoolers will meet at the Tingley Train station for this class.)

What do we need to bring to camp?

Every child needs to bring:

• Water bottle
• Snack
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Sun hat

Full-day campers also need to bring a lunch.

Please do not bring:

• Toys
• Sports equipment
• Music
• Video games

Can my sister/babysitter/grandfather pick up my child from camp?

Campers can only be picked up by adults on the "Child Pick Up List" found on the registration form. BioPark Education must have prior written consent to release your child to any adult no listed above. Anyone picking up your child must show identification to the BioPark Staff. Campers must be signed in and out of camp each day.

Where do I drop-off and pick-up my children?

At the Zoo, park in the main lot near the front entrance.  Drop off and pick up campers under the trees near the metal sculptures.

At the Aquarium and Garden, park in the southwest lot at the intersection of Central Ave and Tingley Blvd.  Drop off and pick up campers inside the portable building.