Did you know that Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando offer resident summer camps? At Busch Gardens whether you are looking for a career in the zoological field or a chance to push adventure to the limit, Busch Gardens Summer Resident Camp is a home-away-from-home where you live what you love! Based out of Busch Garden’s secure onsite dormitory, Mzinga Lodge*, these camps provide campers grades 5 through college an all-inclusive camp experience from start to finish. Camps include transportation between Busch Gardens and Tampa International Airport (TPA), all meals and snacks, two camp t-shirts and a water bottle, and housing. Camps are age appropriate and offer options for guests Grade 5 through College! The College options are geared towards future teachers and veterinarians.
And at SeaWorld’s resident career camps students going into 7-12th grade will come face to face with marine life in their environment as they discover everything about the amazing ocean animals at SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. On the first and last evenings, campers spend the night at SeaWorld in one of the park’s exciting animal attractions.The other three evenings will be spent at a local hotel where each room has two double beds and a sofa bed. Prices include transportation to and from Orlando International Airport as needed, field trips, lodging, meals and snacks, equipment and materials, two Camp t-shirts and a water bottle.
This year’s Busch Gardens Tampa options include:
- Zoo Explorers (Grades 5-6) – Explore the thrills of the wild with up-close animal encounters from giraffe to kangaroos. Then, challenge a different type of thrill atop world-class rides at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island!
- ZooVentures (Grades 7-9) – Join us on an adventure of worldwide proportions as we explore the animal kingdom and discover what truly makes animals different.
- ThrillVentures (Grades 7-9) – Experience the thrills of rollercoasters, waterslides, kayaking, ziplines and more!
- Wild Florida (Grades 10-12) – Swim, snorkel and camp out across Florida, home to unique environments, diverse wildlife, and engaging cultures.
- Zookeeping 101 (Grades 10-12) – Learn what it’s like to care for animals by workings side-by-side with the animal care team.
- Zookeeping 201 (Grades 10 – College) – Work alongside zookeepers all day long. Returning Zookeeping 101 campers may enroll in this camp for more in-depth encounters.
- Zoo Careers (Grades 11 – College) – Considering a career in the animal care field? This intense, immersive career experience lets campers live and breathe the world of animal care while exploring a zoo area of choice.
- NEW! To the Rescue (Grades 11 – College) – Join us and discover some of the basic skills you need to know to assist wildlife organizations in your hometown! Conservation in action.
- Vet Careers (12th Grade dual enrollment/College Students) – Aspiring to work in the veterinary field? Join our veterinary team for a firsthand experience providing healthcare for wildlife. Students in the 12th grade who are entering a dual enrollment program may join this immersive college camp.
- Eco-Educators (Teachers and Education Majors) – The teacher becomes the student during this engaging camp that allows educators to witness the many facets of animal care and conservation education at Busch Gardens.
You can even choose to sign up for “Combo Camps” which let you mix and match two Summer Camps for the ultimate, immersive experience. Busch Gardens Tampa Combo Camps options include:
- XtremeVentures (Grades 7-9): ThrillVentures + ZooVentures
- Zookeeping the Series (Grades 10 – College): Zookeeping 101 + Zookeeping 201
- Zookeeping Intensive (Grades 11 – College): Zookeeping 201 + Zoo Careers
- Careers in Depth (12th Grade Dual Enrollment/College Students): Zoo Careers + Vet Careers
This year’s SeaWorld Orlando options include:
- SeaWorld Orlando’s Career Camp (Grades 10-12) – At Career Camp you’ll work alongside our experienced staff to learn more about the amazing careers available for animal lovers. Practice your dream job by interacting with beluga whales, creating animal enrichment and going backstage at one of our exciting animal shows. You’ll even spend two nights sleeping alongside some of your favorite animals in their exhibits.
- SeaWorld Orlando’s Career Camp (Grades 7-9) -Campers will experience all the fun of our three Orlando parks and go behind-the-scenes to learn how we care for our amazing animals. Camp includes a dolphin swim at Discovery Cove, snorkeling in the shark cage and spending time with various zoological team members to learn about their jobs and educational experience.
For the ultimate in summer camp experience you can also sign up for the “Busch Gardens Tampa + SeaWorld Orlando Combo Camps” which let you spend one week at each park!
- Grades 7-9
- SeaWorld Career Camp + Busch Gardens ZooVentures
- SeaWorld Career Camp + Busch Gardens ThrillVentures
- Grades 10-12
- SeaWorld Career Camp + Busch Gardens Zookeeping 101
- SeaWorld Career Camp + Busch Gardens Zookeeping 201
For more information or to book a a Busch Gardens Tampa or SeaWorld Orlando resident summer camp adventure visit the Busch Gardens Tampa or SeaWorld Orlando websites today!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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