Youth Summer Programs
Educational, interactive, and most importantly fun!
We introduce our campers to the wonders of the bird world and inspire a passion for both nature and conservation
Each session includes age-appropriate outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, experiments, games, crafts, and interaction with our amazing flock of 500 rare & endangered birds from all around the world
Join us from July-August for weeks of camp fun!
Join us for 1 week or stay for all 4!
Each session is designed to teach campers about conservation in fun and hands-on ways - from nest box building and fun experiments to raising your own duckling- there are many ways to explore the world of conservation and we can’t wait to have you join us!
Sessions run from 8:30am-3:00pm Monday-Friday
Duckling Camp
Rising 1st - 3rd graders
4, 1 week long sessions
$350/week
Duck Camp
Rising 4th- 6th graders
4, 1 week long sessions
$400/week
Waterfowl & Wetland Conservation Academy
Rising 6th - 8th graders
1 week long session (amount of sessions determined by interest)
$750/week
By application only; July/August (Dates & number of sessions determined by interest level)
*Scholarships available. Email office@ripleyconservancy.org for more information
Junior Aviculturist
Rising 9th - 12th graders
Cost: Variable
By application only
Students interested in studying conservation at the collegiate level or pursuing a career in the zoology or with wildlife will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of aviculture, working alongside the Conservancy’s staff
Activities may include assisting with nest searches, egg management, artificial incubation, nest box design, duckling/gosling husbandry, and aviary management
Programs are scheduled during the summer and are one week in length
Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed information, please read our Duck Camp Terms and Requirements.
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Ripley staff will greet campers beginning at 8:15 am. To ensure proper supervision, please make sure a staff member has greeted you. Late arrivals must check in at Ripley’s Main Office, and please be sure to let us know if you plan on being late.
Pick up for all sessions will be 3:00 pm. Children will only be released to the person(s) listed on the Pick Up Authorization Form. If you are running late for pick up, please contact the office at 860-567-2062.
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Plan for outdoor activities! Please dress your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We recommend long pants and comfortable, closed toe shoes.
Please be aware that outdoor conditions have the potential to involve bees, ticks, biting insects, poison ivy, and other hazards.
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Each day, please have your child bring a backpack containing the following items:
• A water bottle filled with water
• A lunch (clearly marked with campers name) and 1-2 ready-to-eat snacks (these will be stored in a fridge until designated times)
• A hat (to protect from sun and insects)
• Sweatshirt, lightweight jacket, and/or rain gear (outerwear appropriate for the weather)
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) – best if applied before the program
• Non-aerosol bug repellent – best if applied before the program
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Children may not bring electronic devices (e.g. electronic games, cell phones, cameras, iPods, radios, tablet, laptops etc.)
This program has a NO CELL PHONE POLICY. We realize some parents provide their children with a phone for emergencies. If you are concerned that your child will not have their cell phone with them, please be assured Ripley staff are in cell phone contact with the Main Office should any emergency situation arise.
Please do not allow your child to bring any electronic or other items that can distract or be broken, lost, or stolen. Such items will be collected by staff and returned at the end of the day.