Registration now open for July’s week-long sessions!

2024 Duck Camp

Adventure. Explore. Conserve.

 

What is Duck Camp?

Each July, Ripley offers week-long camp sessions for children entering grades 1-2, 3-6, and 7-8 in the Fall.

Camp days are interactive, educational, and lots of fun!

Kids will have exciting outdoor adventures where they’ll learn about nature, wildlife, conservation, and more. Each session includes outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, experiments, games, crafts, and interaction with our amazing flock of 400 birds native to numerous countries!

Frequently Asked Questions

For more detailed information, please read our Duck Camp Terms and Requirements.

  • 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 12:30 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. You may be subject to a fee for chronically late departures.

  • 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, snakes, poison ivy, and other hazards.

  • Each day, please have your child bring a backpack containing the following items:

    • A water bottle filled with water

    • 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

  • Please do not allow your child to 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.

Programs

 

Session 1a - 1 Spot Left
BIRD NERD

Program Dates: July 8-12
Grades: 1-2

This week is for the bird lovers! Campers will be given the opportunity to raise their very own bird. Each day campers will learn more about their bird while assisting with animal care.

Duck-Camp-Session-4

Session 1b - 1 Spot Left
BIRD NERD

Program Dates: July 8-12
Grades: 6-8

This week is for the bird lovers! Campers will be given the opportunity to raise their very own bird. Each day campers will learn more about their bird while assisting with animal care.

Session 2 - Limited Space
BIRD NERD

Program Dates: July 15-19
Grades: 3-6

This week is for the bird lovers! Campers will be given the opportunity to raise their very own bird. Each day campers will learn more about their bird while assisting with animal care.

Session 3 - 5 Spots Left
SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY

Program Dates: July 22-26
Grades: 3-6

Join us to explore what it takes to become an environmental scientist. This week of camp is perfect for any student interested in exploring the environment beyond the end of the school year.

Session 4 - 5 Spots Left
NATURE UNLEASHED

Program Dates: July 29-Aug 2
Grades: 3-6

Join us this week to learn about the power of nature. We will investigate some of nature's most amazing accomplishments. This week is perfect for curious adventurers wanting to explore the outdoors!

Make a donation.

Not ready to be a camper but still want to make an impact by supporting Ripley’s next generation of conservationists and waterfowl? Donate below today and we’ll look forward to seeing you next year!