Riverbanks ZooCrew :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Riverbanks’ learning program for middle school youth.

Participants meet twice monthly, September through May, to explore the field of conservation biology.

ZooCrew will utilize the Riverbanks campus and exhibits to learn about environmental stewardship and the science behind animal care. Participants will cooperate with their peers and Riverbanks staff during classroom lessons, while collecting and analyzing data and conducting their own research projects.

Program Details

Content :

During the 2026–2027 school year, ZooCrew students will engage in project-based learning by exploring how citizen science research on local wildlife supports Riverbanks’ conservation mission and helps protect the environment. Students will collect and present data on one of their favorite native species as their final project. Through observations, scavenger hunts, group discussions, guest speakers, and behind-the-scenes exploration, participants will discover South Carolina wildlife living alongside Riverbanks’ animal residents.

Saturday ZooCrew Handbook

Session Dates and Times :

AM Session: 8:30–11:30_AM
PM Session: 1:00–4:00_PM

August 29 : Virtual Family Orientation Meeting (10:00–11:00_AM OR 1:00–2:00_PM)
September 12 & 26
October 10 & 24
November 7 & 21
December 5
January 2, 16, & 30
February 13 & 27
March 13
April 3 & 17
May 1 : Presentations & End of Year Celebration (Time TBD)

Ages :

Participants must be at least 11 years old and entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the fall of 2026.

Cost :

Annual tuition is $530 for Riverbanks members and $650 for the non-members, with a $50 deposit due at the time of registration for all participants. Tuition includes all classes, supplies, a nametag, and one ZooCrew T-shirt per year. Tuition can be paid in eight monthly installments over the course of the year. You do not have to be a Riverbanks member to apply, but members receive discounted tuition.

Homeschool students are encouraged to register for the Homeschool Monday AM session but are welcome to register for either of the Saturday sessions. Registrants may not register for more than one session.

Location :

NEW! Conservation Learning Center (Zoo Side).

Sign In/Sign Out :

Saturday ZooCrew guardians will be required to sign in and sign out their students with an instructor at the Conservation Learning Center entrance to the parking lot. Guardians must be on the authorized pick-up list and show proof of ID for students to be picked up.

Opens July 15

Questions about Riverbanks ZooCrew?

Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.

Riverbanks ZooCrew

Program Details

Opens July 15

Questions about Riverbanks ZooCrew?

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