Riverbanks ZooCrew :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

ZooCrew is Riverbanks’ learning program for middle school youth.

The ZooCrew meets 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.

ZooCrew Schedule and Fees

Classes are held twice monthly on Saturdays — Mondays for homeschool students, September through May. Classes are 3 hours long. Class dates will be sent to registered participants.

Homeschool students are encouraged to register for the Homeschool Monday session but are welcome to register for the Saturday session. Registrants may not register for both sessions.

Annual tuition is $480 for Riverbanks members and $600 for the general public, with a $50 deposit due at the time of registration for all participants. Tuition includes all classes, supplies, nametag, and one ZooCrew T-shirt per year. Tuition can be paid in eight monthly installments over the course of the year.

Registration Requirements

Students must be at least 11 years old and entering 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade in the fall of 2025.

You do not have to be a Riverbanks member to apply, but members receive discounted tuition.

Program Details

Content :

During the 2025-2026 school year, ZooCrew students will engage in project-based learning by exploring how communication is critical to Riverbank’s mission, wildlife, and protecting the environment. Students will decide on a way they would like to engage the public in conversations about conservation as their final project. Through observations, scavenger hunts, group discussions, guest speakers, and behind the scenes exploration, participants can get an inside scoop into the importance of communication both in nature, our daily lives, and at Riverbanks!

Saturday ZooCrew Handbook

Session Dates and Times :

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

August 23 : Virtual Family Orientation Meeting (10:00–11:00_AM or 1:00–2:00_PM)
September 6 & 20
October 4 & 18
November 1 & 15
December 6
January 3, 17, & 31
February 14 & 28
March 14 & 28
April 18
May : Presentation & End of Year Celebration (TBD)

Location :

Riverbanks Farm Classroom (at the Zoo).

Sign In/Sign Out :

Saturday ZooCrew guardians will be required to sign in and sign out their students with an instructor at the Zoo’s Main Entrance Plaza. Guardians must be on the authorized pick-up list and show proof of ID for students to be picked up.

Questions about Riverbanks ZooCrew?

Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.

Riverbanks ZooCrew

ZooCrew Schedule and Fees

Registration Requirements

Program Details

Questions about Riverbanks ZooCrew?

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