[Columbia, SC] - Winter break at the Zoo is sure to be a cool adventure for kids ages 6-10 when they attend Riverbanks’ Winter Break Camp, December 20-22.

“Riverbanks’ Winter Break Camp provides a fun-filled educational adventure for kids while they are on break from school. In addition, it provides a welcome relief for parents trying to find a safe place for their kids to spend their days while they are out of school,” said Chris Gentile, director of conservation education. “This year the kids will study hibernation, migration and animals that are active during the winter.”

Camp highlights include hands-on activities, live animal encounters, arts and crafts, zoo walks and educational games. Each day campers will learn how animals adapt to survive during the winter months and where the animals live during this frigid season. Winter Break Camp is designed and led by the same professional staff that oversees Riverbanks’ summer camp programs.

Winter Break Camp runs from 9am to 3pm, Wednesday through Friday, with an extended stay and play option until 5:15pm for an additional charge. The cost for the 3-day camp is $100 for Riverbanks Society members and $130 for the general public. The extended stay and play option is an additional $40. Children should bring their lunch, a snack and a filled water bottle to camp each day. Early drop-off begins at 8:20am each morning and dismissal begins at 3:00pm each afternoon.

For those looking ahead to the New Year, the Riverbanks Education Department is also offering two new ZooVenture programs starting this January.

Baby Buggy Club – (newborn to 18 months) Come be a part of Riverbanks’ “new” club of mommies and their newborns! This informal social hour includes an animal presentation and guided stroll through the Zoo. The club will gather the first Tuesday morning of each month at 8:30am.

Night Hike – (7 to 12 years) Enjoy nature at night! Take a nocturnal journey with us on January 23 at 7pm to learn about animal survival adaptations such as camouflage, hearing, sight, odors and much more!

For more information or to register for Winter Break Camp or other Riverbanks ZooVentures, call 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org. Mark your calendar for ZOOm! Into Spring Camp scheduled to run April 2-4 and April 9-11.