Where Curiosity Meets Creatures
Some kids flip over every rock looking for salamanders. Others want to know what happens in the woods after dark. All About Animals Day Camp is built for that kind of curiosity. This week-long program turns Gretna Glen into a hands-on animal adventure where campers explore the wild, meet real creatures up close, and discover how animals thrive and survive in the world around them.
From farm animal visits and reptile encounters to zoo-day experiences led by animal specialists, every day brings something new. And between the animal fun, campers still get the full day camp experience: swimming, fishing, boating, crafts, games, songs, and friendships that make summer feel like summer.
Animals, Adventure, and Camp Fun All Week
A week packed with animal encounters, outdoor fun, and hands-on discovery from 9 to 3:30 every day.
Up-Close Animal Encounters
Farm animals, zoo-day visits, and reptile experiences bring the animal world to life. Campers will meet creatures up close with help from specialists who make every encounter safe and memorable.
Classic Day Camp Fun
Swimming, fishing, boating, nature walks, group games, and crafts fill every day. The animal theme adds a layer of excitement, but the core camp experience is always front and center.
Small Groups, Big Connections
Campers are split into age-appropriate "family" groups so group sizes stay small and every kid gets the attention they deserve. Friendships form fast when you're learning about bugs together.
Faith and Discovery
Each day includes Bible discovery time woven into the animal theme, helping campers explore faith through the wonder of the natural world around them.
Built for Ages 5-8 and 9-13
All About Animals runs two tracks side by side. Younger campers (ages 5-8, code DCY1) and older campers (ages 9-13, code DCO1) share the same camp but experience age-appropriate programming designed for where they are developmentally. Each group has its own "family" groups to keep things small and personal.
Campers from both age groups will see each other throughout the day, but the activities, conversations, and group dynamics are tailored to fit. When registering, you can request one bunkmate in the same age category as your camper.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
Day camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Lunch and one snack are included. Outside animal specialists visit throughout the week for hands-on encounters.
Gretna Glen is ACA-accredited, meeting over 300 health, safety, and quality standards. Staff are trained specifically for the age groups they serve.
Extended Day Options
AM extended day: 7:30-9:00 AM (drop off any time). PM extended day: 3:30-5:30 PM (pick up 5:15-5:30). Both available for an additional fee and include an extra camp activity. Register online.
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
- Kids who love animals and want to learn about them up close
- Campers ages 5-13 looking for a themed day camp experience
- Families who want a full week of outdoor fun without the overnight commitment
- First-time campers who need a welcoming, structured introduction to camp life
Sample Day
9:00 - Arrive & settle in.
9:15 - Bible Discovery & Worship.
9:45 - Open play.
10:30 - Morning activity rotations (fishing, boating, theme fun, games, nature).
11:15 - Lunch & singing.
12:30 - Pool/waterslide.
1:45 - Theme activities.
3:00 - Daily closing, singing & snack.
3:30 - Pick up.