Who are the staff that will be with my child, and what type of training & experience do they have? The staff to camper ratio is two staff members (one Teacher, one Aide) with every group of 12 campers. They are typically college students, graduates, or teachers out for the summer. A few of the Aides are highly motivated recent High School graduates. All our staff have a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and enjoy working in a fun environment with children. Their degrees range from child development to elementary education, biology to music. There is a camp director and a camp supervisor for the program. All staff members go through the Zoo's 20-hour Employee Orientation Course and attend a one-week Camp Training Program. The Camp Director and Supervisor have a combined experience with the Safari Program of over 13 years and work at the zoo or in the education field outside of the camp season. Many of the camp staff have prior experience with other camp or youth programs, and typically over half of the camp staff are returning after a number of years with the program - most with 3 years or more experience with the Zoo's programs.

Is the camp safe? The camp is a very safe environment for children. All staff members are personally interviewed by a Curator of Education and the Camp Director. Background checks are performed on all staff. Their training includes several hours dedicated to child safety, interaction, and welfare, along with disability etiquette, emergency preparation, and guest interaction and service. For the safety and welfare of all campers, the camp is a camper-only experience, and participation or shadowing/observation of the camp by parents, relatives, or any other individual is not allowed, including photography or videography by anyone except those authorized by the Education Department. Campers are with their groups and the staff at all times while in camp, from the time they are dropped off until the time they are picked up. Staff members are with them during restroom breaks, either in the restroom or at the door, observing visitor traffic, and during the lunch time between camps. Additionally: The Zoo has Park Safety officers on ground at all times, and can respond to any situation within moments. The Zoo has a three-minute response time from both Royal Oak and Huntington Woods Emergency Services. All camp teachers carry radios for quick communication. Groups take numerous water breaks during the tours (at every fountain), and careful attention is paid to heat and weather.