• Registration deadline: Dec. 1, 2024
• Arrive: Fly or Drive. Everyone should plan to arrive at Busch Gardens in Tampa by 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27.
• Depart: Fly or Drive home, but don’t plan to leave Busch Gardens until after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

The world’s largest zoological organization partners with Missouri 4-H to offer 4-H youth an opportunity to discover, learn, laugh and experience one-of-a-kind adventures with animals from around the world.

Register Now

*The Zoo Apprentice Camp for 14+ is OPEN AGAIN (additional spots have been added).

Learn-by-doing has long been a 4-H motto. Now 4-Her’s will experience this in Busch Gardens’ 335-acre African-themed living classroom by attending the 4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp for youth ages 14+ or by attending 4-H Junior Zoo Apprentice Camp for youth ages 11-13.

Youth in attendance will become amateur zookeepers and discover firsthand what it takes to care for animals from around the world. Assist zoo staff behind the scenes and observe animal care sessions.

Youth in attendance will be living inside Busch Gardens. They will investigate the mysteries of the animal kingdom, getting up-close to animals they have never seen before. And in between life changing moments, participants will enjoy World Class Entertainment in our nation’s fourth most popular amusement park.

In addition, all participants will make lifetime memories spend time working with the animal care specialists at Sea World, touring Sea World Rescue, and sleeping overnight beside our new aquatic friends.

You will return with a keen understanding of animal behavior, science, and nutrition. You will be a better communicator with your own animals and four-footed family members.

The $875 registration fee includes:

• Airport pick-up and transportation on Saturday to Busch Gardens
• All lodging
• 24/7 Staff Escorts including Zoo Staff, Education Staff, Youth Professionals and Health Staff
• Three camp t-shirts
• Staff will process needed laundry during the week
• All meals and lodge snacks
• Re-usable water bottle
• I.D. badges
• Backpack
• Transportation to and from Orlando
• All meals at Sea World
• All special events at Sea World
• Sea World Rescue facilities
• Park admission to both Sea World and Busch Gardens
• Behind the scene access
• Veterinary practices and care facilities
• Animal encounters
• Proper dress and equipment required for Zoo areas
• Photo access and camp video (produced after camp concludes)
• Unique animal experiences based on age which will be revealed at Camp
• Access to America’s fourth most popular theme park rides
• World class shows and entertainment
• Lifelong friendships
• Transportation back to airport on Wednesday, Jan. 1

Not included in the $875 fee:

• Airfare to and from Tampa, Florida
• Money for souvenirs