Camp-In at the Columbus Zoo

Friday afternoon found me driving to Columbus with Rebecca so that she and I could attend a special activity with her American Heritage Girls troop. We got to spend the night at the Columbus Zoo, learning about animal adaptations. However, before we got there we stopped off at Wendy's for dinner. We left almost 2.5 hours before she had to be at the zoo due to traffic. We live over an hour away and then add in rush hour traffic and it was a good idea. 

Upon arrival, the split the girls up into their troops. Our troop sent 6 girls.

Other troops had sent upwards of 15 girls. There was over 100 people registered for this camp-in.

 

After a group introduction, the groups split up and headed out to explore the "Asia Quest" area of the zoo and to talk about animal adaptations. It was neat as we were walking around at dusk and many of the animals were very active and loud. I have never seen the red pandas active and they were walking around. 

After our evening hike, we headed back to our classroom for a snack.

Then it was time for animal encounters. The zoologist brought in an American rabbit, a ferret, an opossum, an armadillo, a tortoise, a snake, a bearded dragon, and a legless lizard.

Funny story, one of the animals that the kids were introduced to on the night hike was Hannah the python. Well I have a fear of snakes. I wouldn't even go near the glass that separated Hannah from the kids. So when the zoologist brought out the snake during the animal visitor encounters, the girls really wanted me to touch it. And I proud to say that I did. It was really weird to touch and after my fingertips almost felt "sparky"...it is hard to describe. When I told Bill about that he wonders if maybe I am allergic to snake skin as he has touched snakes before and never had that reaction. 

After the animal encounters, the girls got to make a picture frame craft to remember their experiences.

Then it was time for bed...which was sleeping on a small, very thin mat on the classroom floor. It wasn't too bad, except the little girl next to Rebecca kept talking and would not go to sleep.

 

In the morning, wake up call was around 6:30. After we were up and dressed, we took all of our things out to our cars, then came back in for breakfast. As we were eating breakfast we realized that outside of our classroom window, we could see wolves walking around in their enclosure. 

After breakfast, we went out on our morning hike, which took place in the North American, African and Polar areas of the zoo. The girls got to see the wolves who were very active. They also got to see polar bears, lions, cheetahs, and bald eagles. 

After seeing the bald eagles, it was time to head out so that we could come back home so that Bill could head out to work. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I am so glad that I was able to have the opportunity to go with Rebecca. Great Mother-Daughter bonding experience.