Riverbanks ZooCrew :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Riverbanks’ learning program for middle school youth.

The ZooCrew meets twice monthly, September through May, to explore the field of conservation biology. ZooCrew will utilize the Riverbanks campus and exhibits to learn about environmental stewardship and the science behind animal care. Participants will cooperate with their peers and Riverbanks staff during classroom lessons, while collecting and analyzing data and conducting their own research projects.

ZooCrew Schedule and Fees

Classes are held twice monthly on Saturdays — Mondays for homeschool students, September through May. Classes are 3 hours long. Class dates will be sent to registered participants.

Homeschool students are encouraged to register for the Homeschool Monday AM session but are welcome to register for either of the Saturday sessions. Registrants may not register for more than one session.

Annual tuition is $530 for Riverbanks members and $650 for the non-members, with a $50 deposit due at the time of registration for all participants. Tuition includes all classes, supplies, nametag, and one ZooCrew T-shirt per year. Tuition can be paid in eight monthly installments over the course of the year.

Registration Requirements

Students must be at least 11 years old and rising 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade in the fall of 2026.

You do not have to be a Riverbanks member to apply, but members receive discounted tuition.

Program Details

Content :

During the 2026-2027 school year, ZooCrew students will engage in project-based learning by exploring how citizen science research on our local wildlife is critical to Riverbank’s mission, wildlife, and protecting the environment. Students will collect and present data on one of their favorite native species as their final project. Through observations, scavenger hunts, group discussions, guest speakers, and behind the scenes exploration, participants will discover SC wildlife secretly living alongside our Riverbanks residents.

Session Dates and Times :

AM Session: 8:30–11:30_AM
PM Session: 1:00–4:00_PM

August 29 : Virtual Family Orientation Meeting (10:00–11:00_AM OR 1:00–2:00_PM)
September 12 & 26
October 10 & 24
November 7 & 21
December 5
January 2, 16, & 30
February 13 & 27
March 13
April 3 & 17
May 1 : End of Year Celebration (3:30–5:00_PM)

Location :

New Conservation Learning Center.

Sign In/Sign Out :

Saturday ZooCrew guardians will be required to sign in and sign out their students with an instructor at the Conservation Learning Center Entrance to the Parking Lot. Guardians must be on the authorized pick-up list and show proof of ID for students to be picked up.

Opens July 15

Questions about Riverbanks ZooCrew?

Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.

Riverbanks ZooCrew

ZooCrew Schedule and Fees

Registration Requirements

Program Details

Opens July 15

Questions about Riverbanks ZooCrew?

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