RZSS Summer CAT (Conservation Action Team) 2025

Summer CAT is based out of Edinburgh Zoo’s Wildlife Garden where children spend all day outside getting mucky and getting hands on with conservation. They will take part in a range of activities including planting, building, animal surveying, games, campfires and much more. We also take advantage of being set in a zoo and visit some of our amazing animals!

The programme is for children entering school years P4-P7 after the summer and runs from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 3.30pm. Early drop off is available for free from 8.30am and After-School Club is available to book for £35 for the week - this runs until 5.30pm and you can collect earlier if preferred.

When you book on to one of the four available weeks in July, the date on your ticket will correspond with the Monday and means you are booked in for the full week!

30 June - 4 July

7 - 11 July

14 - 18 July

21 - 25 July

FAQs

Are the age brackets compulsory?

The age brackets are compulsory, as the programme content will be specifically aimed at each age group. You must only book Summer CAT if your child will be entering P4, P5, P6 or P7 in August 2025. Please ensure that you do not book children in the incorrect age bracket.

Due to the compulsory age brackets, any spaces booked in the incorrect age bracket will be refunded.

What if I miss out on a space?

Our summer programmes are popular and can sell out very quickly. If you miss out, please follow our Eventbrite page to keep an eye out for futher opportunities to learn at RZSS!

Is After-School Club available?

Spaces on After-School Club will be available each week. You can book your space at £35 for the week while you are booking your main tickets. After-School Club runs from 3.30pm to 5.30pm each day. It will include children from each age group at Summer School and Summer CAT. Please make sure you are comfortable with this before booking on to After-School Club.

You must only book your child a space on After-School Club for a week they are attending Summer School or Summer CAT. Any spaces booked for children not attending RZSS summer programmes on the week booked will be refunded.

How do I fill out the Health & Emergency form?

After you book your Summer School or Summer CAT tickets, your Eventbrite confirmation email will contain a link to fill out an online Health & Emergency form. This will provide us with essential information for ensuring your children are in the best of care during their week with us. It must be completed before your place can be fully confirmed.

Is it possible to use childcare vouchers?

It is not possible to use childcare vouchers for Summer School or Summer CAT.

What time is drop-off and pick-up?

The Summer CAT and Summer School day begins at 9.00am, but early drop off is available for free from 8.30am. The Summer CAT and Summer School day finishes at 3.30pm. You can book After School Club for an additional £35 for the week and this continues until 5.30pm each day.

What about snacks and lunch?

Each child needs to bring their own packed lunch (labelled if possible). They can bring another snack for the morning break time. Cups of water are available at break and lunch and your child should bring a named water bottle for activities throughout the day.

Will photos be taken during summer programmes?

Photos and videos will be taken during summer programmes at the zoo for promotional and marketing use and to share with parents and family. If you have booked a place on a summer programme and do not wish for your children to be included in any photos or videos, please get in touch via email to education@rzss.org.uk.

What about clothing?

Your child will get their own T-shirt to keep that they need to wear each day. They also need to wear weather-appropriate clothing that they don’t mind getting active in, including painting and a range of other muddy activities outside! It's also possible to buy an additional T-shirt or a hoodie - the additional merch will be available to purchase until 1st May 2025. Clothing can only be purchased if you also book a Summer School or Summer CAT place.

What if I cannot attend the week I have booked?

Refunds are available up to 30 days before the programme starts. If you find out you are unable to attend fewer than 30 days before your booked week, please get in touch with us at education@rzss.org.uk.

Is there a waiting list?

It is not possible for us to operate a waiting list. If tickets are sold out, we recommend checking back every so often in case places have appeared through cancellations!

What happens if I buy merchandise?

We will give out any additional uniform and merchandise purchased on the first day when children arrive at Summer CAT.

What happens at the Friday Share?

On Friday afternoons, we welcome families to join us in the Wildlife Garden in the zoo to see what their children have been enjoying during the week!

What about the John Muir Award?

In previous years, we have been able to offer the Discover level of the John Muir Award at CAT. As the John Muir Trust have recently announced a pause in the award, we are no longer able to offer this at Summer CAT.