Manorville, NY - The Long Island Game Farm is holding its first children's essay contest this summer for the chance to attend one week of Camp Zoo for free. Children are encouraged to write an essay of 50 words or more on why they would like to attend Camp Zoo. (Parents of younger children can write their children's thoughts on why they want to attend for them.) The deadline for the contest is June 25. Five winning essays will be chosen and the winners will have the opportunity to decide which session they wish to attend. Camp Zoo is a weeklong summer day camp where children ages 4-11 can learn about animals, zoology and environmental conservation. Children will learn from an experienced teacher who will provide them with a rich, fun-filled learning environment and memories they will never forget. Each session at Camp Zoo is specially tailored to a child's interests. The 2011 Camp Zoo schedule is as follows: July 11-15: Animal Expeditions: For children ages 8-11 July 18-22: Creative Critters: ages 4-9 July 25-29: CSI: Creature Scene Investigations: ages 8-11 August 1-5: Creative Critters: ages 4-9 August 8-12: Long Island GREEN Farm: ages 4-11 Each day at Camp Zoo will offer new and exciting experiences such as zoo tours, up-close animal encounters, nature hikes, scavenger hunts and talks with the Game Farm's zoo keepers. In addition, there will be arts and crafts, animal stories, sing-alongs, nature-related games and informative animal tours. "The children whose essays are chosen will have the opportunity to learn about the animal kingdom, where certain animals come from and how they can help preserve the environment," said Melinda Novak, Co-Owner, Long Island Game Farm. "I encourage all children who have never attended Camp Zoo before to enter the contest." For more information, call (631) 878-6644 or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com. # # # * A $375 value for new campers, $325 for returning campers. The Long Island Game Farm was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak and is located on 25 acres of land in Manorville. The Park has grown over the years and has served as a frequent destination of school children that have grown up on Long Island. Each year, thousands of guests visit the park.