Jim:
        In high school, I went to a zoo camp-in at Riverbanks zoo in Columbia, SC.
 It made me want to be a zoologist until I flunked botany in college.  From
the experience of one who has been a participant in something like what you
suggest, I'll give you the worst and best.  The worst was the lecture about
what we were going to see, the best was being able to do things behind the
scenes that normal visitors couldn't.  For years, every time I went to the
zoo I'd brag about my inside view.  Give them things to touch, and "inside"
info, and you'll have friends for life.
        I don't know whether you'll find info about this program at the web-site,
but it's www.riverbanks.org if you want to look.  By the way, I think this
is one of the best services you can provide for your museum guests...might
turn them into financial supporters, and who couldn't use that?

Regards,
Katherine
Katherine Steiner Stocker
"If the world were a logical place, men would ride side-saddle."  --Rita
Mae Brown