Teen Volunteer Program

Zoo Crew is open to teens in 8th-12th grade. Zoo Crew members can get involved with the Zoo in three different ways:

The first opportunity is called Zoo Crew Teacher. Zoo Crew Teachers share information about the Zoo and special topics that are really important to the Zoo.

The second opportunity is helping out our camp counselors with all the excitement of ZooCamp, as a Zoo Crew CIT (Counselor in Training).

After the first summer of Zoo Crew, all Zoo Crew members can apply to be a Junior Keeper and work alongside our animal keepers (please note that this has limited availability). Once the busy season winds down, Zoo Crew members can still participate
in activities such as service projects and field trips throughout the year.

Please join us for a Teen Information Night on Januarry 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Education Center.  When you arrive for the orientation please enter the Zoo through via the Elmwood Avenue entrance to the Park at Gate#3.  This can be tricky the first time so please call our volunteer manager if you get lost or have any questions.  She can be reached at 401-785-3510 x356. There will be a security guard posted at the gate – let them know you are here for the new volunteer orientation and they will show you the way to the Education Center.

Find out more about how to become a:

Zoo Crew Teacher

Zoo Crew CIT

Zoo Crew Teacher

Benefits:
The Zoo Crew Teacher presents a great opportunity to work with other teens while helping to educate children, teens, and adults. Zoo Crew Teachers will be able to practice public speaking and work as part of a team. This opportunity also allows teens to meet community service requirements for school and other organizations. There are also fun social opportunities to interact with teens who have similar interests.

Purpose:
Zoo Crew Teachers act as on-grounds environmental educators at the Zoo using a variety of props and their Zoo Crew training. A Zoo Crew Teacher’s duties include:

-  Interact with Zoo guests through conversations and activities.

-  Encourage guests to participate in games, puzzles or activities that will teach them more about the Zoo.

-  Working together with other teens to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning while at the Zoo

Qualifications:

-  Enthusiasm for conservation and wildlife preservation

-  Willingness to develop public speaking skills

-  Ability to engage children and adults in learning about the environment

-  Friendliness and reliability

-  Must five (5) attend training sessions in March

Time Commitment:
Teens commit to ten (10) shifts over the course of the summer. Each shift is five and a half (5.5) hours long. This makes for a total commitment of 55 hours during the summer.
 

Download the Zoo Crew Teacher application >
Application must be received by February 1st for the following summer's program.

Zoo Crew CIT

Benefits:
The CIT position is a great opportunity to work with children in a fun setting. CITs also get to work on their skills in public speaking as well as working as a member of a team. This opportunity also allows teens to meet community service requirements for school and other organizations. There are also fun social opportunities to interact with teens who have similar interests.

Purpose:
Zoo Crew CITs support the camp counselors with all the excitement of ZooCamp. CITs help with activities, and they work with the campers in daily events. A CIT’s duties include:

-  Greeting campers upon their arrival, and assisting in their departure

-  Contributing to the creation and organization of activities

-  Helping to supervise the campers

-  Assisting counselors in all aspects of ZooCamp

Qualifications:

-  Enthusiasm

-  Responsibility

-  Ability to work closely with children

-  Ability to work well with camp counselors and follow directions

-  Must attend a working interview during February or April camp

Time Commitment:
CITs must be able to commit for at least five (5) weeks during Summer Camp, and attend either the Winter or Spring camp for training.
 

Download the Zoo Crew CIT application >
Application must be received by February 1st for the following summer's program.