Zooteen Volunteer Program

Zooteens focus on conservation education for Zoo Boise visitors and, in turn, gain experience with teaching, leadership, public speaking, animal care, and learn about animals and the wild places they inhabit! Please read all of the following information before completing your application.


Do you . . .
. . . have an interest in animals and the environment?
. . . desire to share your knowledge with others?
. . . have the time to commit to a summer of volunteering?
. . . looking to gain experience in leadership, public speaking, educating others, and animal care?
Then Zoo Boise's Zooteen Volunteer program may be for you!

Click here for 2010 Zoo Teen application

Duties:
Assist with summer camps for children, provide informal educational presentations for zoo visitors (using artifacts and live animals), provide daily care for the education animals, and help with daily maintenance of the Simplot Education Center.



Zooteen Program FAQ's
2010 Zooteen Calendar

Time Commitment:
Weekly 4-hour shift (8:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 5:00pm); minimum 40 service hours within June, July, and August.

Days Available:
All days of the week, June-August

Training:
An initial two-day training and orientation is required by those accepted into the Zooteen program. Usually held the first 2 days after area high-school sessions end for summer break.

Fees:
$25.00 for training, manual, and uniform t-shirt (non-refundable).

Age Requirement:
Ages 13 (entering 8th grade the following fall) to 18 (entering 12th grade).


After Application is Submitted
  1. Applications will be reviewed for neatness, thoroughness, and content.
  2. Based on the quality of applications, it will be determined who will be granted an interview. Interviews will take place in April, Tuesday through Friday, between 3pm and 5pm.
  3. After interviews, applications will be contacted after May 1 regarding acceptance into the Zooteen Program.
  4. Successful Zooteen applicants will be required to attend training sessions at Zoo Boise.

A Note to Parents & Guardians
The Zooteen Volunteer Program at Zoo Boise provides a fun and educational activity for your teen. We make every effort to maintain a quality program which also requires assistance from you. We emphasize to the student that they are making a commitment to Zoo Boise and it requires your support for them to fulfill their obligation. We can only accept 30-50 teens into the program from the many applications that we receive. Please encourage your child to take the application and interview seriously as it will assist Zoo Boise in selecting applicants.


2010 Zooteen Calendar
January 1 - March 31
 Applications available
Mar.10, 6:00pm -7:00pm
Mar.17, 6:00pm -7:00pm
Mar.24, 6:00pm -7:00pm
 Mandatory Zoo Teen Preview
 for teen & parent/guardian
 (choose one)
April 1
 Applications due no later than 5:00pm
April 1 - 30
 Interviews
May 1
 Notification of acceptance mailed
June 10, 9:00am - 4:30pm
 Training/Orientation, Session 1
June 11, 9:00am - 4:30pm
 Training/Orientation, Session 2
June 14
 Volunteer shifts begin
August (date TBD)
 Zooteen party
August 29
 Last day of Zooteen Program

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