ZooTeens

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.

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.

Time Commitment
Weekly 4 hour shift (8:30 am -12:30 pm or 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm). Minimum 40 service hours within June, July, and August.

Days Available
All days of the week; June through August.

Training
An initial 2 day training and orientation is required by those accepted into the ZooTeen program. Training is usually held the first 2 days after area high-school semesters 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).

Application
Click here for a ZooTeen application or contact 384-4260 ext 102. Applications must be postmarked by March 31. Applications sent by email or fax will not be accepted.

Acceptance into the program is based on quality of the application and interview; approximately 30 - 40 ZooTeens are accepted each summer. If applying, it is required that teen applicants and at least 1 parent or guardian attend 1 ZooTeen Program Preview. Call 384-4260 ext 102 to register for a Program Preview. Please call at least one day in advance.

2008 ZooTeen Program Preview Dates:
  • Feb 5, Tuesday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
  • Feb 19, Tuesday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
  • March 1, Saturday, 9:00 - 10:00 am
  • March 5, Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
  • March 19, Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
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.  Training dates to be announced.

A Note to Parents and 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 30-40 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.  Successful ZooTeen applicants will be required to attend training sessions at Zoo Boise.  Training dates to be announced.


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