John Ball Zoo

Teen Volunteers

Are you interested in joining other teens at John Ball Zoo and in sharing your love of the JBZ animals with our guests? Apply to be a teen volunteer this summer! We have two programs available with different themes and time commitments so you can find one that suits you. Programs run June 17th through August 16th 2019.

 

These are some of the qualities we look for when selecting teen volunteers:

  • Positive attitude
  • Enthusiasm for learning and sharing information with guests, kids and adults!
  • Desire to meet new friends and be part of a team

To be eligible for a Teen Program you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be entering 9th – 12th grade in Fall 2019
  • Submit a completed application by the April 20th deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
  • Be available for an interview
  • Make the required time commitment for the program chosen
  • Once accepted, contribute a $40 program fee. Should this cause economic hardship for you these fees may be waived, just let us know.
  • Be able to attend one of the New Volunteer Orientation sessions June, 2019.
  • Be able to receive important information via email 

PROGRAMS

Counselor In Training (CIT)

CIT’s choose which Summer Zoo Camp sessions and classes they would like to assist with before summer starts. CIT’s assist camp staff with all class activities including; zoo tours, art projects, story time, adventure hikes and games! We ask that you commit to at least 4 camp sessions. Camp classes are: 2 day 8:30-4:30, or 4 day AM, 8:30 - 12:00 or 4 day PM, 12:30 - 4:00.

Zoo Teens

 Zoo Teens focus on in-zoo guest interactions, teaching youth, assisting keepers and team building. Zoo Teens begin their volunteer career by assisting in camp as well as interacting with guests in a variety of capacities throughout the zoo. As teens become accomplished at each skill level they are given more responsibility. All teens will work on public speaking, conservation projects, leadership skills, and increasing their animal knowledge. This program requires teens to commit to one day, the same day, each week from 8:30-4:00 for the 9 week program. We also require teens to sign up for 2 weekend days throughout the 9 week program and assist with one camp session. A camp session is one complete class. Camp classes are: 2 day 8:30-4:30, or 4 day AM, 8:30 - 12:00 or 4 day PM, 12:30 - 4:00.

How Do I Apply? 

Both programs have the same application process and have limited spaces. There are three parts in the application process to become a new teen volunteer. More information on the process and the different parts can be found here. All three parts of the application process must be completed by the April 20th, 2019 deadline.

Online Application

The application opened on February 1st and will close on April 20th, 2019! Late applications will not be considered. Apply here. 

References

These are submitted by your reference via a survey link found in the application confirmation email. You would then send the link to your references. We require 3 references.

Essay:

Directions for the essay can be found here.

What happens after I apply?

After reviewing completed applications we will contact selected applicants for an interview in April. Due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee an interview for all applicants. All completed applications will receive email notification if they did or did not get into the program.   

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