Denver Zoo’s Teen Volunteer Program

ZOO CREW!

If you are passionate about animals, you enjoy working with kids, and have ever wanted to know what a zookeeper's day is like, Denver Zoo's Teen Volunteer Program, Zoo Crew, might be the place for you! Zoo Crew runs primarily in the summer months (June-August), and supports a variety of areas around the zoo.


THE DEAL

APPLICATIONS:

• Applications are available online in early January each year.
• Applicants must be at least 13 years old by the first day of training and no older than a junior in high school at the time of application.
• Applications are due no later than March 1st each year.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• Teen volunteers are required to commit to 75 hours of service per summer (June through August). Teens can expect to be scheduled for at least 8 shifts (2-3 hours each) per month.
• First-year teen volunteers must commit to three weeks (M-F, mornings or afternoons) of volunteering during the summer months to support Summer Safari, Denver Zoo's summer camp. These hours go towards your minimum hours requirement.
• All current teen volunteers have the option in the fall to volunteer year-round, after participating for at least one summer season.  These teens must commit to at least one shift per month.

WE DO NOT OFFER ONE-TIME VOLUNTEER OR COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL OR COURT APPOINTED TEENS. 

THE LOW-DOWN

Denver Zoo's competitive, two-tiered teen volunteer program, Zoo Crew, operates primarily during the summer season to support the zoo in a number of ways. During their first summer, our Junior Crew members can expect to work in three main areas, which are described below.

JUNIOR CREW (Year One)

• Summer Safari: The primary role of our Junior Crew (first-year teens) is to support the zoo’s educators and enrich our guests' experiences in areas like Summer Safari, the zoo's summer camp, and at interpretive stations throughout the zoo.
• Interpretive Stations: spend your day interacting with visitors of all ages as you lead activities such as educational games and showing animal biofacts
• Special Events: All teens can expect to assist with at least one of the zoo’s special events by running activity centers, dressing up as a character greeter or leading interpretive stations.
• Animal Department: First-year teen volunteers also have a few opportunities to assist veteran teen volunteers with daily animal husbandry responsibilities such as cleaning, diet preparation, and animal enrichment.  Teens 16 or older may also help at the commissary, the zoo’s animal kitchen.

VOLUNTEENS (Year Two and Beyond)

After one summer of participation, teens are required to assist with one week of Summer Safari, one Special Event and to continue their work at Teen Interpretive Stations around the zoo. In addition, the second year and beyond is a time when teens can tailor their own experience at the zoo by applying to one or more Volunteen positions in the areas that they choose. Volunteen positions are available in a variety of departments, and are wonderful opportunities for increased responsibility and new experiences!

TUITION

$100 nonrefundable tuition fee (due no later than May 1 of each year)
Tuition Assistance is available. Click here to download a Red Apple Tuition Scholarship form. (Scholarship requests due no later than April 15 each year.)

Tuition helps cover costs of Zoo Crew T-shirt uniforms and name tag, as well as daily supervision, program supplies and materials, training and continuing education programs, annual award ceremony, social events and CampOUTs.


TEEN VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Confirm and secure all necessary means of transportation
• Commit to the areas they are assigned to and report to work on time
• Attend all mandatory training sessions at the zoo, including one mid-summer session
• Abide by all zoo rules set forth in the teen volunteer handbook
• Comply to Zoo Crew uniform specifications and wear nametag
• Attend at least one Zoo Crew “Careers & Conservation Workshop” each year

TEENS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH:

• All necessary training & handbooks
• Zoo Crew uniform, including T-shirts and a nametag (additional uniforms and name tags can be purchased)
• Opportunities to meet and take breaks with zoo professionals
• The chance to learn about animal related careers, conservation and zoo operations
• The opportunity to form friendships with teens who share your goals and interests
• Fun, Fun, Fun!
  
  

For more information, please call the Program Specialist at 720-337-1491 or e-mail teenvolunteer@denverzoo.org.

For information about other programs for teenagers, click here. 

Thank you to the generous support of:

The Audrey K. Dines Memorial Fund

Additional Funding provided by: