Zoo Teen Programs

VOLUNTEER LOGIN E-LEARNING LOGIN

Coordinator: Jen Katona
Phone: 321.254.9453 x375
Email: zooteens@brevardzoo.org
Fax: 321.259.5966
Mail: Brevard Zoo
8225 N. Wickham Rd.
Melbourne, FL 32940

SUMMER VOLUNTEEN PROGRAM

The Summer VolunTEEN Program is a 10-week-, 10-day-minimum opportunity that runs from May through early August.  VolunTEENs fill a variety of roles, such as engaging Zoo guests, assisting with summer camps and working alongside Zoo Teen volunteers. Applicants must be 13 by April 1, and applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 3, 2022.  Click HERE for application.

 

2023 ZOO TEEN PROGRAM INFORMATION

Applications for the full year Zoo Teen Program will be posted in August, 2022. Applicants must be 13 by January 1, 2023. Fully completed applications with all required materials turned in together are due by 5 PM Sunday, October 9, 2022. Partial or incomplete applications will not be considered.  Learn more below!

WHAT DOES A ZOO TEEN DO?

Zoo Teens volunteer once a month on their assigned Saturday or Sunday, typically from 9 am to 3 pm. The day is divided in half, with one opportunity in the morning before lunch and another opportunity in the afternoon. Assignments include:

  • educational outreach with Discovery Carts
  • raising funds for conservation and educational programs
  • assisting staff in the Barnyard, Kangaroo Yard, and Free Flight Aviary
  • engaging guests at the Oyster Reef Aquarium
  • assisting staff with summer and winter camps
  • Assisting with special events and seasonal functions

We welcome Zoo Teens to volunteer more than once per month if they are available. In June and July, instead of regular assigned days, Zoo Teens can sign up for hours that fit their schedule any day of the week (a 25-hour minimum is required). Teens can take advantage of leadership and career exploration opportunities by participating in special projects and attending talks by speakers from a variety of career backgrounds.

WHO CAN BE A ZOO TEEN?

All Zoo Teens must:

  • be between the ages of 13 and 16 on January 1 of the year of their program
  • have an interest in animals, the environment, and working with guests

We seek applicants with:

  • the desire to try new and exciting things
  • a willingness to be responsible and polite while working hard
  • the maturity required to represent the Zoo in a responsible manner and effectively engage with guests of all ages

ZOO TEEN COMMITMENT

Once accepted, Zoo Teens must:

  • commit to one year of service following their training period.
  • complete the initial training program
  • pass a final exam with a minimum score of 80%
  • New Brevard Zoo policy requires all staff and volunteers to provide proof of complete vaccination OR undergo testing within the week prior to volunteering to demonstrate they have tested negative for the COVID-19 virus
  • provide proof of a negative TB test
  • pay an enrollment fee of $45 (to cover the cost of Zoo Teen manual, polo, nametag and other supplies; financial assistance is available)
  • attend 7 out of 10 assigned Saturday or Sunday volunteer days (weekend assignments not required in June and July)
  • volunteer a minimum of 25 hours during the summer months of June and July
  • participate in Boo at the Zoo
  • attend at least one conservation event per year
  • assist with at least one special event per year
  • participate in an annual training session if re-enrolled past February of the coming year

BENEFITS

There are numerous benefits to the Summer VolunTeen Program. Many students are able to use their volunteer experience to meet the community service requirement for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarships (contact the guidance department of your school for more details). Students may also receive credit for their volunteer hours from their school. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with Education Department staff and the public, gaining valuable skills for a variety of careers. Making new friends, earning potential employment references, gaining work experience, and feeling a sense of accomplishment are just a few more reasons to apply!

HOW TO APPLY

Prospective Zoo Teens must complete and submit an application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications are scored equally using a rubric; this is a tool that allows the applicants to know how each answer will be scored, and teens are encouraged to consult the rubric on the application while formulating their responses. The top 50 – 55 applicants are interviewed in November; of these, approximately 40 teens are invited to join the Zoo Teen program. All applicants are contacted in November regarding their application status.