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The ZOOTeen program offers volunteer
opportunities to students between the ages of 13 and 17
who have a strong interest in education, animal science
and conservation. It is a seasonal/year-round program
that offers youth a range of opportunities.
| Seasonal ZOOTeens:
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- Host education activity stations covering a
variety of animal topics
- Work in Nature's Neighborhood, staffing the
animal contact yard and other duties
- Use biofacts (hides, bones, etc) to educate
visitors about our animals and exhibits
- Assist with Summer Camp programs and Nature's
Neighborhood programming
- Participate in a variety of off-grounds programs
including community service and conservation projects
(habitat restoration, litter clean ups and recycling
promotions)
- Make enrichment for the animals
- Provide clerical support
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| Year-Round
ZOOTeens can support all the seasonal
opportunities; in addition they may: |
- Handle live animals for the purpose of public
education
- Serve in leadership positions on the ZOOTeen
Executive Board and Committees
- Present formal education programs for Zoo School
classes, Children’s Zoo, Reptile House,
and off grounds programs
- Assist with the Zoo Snoozin’ program
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New ZOOTeens must attend an initial
orientation that covers volunteer opportunities, customer
service training, biofacts, Nature's Neighborhood responsibilities
and teaching techniques. Training is provided by department
staff and will be supplemented by optional classes for
other programs (Salamander Seep exhibit, presentation
skills, etc.).
Year-round ZOOTeens will have additional
training, including our seven-class training series covering
our exhibits and animals, leadership classes, advanced
teaching courses, animal handling, and more.
The program requires a commitment of at least one full
season (June 1-October 31), during which you are expected
to serve at least 50 hours. If interested, you may be
eligible to remain involved in the program throughout
the year. If you participate in the year-round program,
you are required to:
- Volunteer at least 8 hours per month, and
- Attend at least 8 ZOOTeen meetings per year,
held on the second Sunday of each month.
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To apply as a ZOOTeen, please follow these steps:
1. Download the ZOOTeen Application Form.
2. Print the ZOOTeen Application Form then fill out the first two pages of the form.
3. Ask an adult who is not related to you to fill out the Recommendation Form (last two pages of the Application Form above). As a courtesy, please provide your reference with an addressed, stamped envelope for the address on the Recommendation Form.
4. Mail your completed ZOOTeen application to the address located on the Application Form.
5. Remind your reference to mail in your Recommendation Form, again using the addressed, stamped envelope that you provided for their convenience.
The ZOOTeen program requires a one-time fee of $40 to
cover the initial expenses of the program, including ZOOTeen
shirt, training materials, name tag, etc. Scholarships
are available and will be awarded based on need. This
fee is payable upon acceptance into the ZOOTeen program,
and is not required at the time of application.
If you have questions regarding any
of these expectations, or for more information, please
contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 419-385-5721, ext.
2045, or email us at volunteer@toledozoo.org
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