Volunteer Opportunity Details:

The mission of ZooTeens is to help zoo visitors gain an understanding, respect, and appreciation for all animals. By providing a variety of educational opportunities for zoo visitors, ZooTeens hope to share their knowledge and inspire others to preserve wildlife and habitats.

Teens can volunteer at Zoo Boise as Critter College Summer Camp Assistants, Docents, or Zoo Boise Educators. Critter College Summer Camp Assistants help zoo instructors with developing and conducting educational activities, snack time, and craft projects for camp participants from 4-12 years of age. Most camps run Monday through Friday, from 9am-12pm or 1:30pm-4:30pm. Camps for 4 & 5 year children are available in the afternoons. If possible, Assistants are asked to commit to one entire week of Critter College in order to participate in a program from beginning to end. Critter College camp subjects and times will be available in April 2008. Past subjects include Reptiles, Winged Things, Rainforests, Africa, and Animals of North America. Assistants also spend at least one shift as a Docent.

Docents, or Zoo Educators, focus on public interactions and conservation education by assisting with educational activities such as Educarts (contain animal artifacts), exhibit interpretation, small animal demonstrations, Critter College Summer Camps (if needed), penguin feedings, and maintenance of the Jack & Esther Simplot Education Center. Animal Care duties are limited to the educational animals in the Simplot Education Center.

ZooTeens must be ages 13 (completed 7th grade) through 18 (entering 12th grade). Applicants must be 13 by September 1, 2008. Interested teens must complete and application, which will be available February 1, 2008 and will be due April 1st, 2008. Applications will be available at Zoo Boise's main entrance from 10am-5pm daily or on Zoo Boise's website.

Teens must also attend a ZooTeen Volunteer Program Information Hour in March. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend. Once a teen has gone through the Information Hour, he/she must complete an interview with Zoo Boise Education Staff. If accepted into the program, ZooTeens must complete the necessary training.

During Training, ZooTeens learn about Zoo Boise, Zoo Policy, animal biology and ecology, and how to educate and interact with zoo guests. Trainings are approximately 8-12 hours long and take place over a few days in early June. To participate in the training, the ZooTeen must pay a fee of $20.00 for a uniform shirt and training manual.

ZooTeens must contribute 4 hours per week (32 hours minimum) during June - August. Shifts are available from 8:30am-12:30pm or 1:00pm-5:00pm.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Boise Parks & Recreation Department

We need volunteers who are free at these times Afternoons Weekly Mornings This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adolescents (13-17)

Contact Person: Courtney Rush, Volunteer Coordinator, (208) 384-4230, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

355 N. Julia Davis Dr. Boise, ID 83706 (See a map)

Directions:

Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park. You can access the Zoo through the park entrances off of either Capitol Blvd. or Myrtle St. Zoo is located in the center of the park.

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Boise