Zoo Teens

What is a ZooTeen?

ZooTeens enjoy the zoo with other teens ages 13-18 through this unique and exclusive volunteer program.

What does a ZooTeen do?

ZooTeens assist the Zoo Staff and Docents with many aspects of zoo operations, including animal care and handling, teaching and interpretation in programs, group leadership in summer camp, and much more.

The ZooTeen program requires volunteer training, periodic animal handling training, and a minimum number of volunteer hours be served each year. ZooTeens are invited to attend special ZooTeen events and holiday activities, and help with programs and events throughout the year. To fulfill minimum requirements, they are also required to help during some of our Zoo Camps each summer.

Becoming a ZooTeen is a fun way to spend time with animals and peers. It is also a great way for a student to gain resume- or scholarship-building experiences that will lend benefits to their college and career choices. ZooTeens will gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that will last a lifetime, including…

zoo operations
animal and plant care and management
wildlife & environmental conservation
handling and interpretation of living animals and biofacts
teaching and interpreting to others
leading youth activities
public speaking
teamwork
responsibility
exposure to careers in animal, botanic, environmental, biological, and natural resource sciences
exposure to careers in education, camp counseling, outdoor education, interpretation, customer service, and volunteer coordination.
and much more!

How do you become a ZooTeen?

Read the Zooteen Program Informational Flier. The Zooteen program begins with the start of school in the fall. (We will offer the program training again in spring 2021 to accommodate every student in our transition to an annual fall start.)
Click here for Flier
Complete the ZooTeen Application using the online link below. Applications are accepted through August 31 for the fall training.
Attend our ZooTeen introductory training class, which includes both classroom and outdoor sessions with staff, Docents, and Senior Zooteens. This is offered in early September every year. (It will also be offered in Feb. of 2021.) You will be invited to the session via email around Sept. 1 and once your application is received.

Questions about the ZooTeen program should be submitted to education@meskerparkzoo.com

Important Forms and Information for Prospective ZooTeens

Zooteen Program Structure

ZooTeen Application

Step 1 of 5

Applicant Information

Name(Required)

First MI Last

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Date of Birth(Required)

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (other than traffic violations)(Required)

Yes

Explain any criminal convictions and dates here.

Requirements

Are you willing and able to...(Required)

Attend a ZooTeen informational meeting

Attend a new ZooTeen training class (plese consult the schedule on the website)

Become a member of the Zoo (New ZT get a 25% discount, and 100% discount after 60 hours of service in a year))?

Contribute a minimum of 20 hours in a year and at least 4 days at camp per summer

Purchase a uniform nametag and t-shirt (approx. $25)

Education

High School / GED

Class of:

Choice

I receive free/reduced lunch

I am a 21st Century Scholar

Third Choice

List your extracurricular activities:

Describe your immediate plans after high school.

Work Experience

Employer

Dates of Employment

Previous Employer (if applicable)

Dates of Employment

Summary of Duties

Volunteer Experience

Organization

Dates of Participation

Summary of Duties

Organization

Dates of Participation

Summary of Duties

References

We would like information from adults who know you (not a relative). Please list three names below. These should be people who have known you for at least one year. If you have previous experience as a volunteer, one reference should be from that organization. Your references will be contacted to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Reference 1

Name

First Last

Phone

How does this person know you?

Reference 2

Name

First Last

Phone

How does this person know you?

Reference 3

Name

First Last

Phone

Parent / Guardian Information

I understand that if accepted for a volunteer position, I agree to receive training to help me carry out my volunteer activities. I affirm under the penalties for perjury that I have never been arrested or convicted for any offense against children. I understand that my name will be checked out through the Indiana Child Safe program. I further affirm under the penalties for perjury that I have never been arrested or convicted for any offense against animal welfare. I certify that all information provided on this application is true and complete. I understand that falsification or significant omissions of any information may be considered justification for non-acceptance or dismissal if discovered at a later date.

Signature

Date

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Zoo Teens

What is a ZooTeen?

What does a ZooTeen do?

How do you become a ZooTeen?

Important Forms and Information for Prospective ZooTeens

ZooTeen Application

Applicant Information

Requirements

Education

Work Experience

Volunteer Experience

Skills & Interests

References

Reference 1

Reference 2

Reference 3

Parent / Guardian Information

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