ZooTeen
The
Phoenix Zoo’s current ZooTeen program began in the early 90’s in
response to inquiries from youth who were interested in
volunteering at the institution they had been visiting since
they were young children. ZooTeens are an essential component of
the Zoo’s trail experiences and assist in inspiring our Zoo
guests to live in ways that promote the well being of the
natural world.
What
is a ZooTeen?
ZooTeen
Requirements
What does a ZooTeen do?
What are the
benefits of being a ZooTeen?
How does someone
become a ZooTeen?
ZooTeen Timeline
What is a ZooTeen?
ZooTeens are a group of 14 – 17 year olds interested in animals,
nature and conservation who volunteer their time on weekends to
The Phoenix Zoo by sharing their interests with our Zoo Guests
at a variety of interpretive stations throughout the Zoo.
What are the
requirements to be a ZooTeen?
Teens must be age 14 to 17 as of September 1st of the application
year. After following the application process and being
selected, they are required to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours
during the ZooTeen season, undergo yearly TB testing and attend
all required orientations and meetings to retain their ZooTeen
status.
What
does a ZooTeen do?
ZooTeens primarily spend their time interacting with the Zoo
public through games, crafts, activities and the presentation of
animal artifacts. Occasionally, ZooTeens may also present some
small animals to Zoo guests to demonstrate care-giving or
natural history concepts.
What are the
benefits of being a ZooTeen?
Over the years, Zoo Staff has been able to observe ZooTeens
develop a keen sense of responsibility, self confidence, public
speaking abilities and career skills.
As ZooTeens progress through their years in the program, there
are opportunities for further career exploration through higher
level ZooTeen positions as well as workshops and seminars. In
addition to gaining valuable professional skills, ZooTeens
receive the same Zoo benefits as our adult volunteer group.
Who is eligible to be a ZooTeen?
Any teenager between the ages of 14 and 17 and has an interest
in the Zoo, natural world and helping their community is welcome
to apply.
How
does someone become a ZooTeen?
Teens must complete a ZooTeen application packet to be
considered for the next season of ZooTeening.
Applications are accepted during the months of March, April and
May (any application received outside of this time period is not
eligible for consideration).
A minimum of two recommendation forms are required to be
included with the application packet (teachers, school staff or
community leaders are recommended).
Completed applications can be forwarded to the ZooTeen
Coordinator at the Phoenix Zoo. During the month of June, all
applications are reviewed and a limited number of candidates
demonstrating an interest in sharing their enthusiasm for the
Zoo and natural world will be selected to come in for a brief
interview.
Interviews are conducted in the month of July and final ZooTeens
for the upcoming season will be selected from those interviewed
and notified by the beginning of August.
Timeline
for ZooTeen Program
The ZooTeen program officially operates from September through
May. Prospective ZooTeen applications are accepted during the
months of March, April and May.
September – Start of ZooTeen season and Fall Semester
December – Fall Semester ends
January – Spring Semester begins
March – New applications now accepted
May – New application period ends, end of Spring Semester
July – Interviews scheduled for successful applicants
August – Orientation for new and returning ZooTeens
Download Zoo
Teen Application -
Download Zoo
Teen Recommendation Form
