Volunteens
The Volunteen Program is designed for young adults ages 14-17 and focuses on building a ladder of leadership, interpersonal and job skills while fostering responsibility, customer service, commitment and environmental stewardship.
New Volunteens will interact with Zoo visitors at select animal exhibits by providing hands-on activities and answering visitors’ questions.
Volunteens will have additional opportunities over the course of the year to become involved in areas such as Summer Safari Day Camp, Horticulture, and Special Events.
This program requires a one-year commitment, not only from the teen volunteer, but from his or her entire family who will provide transportation, encouragement, support and cooperation.
Based on their performance and overall commitment to the zoo during their first year, returning teen volunteers may be given other leadership opportunities including helping in animal care and husbandry, the animal nutrition kitchen, mentoring new Volunteens and interning in the Volunteen Habitat.
| Requirements |
| To Apply |
| Checklist |
| Important Dates |
| For more information |
Applicants must:
- Be 14-17 years old by June 1, 2010
- Truly interested in making Volunteening your number one extracurricular activity of the year
- Make a one-year commitment to the Volunteen program. (This is a commitment for both applicant and family.)
If selected, he/she must:
- Submit a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD Type).
- Wear appropriate attire at all times which includes khaki bottoms and the provided Volunteen T-shirt, and name badge.
- Work one 7-hour day a week in the summer (June -August) and 12 hours each month (September-May) during the school year, totaling about 200 hours.
1. Apply online. Complete all parts of the application fully to be considered for the program. Your information and responses will be kept confidential. Applicants must complete application himself/herself by March 3, 2010.
Science Teacher Reference Form (PDF)
2. Two (2) references must be submitted.
- Your current or previous science teacher must complete the Science Teacher Reference Form. Upon completing the form, you or your teacher must mail the form to the Zoo post-marked by March 3, 2010. Find the link to this document above.
- Also, a letter of recommendation from an adult who knows the applicant must be submitted. This person cannot be a relative. Upon completing the letter of recommendation, you or the adult must mail the letter to the Zoo post-marked by March 3, 2010.
3. Mail Science Teacher Reference Form and letter of recommendation to:
Volunteen Program
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave., S.E.
Atlanta, GA 30315
* Important: Each section of the application is vital and should be entirely complete to advance to the interview process. The application, Science Teacher Reference Form and letter of recommendation will be reviewed as a whole to select those to interview who best meet the requirements listed above.
Checklist
1. Application – Fully completed online application by March 3, 2010 and received confirmation e-mail about the next step.
2. Recommendation Letter – Asked an adult that is not a relative to send in a letter of recommendation to the Zoo post-marked by March 3, 2010.
3. Science Teacher Reference Form – Printed Science Teacher Reference Form from the link above. Asked your current or previous science teacher to fill out the form and send to the Zoo post-marked by March 3, 2010.
- Application complete by - March 3, 2010
- Letter of recommendation and Science Teacher Reference Form postmarked by - March 3, 2010
- Interviews - March 21 or March 27
- Orientation for Teens and Parents - April 25 or May 1
Pay an Orientation Fee of $25. This fee provides the
Volunteen with a T-shirt, name badge and water bottle,
and will help to defray orientation and training costs. - Training dates - June 1-4 and June 7
For more information, contact the Volunteen Office at: teenvolunteer@zooatlanta.org
