2015 ZooTeens!

Information
Get excited about volunteering at the Zoo in a whole new way! Have you ever wanted to learn about caring
for endangered and exotic wildlife? Are you interested in spending part of your summer with some of the
coolest animals around? Do you want to use the arts to spread awareness? If you answered Yes! to one or
all of these questions, then the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the place for you! You will experience the
Zoo from an entirely different angle that very few people get the opportunity to encounter. You will make
friends that share your passion for wildlife and other similar interests. You will gain first-hand knowledge
of various Zoo careers, while simultaneously earning community service hours for school!
ZooTeens! must possess positive characteristics, such as dedication and a positive attitude, even when
youre sweaty and dirty. These individuals must also enjoy learning new things, stepping out of your
comfort zone, and most importantly creating a pleasant experience for our guests, your fellow ZooTeens!,
and the animals!
Please read the following material thoroughly before submitting your application.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants Must:
Be between the ages of 13 and 17 and have completed the 8th grade by the summer of 2015.
Be fully committed to making volunteering a top priority for your entire enrollment in the program.
Have reliable transportation and the ability to arrive on time. This will be treated like a real job
setting in order to prepare and train teens for their academic and professional future.
Be willing to make a ONE YEAR COMMITMENT to the Zoo, from May 2015 to May 2016.
Understand that we expect you to work. You are here to actively and responsibly assist the Zoo
and its staff with whatever task is asked of you. This is NOT just the chance to fulfill your
community service requirement.
**ZooTeens! is a very competitive program. There is limited space available each year and not all
applicants will be interviewed.
IF SELECTED
Teen Must:
General
Pay non-refundable tuition fee of $75.00. This covers the cost of a volunteer t-shirt and name
badge, training materials, and social event supplies. Please DO NOT send tuition fee with your
application.
Provide proof of negative Tuberculosis (PPD type) reading by June 6, 2014.
Report to work on time and adhere to the ZooTeens! Involvement Contract.
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 Complete a cumulative quiz on Zoo information as provided by the ZooTeen! Handbook, provided
at the first Orientation. You must make an 80% or higher to stay in the program. Those who do not
pass will need to speak to Matt or Savannah to retake the quiz.
Commit to ONE YEAR of consistent service: 3 consecutive weeks during the summer on a Monday
through Friday schedule and one special event each month during the school year, in exception to
Spooktacular and ZooLights where two nights a month are required.
This is a commitment that includes you and your family. They are committing to providing you with
the support, encouragement, and transportation that it takes to successfully complete the program.
Summer Camp Counselors
Complete Level 2 Background check with finger prints by June 6th, 2015 Volunteer Staff will
provide more information once accepted into the program.
Teen Thespians
Perform a one-minute monologue at the mandatory audition on April 30 th from 5:30-7:30.

MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR

It is your responsibility as a ZooTeen! to remember the following schedule
DATE
Tuesday, March 20
Tuesday, April 4

TIME
By 5:00 PM

Tuesday, April 14
Thursday, April 23
Saturday, April 18
Saturday, April 25
Thursday, April 30

5:30 8:30 PM

5:30 7:30 PM

EVENT
Application Due
Applicants will be notified by email if selected for
an individual interview
Individual Interviews
(Accompanied by Parent)
Individual Interviews
(Accompanied by Parent)
Auditions (Teen Thespians only)

Saturday, May 2

9:00 1:00 PM

Group Interview

Thursday, May 7
Saturday, May 9
Tuesday, May 12 OR
Saturday, May 16
Thursday, May 21 OR
Saturday, May 23
Saturday, June 6
Saturday, June 6
Monday, June 8
Friday, August 7
Saturday, August 8th 9th
Saturday, August 22

5:30 8:30 PM
10:00 Noon
5:30 PM 8:30 PM
10:00 Noon
5:30 PM 8:30 PM
10:00 Noon
By 5:00 PM
10:00 4:00 PM

Orientation

9:00 - 5:00 PM

TBD
TBD

Training Session 1**

Training Session 2**
Tuberculosis (PPD type) Due
ZooTeens! Kick Off Picnic & Quiz
First Day of ZooTeens!
Last Day of ZooTeens!
ZooTeen! Out of Town Trip
Awards Ceremony & Land of the Tiger Overnight

*Absence from the interviews or mandatory trainings (for vacations, school commitments, etc.) is not allowed except in extreme

extenuating circumstances (e.g. sudden illness, car accident, etc.) and only provided that the Volunteer Department is notified of
the extenuating circumstance in a timely manner. Doctors notes required for absences due to illness.
**Must attend one of each session.

ZOOTEENS! SUMMER SEASON IS BROKEN UP INTO 3 SESSIONS OF 3 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS EACH.

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE (1) SESSION THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WORK:
TYPE
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3

TIME
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*
9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*
9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*
9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*
9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*
9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*
9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*

DATE
June 8 June 26
June 29 July 17
July 20 August 7

*As a ZooTeens! Summer Camp Counselor you will have the opportunity to interact with the future
Zookeepers of the world in a classroom setting. You will assist our Education staff with general classroom
duties, positively interact with our campers, and be an outstanding role model that will encourage others to
follow in your steps!
*As a ZooTeens! Conservation Specialist, you will get the opportunity to learn about several species of
animals that we house within our Zoo. You can share your newfound knowledge at several of our
Conservation Stations and Field Stations. You will use fun activities, such as conservation related crafts
and games, to provide the guests with an educational and memorable experience. You may even get to
hold a life-size elephant tusk replica or anaconda skull!
*As a ZooTeen! Teen Thespian, you will be a part of the brand new Alis Playhouse theatre experience.
You will get the amazing opportunity to use acting, music and puppetry to spread animal and conservation
awareness. There will be three shows that will be performed throughout the day, including an interactive
walk-through theatrical experience at our Butterfly Garden. In between shows, Teen Thespians will have the
opportunity to become an Explorer and take guests on a brief tour of one of our amazing animal areas!
ZOOTEENS! OPPORTUNITIES
1st year

Conservation Specialist, Summer Camp Counselor, Teen Thespian

2nd year

Outreaches, Conservation Specialist, Summer Camp Counselor, Teen Thespian

3rd year

Teen Leads, Keeper Assistant, Outreaches, Conservation Specialist, Summer

Camp Counselor, Teen Thespian

*We ask ZooTeens! to schedule around family vacations and school commitments. You will be allowed two
(2) excused absences during the summer if the Volunteer Department receives prior notification in a timely
manner. Excused absences include illness, injury, death in the family, etc. Doctors note required for
absences due to illness.
*There are no weekend shifts available, with the exception of special events.
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2015 ZooTeens! Application

Please follow the checklist below to complete the application:

Complete all areas with hand-written responses.

Use only blue or black ink to complete responses.
Adhere to the rubric to obtain the maximum points.
Mail the following in an envelope to Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 20th.

All required pieces should be submitted together to be considered:

o ZooTeens! Application (215 points possible)
o One Academic Teacher Evaluation Form in a sealed envelope with the teachers signature
written on the seal. If home-schooled, please have a non-related adult fill out
(10 points possible)
o One Letter of Recommendation from a non-related adult in a sealed envelope with the
references signature written on the seal. (10 points possible)
o Involvement Contract signed by teen and parent. (10 points possible)
o Photo of Applicant this photo will not determine who gets in the program. The photo is only
used after the interview process to differentiate teens due to the large number of applicants.
(5 points possible)
Late applications and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Return to:
Volunteer Department
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, Florida 32218
Questions? 904.757.4463 ext. 176 or ext. 175
volunteer@jacksonvillezoo.org

ZooTeens! Application
Please keep pages 1-4 for your personal reference and return ONLY pages 5-10 in conjunction with
involvement contract, letters of recommendation, teacher evaluations and essay question responses.
Applications will be scored on a rubric basis. Numbers in parentheses indicate total number of possible
points per section.
(10 Possible Points)
Due Date: March 20th at 5:00 PM

Date Received: ______________

(Office use only)

First Name: _________________________ Last Name: ________________________________________

Nickname: __________________________ Phone number: _____________________________________
(Teen Applicants number)
Address:________________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: _____________________________________________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________________________________________
(Teen Applicants email)
Birthday: ___ / _____ / _______ Current Age: ________ T-Shirt Size:_____________________
(Adult sizes)
Parent/Guardian Full Name: ______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email: __________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number: __________________________________________________________
In the event that we cannot contact a parent or guardian during an emergency, please provide the
information of an additional contact:
Emergency Contact Name: ________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Relationship: __________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Phone Number: ________________________________________________________

Have you attended any of our educational programs?

(Zoo Camp, Home School, etc.)

Yes or No

If so, which one(s)? _____________________________________________________________

Did a current or former ZooTeen! recommend the program to you?

Yes or No

If so, who? _____________________________________________________________________

How did you hear about the ZooTeens! program? ___________________________________________
Are you willing to take a TB test?

Yes or No

Have you applied for our ZooTeens! program in the past?

Yes or No

Please refer to page 3 to answer the following:

1st Choice

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

2nd Choice

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

3rd Choice

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

1st Choice

Conservation Specialist

Summer Camp Assistant

Teen Thespian

2nd Choice

Conservation Specialist

Summer Camp Assistant

Teen Thespian

3rd Choice

Conservation Specialist

Summer Camp Assistant

Teen Thespian

Objective

Points Possible: 10

Followed directions
and filled out each line

0 = Did not complete all sections

5 = Clear, legible writing & used blue or
black ink
5 = Completed all areas

Points
Received

(Office use only)

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Please circle the selection that best fits your response to the following statements:
(5 points possible)

I care about animals.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I want to learn more about animals.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I dont mind getting dirty or wet.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I am able to keep a positive attitude no matter the task given.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I am able to strike up conversation with anyone.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I enjoy teaching and sharing information.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I feel comfortable around children.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

My friends would say I am outgoing.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I am willing to try new things at least once.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I try to focus on the good characteristics of those around me.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

I am mature and able to handle responsibility.

Definitely

Maybe

Gross

Objective

Points Possible: 5

Followed directions
and filled out each line

0 = Did not complete all sections

3 = Clear, legible writing & used blue or
black ink
5 = Completed all areas

Points
Received

(Office use only)

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Please answer the following questions in detail:

(50 points possible)
Why do you want to be a Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ZooTeen? Include what motivated you to apply and
what you wish to gain from this experience. (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Why would you make an excellent ZooTeen? (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
How would being a ZooTeen! fit into your education/career goals? (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you think is the most interesting thing about you? Why? (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

If you were an endangered species, what would you be? What can people do to protect your species from
extinction? (10 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
What activities or hobbies are you involved in at school and outside of school? How much time do you
devote to these activities? How do you plan to organize your schedule to accommodate your time in the
ZooTeens! Program? (20 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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On a separate sheet of paper, write a full one-page essay (12 pt. font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins) in
response to one of the following questions. Choose the question that coincides with the position you
desire. Example: If you want to be a Summer Camp Counselor, pick the Summer Camp Counselor question
to write about.
Conservation Specialist
1. Zoos are sometimes seen as a poor alternative to an animals natural environment but are, in many
cases, necessary for a species survival. Discuss how zoos aide in the preservation and conservation
of many species, both in their facilities and abroad.

Summer Camp Counselor

1. How would you take a mature subject such as poaching, deforestation, and climate control and
communicate it in a kid-friendly way?

Teen Thespian
1. Since theatre goes beyond the stage, how can we use theatrics to teach the public about
conservation of animals, plants, and the world around us?

Objective
Obtain a relevant
response that gives
insight to the individuals
thought process,
personality, and interests.

Points Possible: 150

50 = provided answers for
select questions

Points Received

75 = answered all questions

with minimal effort and detail
150 = answered all questions
in detail and exhibited
comprehension
(Office use only)
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ZOOTEENS! PROGRAM
TEACHER EVALUATION

Applicants Name:
Teachers Name:
School:
Course:
This form will be used to evaluate potential ZooTeen! Volunteers. For consideration, this evaluation must be
returned to the applicant in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal. Completed applications are
due at the Zoo no later than 5 p.m. Friday, March 20 th.
Please rate the students performance based on the following numerical scale:
1
2
3
4
5
1.

Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Improvement Needed
Unsatisfactory

Performance is exceptional.
Consistently exceeds. requirements.
Competent & dependable.
Does not meet requirements.
Unacceptable behavior.

Level of maturity.

Comments: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.

Willingness to take initiative.

Comments:
3.

Level of dependability and responsibility.

Comments:
4.

Level of participation and enthusiasm.

Comments:
5.

Level of organizational skills.

Comments:
On the back of this form please share your thoughts on why this student would or
would not make a good candidate for our ZooTeens! Program at the Jacksonville Zoo
and Gardens.
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ZOOTEENS! PROGRAM
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Applicants Name:
Reference Name:
Relationship to Applicant:
Years Known:

Phone:

This form is used to evaluate potential ZooTeen! Volunteers. For consideration, this evaluation must be
returned to the applicant in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal. Completed applications are
due at the Zoo no later than 5 p.m. Friday, March 20th.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
**DO NOT ask a relative to write you a letter of recommendation. Letters of
recommendation written by relatives will not be accepted and may result in your
disqualification from consideration for the ZooTeens! Program. Letters of
recommendation may be written by former or current teachers, school counselors,
employers or other adult authority figures (e.g. scout leader, pastor, etc.).
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2015 ZooTeens! Involvement Contract

Welcome to the ZooTeens! Summer Program. We really appreciate you devoting your time, talent, and
abilities to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
As a member of the ZooTeens! Volunteer Program, you have an obligation to our visiting guests to
demonstrate a high level of knowledge and integrity. You also must demonstrate maturity, responsibility,
dependability and trustworthiness to all of our staff. Therefore, we need you to be mindful of the
following:
Uniform: The volunteer uniform consists of a t-shirt with the current Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens logo.
Khaki colored pants or shorts are preferred (no shorter than 4 inches above the knee), but other
neutral solid colors are accepted. Socks and closed toe shoes that fully cover the feet are required (Toms
and Crocs are not acceptable). Belts are preferred in garments with belt loops. In addition, you are to
wear your name badge at all times.
Electronic Devices: The use of cell phones, iPods and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited. As a
representation of the Zoo, you are expected to adhere to the same rules as our paid staff. Cell phones
must remain off or on silent and in your pockets at all times. You may only use it for photos out of the
view of guests and when allowed by staff. And remember that guest interactions are your main concern.
If you are caught with any of these unauthorized devices, they will be confiscated and remain with the
Volunteer staff until the end of the day.
Confidential Information: The nature of various positions within the Zoo may give volunteers access to
sensitive and confidential information. Volunteers may not use or disclose confidential or sensitive
information for any reason. Volunteers should take adequate care to ensure that sensitive and personal
information is kept confidential.
Volunteer Hours: It is expected that all volunteers sign-in and out on each of their scheduled volunteer
days. You will do this in the Education building. It is your responsibility to keep track of the hours you
have logged during the course of the program.
Commitment: During the summer, every volunteer is expected to work 3 consecutive weeks, Monday
through Friday, for approximately 7 hours depending on the specific program. We also require each
volunteer to come out twice a month during the school year to assist with various special events. It is
expected that all volunteers arrive on time for their shift. This commitment applies to both the teen and
his/her family. As the parent/legal guardian of this individual, you are committing to providing the
support, encouragement and transportation that it takes to complete the program. This commitment is
essential to providing the reliability of service that our guests and our animals deserve. If you find you
are unable to meet your commitment, please notify the Volunteer Programs staff immediately.

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2015 ZooTeens! Involvement Contract Acknowledgment

I pledge to honor the responsibilities outlined in the ZooTeens! Involvement Contract. I commit to volunteer
3 consecutive weeks, Monday-Friday, for approximately 7 hours and assist with at least 1 special event or
project each month for the duration of my one year commitment.

_________________________________________________________________
Signature of Volunteer

______________________________
Date

________________________________________________________________
Printed Name of Volunteer

______________________________
Date

________________________________________________________________
Acknowledgment of Parent/Guardian

_____________________________
Date

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