Riverbanks Zoo and Garden : Education : Youth

Youth

Congratulations Teens In Action program -- winner of the 2004 AZA Education award! --

What are ZooTeens?

The ZooTeen program, a partnership between Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, connects area teenagers to nature and builds successful, caring members of the community and the world. Over two years, the program will provide opportunities for ZooTeens to grow into young adults, ready to inspire positive changes in the world.

What do ZooTeens do?

ZooTeens:

	Participate in outdoor adventure and exploration.
	Work with Zoo guests.
	Become an active member in the community through outreach activities (past partners have included Agape Senior Care, Epworth Children’s Home, Boys & Girls Clubs, Children's Hospital, and The Family Shelter).
	Build life skills such as personal and professional development, personal finance, conflict resolution, public speaking, college preparation and career goal planning.
	Participate in conservation projects.
	Learn about animal care and handling for the Zoo’s education animal collection.
	Supervise education carts and teach Zoo visitors exciting facts about wildlife.
	Serve as mentors and guides to Riverbanks Zoo's camp programs.

Why be a ZooTeen?

Being a ZooTeen is a great way to meet new friends, have fun with peers and gain valuable life skills that will help lead to success. Plus ZooTeens provides an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the importance and impact of environmental and wildlife conservation on our future.

How can you be a ZooTeen?

	Download the ZooTeen Application (*requires Adobe Reader). Deadline May 8, 2009. (Preference is given to students from challenged communities that are entering 9th grade.)
	Complete a group and individual interview to be selected for the program.
	Attend a parent orientation.
	ZooTeens attend a week-long session of team building, training and orientation.
	Complete requirements for the two-year program.

Length of Commitment?

ZooTeens is a two-year program that runs through the summer and throughout the school year. Additional years of the ZooTeen volunteer program are available by staff invitation.

Summer Session: June 8 to August 6, 2009 - Monday through Thursday, 8:00am – 1:00pm or Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 1:00pm (when serving as Counselor-in-Training for 2 weeks of Summer Camp).

Year-round Session: September to May on first and third Sundays from 2:00pm-5:00pm

For more information:

Please contact ZooTeen Coordinators, Jolen Sindelir and Syndi Castelluccio via email or by calling 803.779.8717x1224.