$200 annual fee for non-members, $180 for Zoo members
Note: Financial aid may be available for those who would have trouble covering this program fee.
Applications for the winter/spring season are now open and will close on January 14th, 2024 at 5pm.
Why Become a Teen Wild Guide? (TWG)
There are many reasons to consider joining this exciting program, including:
- To gain knowledge and zoo work experience, especially for those interested in a future career with animals.
- To gain experience working with children.
- To build community service hours.
- To gain valuable public speaking skills.
- To meet other teens with similar interests.
- To do something new and fun!
Program Requirements
- Teens must be be 13+ years old or will turn 13 within the season they are applying for.
- Must be responsible and punctual.
- Must be able to act in a professional manner while representing the zoo.
- Must show proof of a negative TB test taken within a year of beginning to volunteer.
- Must have received the COVID-19 vaccination and at least 1 booster and show proof of such before beginning to volunteer.
- Must pay a program fee of $200 ($180 for Oakland Zoo Members) upon joining the program and then annually for as long as you remain in the program — If this fee would inhibit your ability to join the Teen Wild Guide program, please fill out this Financial Aid Application after submitting an application and we may have the funds to cover part or all of this cost.
Please email me using the email at the bottom of this page if any of these requirements will get in the way of you volunteering as a Teen Wild Guide.
Responsibilities
A Teen Wild Guide's responsibilities consists of working in the Valley Children's Zoo at a variety of stations designed to help children to learn about and experience our animals, including:
- Working in the contact yard with our goats/sheep, monitoring the animals and teaching children about animal care.
- Providing animal information to the public using a variety of biofacts and other educational tools.
- Painting faces while teaching about animals including bats, lemurs, and bugs.
Depending on how long they are in the program, teens may be able to work at stations in other areas of the zoo and help with projects that assist keepers.
Core Schedule
- Shifts run from 9:30am-4pm with a 30 minute lunch and 20 minute break.
- During the school year, Teen Wild Guides are expected to volunteer ~ 2 weekend days a month (every other Saturday or Sunday).
- During Summer, Teen Wild Guides are expected to volunteer once a week.
Application Process
Important Dates & Deadlines
Please review Teen Wild Guides Important Dates below to ensure that you will be able to attend before applying to be a Teen Wild Guide.
Fall 2023
Virtual Info Meetings (optional, but highly recommended)
Passcode: 2rwuBG
- Sunday, July 9th @ 4:15pm
- Monday, July 10th @ 4:15pm
Applications Due
- Sunday, August 6th by 5pm
Training Dates (all three training dates are mandatory)
- Sunday, August 27th from 10am-4pm
- Sunday, September 3rd from 10am-4pm
- Friday, September 8th from 6pm-8:30pm
Winter/Spring 2024
Virtual Info Meetings (optional, but highly recommended)
Passcode: 2rwuBG
- Sunday, December 10th @ 4:15pm
- Monday, December 11th @ 4:15pm
Applications Due
- Sunday, January 14th by 5pm
Training Dates (all three training dates are mandatory)
- Saturday, February 3rd from 10am-4pm
- Saturday, February 10th from 10am-4pm
- Friday, February 16th from 6pm-8:30pm
Summer 2024
Virtual Info Meetings (optional, but highly recommended)
Passcode: 2rwuBG
- Friday, March 1st @ 4:15pm
- Saturday, March 2nd @ 4:15pm
Applications Due
Training Dates (all three training dates are mandatory)
- Saturday, May 25th from 10am-4pm
- Saturday, June 1st from 10am-4pm
- Friday, June 7th from 6pm-8:30pm
Zoom Details for Information Meetings
Topic: Teen Programs Info Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85892883106
Meeting ID: 858 9288 3106
Passcode: 2rwuBG
How to Apply
- Teens interested in becoming a Teen Wild Guide will need to submit an application online.
- Submit two Teen Wild Guide Letters of Recommendation along with the application.
- Attending one of the information meetings is highly recommended so that you will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program.
- After we receive your completed application, participants will be contacted for an interview.
- Once accepted, teens must attend the three training sessions associated with the season they are applying for — see dates listed above. Training is essential to being a well prepared volunteer and, as such, we are unable to provide make-up training sessions.
Questions?
Please read Teen Wild Guide FAQ's. Still have questions? You can contact the Program Director, Teen Outreach at nlanders@oaklandzoo.org or by phone at (510) 632-9525 ext. 201.
