$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.
Summer 2024 applications are now closed. The Fall 2024 application will open near the end of May.
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 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.
Summer 2024
Virtual Info Meetings (optional, but highly recommended)
Passcode: 2rwuBG
- Friday, March 1st @ 4:15pm
- Saturday, March 2nd @ 4:15pm
Applications Due
- Monday, April 15th by 5pm
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
Fall 2024
Virtual Info Meetings (optional, but highly recommended)
Passcode: 2rwuBG
- Sunday, July 7th @ 4:15pm
- Monday, July 8th @ 4:15pm
Applications Due
- Sunday, August 4th by 5pm
Training Dates (all three training dates are mandatory)
- Saturday, August 24th from 10am-4pm
- Saturday, August 31st from 10am-4pm
- Friday, September 6th from 6pm-8:30pm
Winter/Spring 2025
Virtual Info Meetings (optional, but highly recommended)
Passcode: 2rwuBG
- Sunday, December 15th @ 4:15pm
- Monday, December 16th @ 4:15pm
Applications Due
- Sunday, January 12th by 5pm
Training Dates (all three training dates are mandatory)
- Saturday, February 8th from 10am-4pm
- Saturday, February 15th from 10am-4pm
- Friday, February 21st from 6pm-8:30pm
Zoom Details for Information Meetings
Topic: Teen Programs Info Meeting
Join Zoom 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.
- Along with the application, you will be asked to submit two letters of recommendation from adults who are not related to you and can speak to your qualifications for this position. Though not required, feel free to use this Teen Wild Guide Letter of Recommendation Template if you would find it helpful.
- 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.
