Youth Volunteer Corps

Youth Volunteer Corps

The Palm Beach Zoo’s Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) offers teens the opportunity to create new friendships, build leadership and most importantly gain career skills for future endeavors.

We are only accepting applications for YVC Camp at this time.

The YVC offers two paths…

YVC Interpretation: (Closed) Youth volunteers commit to 1 day each week from June to August and will have the opportunity to teach zoo visitors about conservation, preservation and serve as ambassadors for the animals in our care. Through use of bio-facts like skulls, feathers and other engaging activities, youth volunteers are able to make a lasting impression.

YVC Camp Program: (Open) Youth volunteers commit to 3-5 weeks through the summer to serve as camp counselors for the various camp programs we offer.  As a camp counselor volunteer you will build relationships with the campers through engaging them in games, bio-facts, animal encounters and much more.

Application Deadline
The application deadline is April 25 , 2013

Youth Volunteer Corps Application »

How much time is required?
The YVC requires a minimum of 80 volunteer hours each year.

When does the program start?
The program officially starts on June 8, 2013

When does the program end?
The YVC program officially ends in August with the start of the school year. Youth volunteers will have the option to return throughout the year for special events and weekend shifts.

How much training is involved?
Youth volunteers are required to attend a 1 day training that runs from 9:00 – 3:00 pm and will be held on May 18, 2013

How many people are accepted?
Since this is the first year for the program, the zoo will be accepting 20 youth volunteers for the camp program and the Interpretive track is full.

What are the shift times?
YVC Interpretation offers a morning and afternoon shift: Morning: 9AM – 1PM   /   Afternoon: 1PM – 5PM
YVC Camp runs Monday through Friday with shift times of 8AM – 4PM.

Are there breaks?
A 30 minute lunch break is built into each volunteer’s schedule. Volunteers can bring their lunches or purchase lunch at our café’.

What is required to apply?

• 2 Letters of Reference from non-family members.
• Current transcript showing “C” average or higher.
• YVC Application

How to apply:
To apply for the YVC program please download and fill out the application. Once you have completed the YVC Application, mail it along with two letters of reference and a copy of last semester’s transcripts showing a “C” average or higher to:

Palm Beach Zoo
Volunteer Services / YVC
1300 Summit BLVD
West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Application Deadline
The application deadline is April 25 , 2013

Youth Volunteer Corps Application »

Parents, we expect the following from your teens:
The YVC program is designed to be rewarding and engaging for teens and zoo visitors. The ultimate goal of the program is to not only offer a FUN place to volunteer but a place where teens can develop skills to use later in life. Through team building activities, monthly trainings and dynamic experiences, the YVC offers teens the opportunity to see what it takes to work in and run a zoo. The program mainly runs from June to August but does offer other opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. If you are wondering if your teen is ready for this program please see our expectations below:

• To stay on zoo property at all times during a scheduled shift.
• Use of cell phones only in an emergency or while behind-the-scenes.
• Be professional and respectful to Zoo guests, staff and fellow volunteers.
• Arrive at and depart from the Zoo without adult supervision.
• Follow all directions and instructions for the shift or event they are assigned.
• Communicate clearly, professionally and in a timely manner via email or phone.
• Exhibit appropriate social behavior with other teens while on property as they are representing the Palm Beach Zoo and its staff.
• Follow the Zoo’s dress code: volunteer shirt (provided) and khaki or black shorts/pants.

Youth Volunteer Corps Application »

If you have further questions you can contact our volunteer office at 561-533-0887 ext 239 or via email at volunteers@palmbeachzoo.org for more information.