2014 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? If you answered Yes! to one or both 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 and build a good work ethic while simultaneously
earning community service hours for school!
We are looking to assemble a robust crew of teens that are dedicated, hard-working,
responsible and dont mind getting dirty. These individuals must also enjoy learning new things
and creating memorable experiences for our many guests with their enthusiastic and outgoing
personalities!
Please read the following material thoroughly before submitting your application.

REQUIREMENTS
Applicants Must:
Be between the ages of 14 and 17 and have completed the 8th grade by the summer of
2014.
Be truly interested in making volunteering a top priority for your entire enrollment in
the program.
Be willing to make a ONE YEAR COMMITMENT to the Zoo.
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:
Pay non-refundable tuition fee of $60.00. This covers the cost of a volunteer t-shirt and
name badge (part of required uniform), training materials and program and social event
supplies. Please DO NOT send tuition fee with your application.
Provide proof of negative Tuberculosis (PPD type) reading by June 2, 2014.
Complete Level 2 Background check with finger prints (information will be provided).
Only required for teens assisting with Summer Camp.
Report to work on time and adhere to our ZooTeens! Involvement Contract.
Commit to ONE YEAR of consistent service: 3 consecutive weeks during the summer on
a Monday through Friday schedule and two (2) special events each month during the
school year. 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.
Attend one night of each session of the mandatory* orientation/training process.

MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR

DATE
Tuesday, April 1, 2014

TIME

EVENT
By 5:00 PM

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Application Due
Applicants will be notified if they
were selected for an individual
interview
Individual Interviews*
(Accompanied by Parent)

Saturday, April 19, 2014

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, April 26, 2014

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, May 3, 2014

10:00 AM 12:00 PM

Individual Interviews*
(Accompanied by Parent)
Group Interview*

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 OR*

Thursday May 22, 2014

5:30 PM 8:30 PM

Orientation/Training Session 1**

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 OR*

Thursday May 29, 2014

5:30 PM 8:30 PM

Orientation/ Training Session 2**

Monday June 2, 2014

By 5:00 PM

Tuberculosis (PPD type) Due

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Monday, June 9, 2014
Friday August 8, 2014

11:00 AM 3:00 PM

ZooTeens! Kick Off Picnic

First Day of ZooTeens!
Last Day of ZooTeens!

* 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 Office is notified of the extenuating circumstance in a timely manner (preferably before the training).
* 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

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

Session 2

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*

9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*

Session 3

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*

9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*

DATE
June 9 June 13
June 16 June 20
June 23 June 27
June 30 July 3
July 7 July 11
July 14 July 18
July 21 25
July 28 August 1
August 4 August 8

*As a ZooTeens! Summer Camp Assistant you will have the opportunity to interact with the
future zoo keepers of the world in a classroom setting. You will assist our Education staff with
general classroom duties (and learn about some of our animal ambassadors in the process),
positively interact with our campers, and be an outstanding role model that will encourage
others to follow in your ZooTeens! steps!
*As a ZooTeens! Interpretation Assistant you will get the opportunity to learn about several
species of animals that we house within our Zoo. You can share what youve learned with many
of our visiting guests and create an educational and memorable experience. You will explore
many topics and exhibits on your daily journey. You might just learn why a giraffe has two
different colors on its tongue or why giant anteaters walk on their knuckles!
1st year

Zoo Interpretation Assistant, Summer Camp Assistant

2nd year

Outreaches, Zoo Interpretation Assistant, Summer Camp Assistant

3rd year

Teen Leads, Keeper Assistant, Outreaches, Zoo Interpretation Assistant, Summer

Camp Assistant

**We ask ZooTeens! to schedule around family vacations and school commitments. You will be
allowed two (2) excused absences during the summer if Volunteer Services receives prior
notification in a timely manner. Excused absences include illness, injury, death in the family,
etc.**
**There are no weekend shifts available with the exception of special events.**
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2014 ZooTeens! Application

Directions: Please follow the check list below to complete the application.

Complete all areas with hand written responses.

Use only blue or black ink to complete responses.
Follow the point guide at each question to help you in your responses.
Deliver the following in an envelope to Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens by
5 p.m.Tuesday, April 1, 2014.
All required pieces should be submitted together to be considered:
o ZooTeens! Application (170 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 (5 points possible)
o Photo of Applicant- this allows us to recognize you among other applicants.
(5 points possible)

Late applications and incomplete applications (applications missing pieces)

will not be reviewed.
Return to:
Volunteer Programs
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, Florida 32218
Questions? 904.757.4463 ext. 176 or ext. 175
volunteer@jacksonvillezoo.org
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ZooTeens! Application
(Applications will be scored on a rubric basis. Numbers in parentheses indicate total number
of possible points per section.)
Due Date: April 1, 2014 5:00 PM

Date Received: ______________

(Office use only)

(10 possible points)

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 case of an emergency and the event that we cannot contact a parent or guardian, 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?

Yes or No

(Zoo Camp, Home School, etc.)

If so, which one(s)? ________________________________________

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

Yes or No

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

Yes or No

If so, who? _________________________________________________

If not, how did you hear about the ZooTeens! program?______________________________________

Are you willing to take a TB test?

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

1st Choice

Summer Camp Assistant

Zoo Interpretation Assistant

2nd Choice

Summer Camp Assistant

Zoo Interpretation Assistant

(office use only)

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

Please circle the selection that best fits your response to the following statements
(5 points possible):
I care about animals.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

I want to learn more about animals.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

I dont mind getting dirty or wet.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

My friends would say that Im not afraid to

strike up a conversation with someone I just met.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

I enjoy teaching and sharing information.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

I feel comfortable around children.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

I would do something to help animals

even though I may not work directly with them.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

I like being outdoors.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

My friends would say I am outgoing.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

I am willing to try new things at least once.

Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

(office use only)

Objective
Obtain a response that
provides a glimpse into
each applicants
personality and
interests.

Points Possible: 10
0 = Did not answer all
questions

Points Received

10 = Answered all
questions

(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)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________________
Why would you make an excellent ZooTeen? (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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How would being a ZooTeen! fit into your education/career goals? (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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What do you think is the most interesting thing about you? Why? (5 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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If you were an endangered species, what would you be and why is your species endangered?
What can people do to protect your species from extinction? (10 points)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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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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___________________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

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On a separate sheet of paper, typed, using a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500
words, answer one (1) of the following questions (100 points):

1. The destruction of the worlds forests is inevitable as our need for land and food grows.
Do you agree?
2. Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered animals?
3. 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.

(office use only)

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

Please keep pages 1-3 for your personal reference and return ONLY pages 4-13 in conjunction
with letters of recommendation, teacher evaluations and essay question responses.

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ZOOTEENS! PROGRAM
TEACHER EVALUATION
APPLICANTS NAME
TEACHERS NAME
SCHOOL
COURSE
This form will be used to evaluate potential Zoo Teen 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. Tuesday, April 1, 2014.
Please rate the students performance based on the following numerical scale:
1
2
3
4
5

Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Improvement Needed
Unsatisfactory

1.

Level of maturity.

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

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
REFERENCES NAME
RELATIONSHIP TO APPLICANT
YEARS KNOWN

PHONE

This form is used to evaluate potential Zoo Teen 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. Tuesday, April 1, 2014.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________

*** 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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