Many teens find they can fulfill their school’s requirement for student service learning hours while having fun at the Zoo. Learn more about our programs below. Program space is extremely limited and positions are only availble during the summer months.
Please note: none of these programs involves interaction with live animals.
Teen Class Aide Volunteer Registration Information:
For the past several years we have received an overwhelming response to our teen programs, which has been far larger than our program capacity. The only program we will be recruiting for this summer (on a very limited basis) will be new junior and senior class aides to assist with our eight weeks of summer camp.
If you are interested in applying to be a class aide, please be aware we will have very few slots available for Summer 2012. It is very important for you to read about this year's registration process, explained below. We expect that the number of available positions will be quite limited and the program will fill quickly.
Please read the following information carefully, noting the schedule, time commitment, and information about the new program fee, to make sure you are able to participate.
Registration Date/Time: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 beginning at 7:00 p.m. till program fills
Supplemental Paperwork Deadline: May 1, 2012
Mandatory Training Date: Saturday, June 9, 2012
Class Fee:
There is a mandatory class aide fee of $20.00 which covers the cost of one new red volunteer shirt, supplies for orientation training, and program administration. We understand that this new fee may present a hardship for some, and if that is the case please contact the staff member below prior to the registration deadline to discuss available options.
Camp Schedule:
Summer camp will run for 8 weeks, beginning Monday June 18, 2012 and running through August 10, 2012. Camp will be held during the week of July 4th but not on the actual holiday. All camp sessions will be full day (8:15 am – 3:15 pm). Class Aides are expected to arrive by 8:30 a.m. each day, and will be able to leave by 3:30 p.m.
Time Commitment:
Senior Class Aide: Required to work for three weeks but may opt to volunteer for up to four weeks. Teens must be 16 years old before their first scheduled shift to register as a senior class aide.
Please note: If you will turn 18 before June1, 2012 you are not eligible to volunteer in the teen class aide program. You are welcome to apply for openings in our adult programs. Please check our website for programs that are currently recruiting at: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/Volunteer/Recruiting.cfm
Junior Class Aide: Required to work 2 weeks. Teens must be at least 13 years old before their first scheduled shift to register as a class aide.
Training:
A mandatory weekend training day on Saturday, June 9 from 12 to 2:00 p.m. will be held for all new class aides.
Uniform:
Teen volunteers are required to wear a red volunteer t-shirt (included in registration fee and provided at training) and khaki (light brown or tan) pants, shorts, or skirts. No denim is allowed. Closed-toed shoes are also required, flip-flops are not acceptable.
Registration Information:
The class aide registration link will become active on this page beginning at 7:00p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/Volunteer/Teens/
Please note: we expect registration to close out extremely quickly!
Once the available spots have been filled in the program, the program will not accept payment and indicate that the program is full.
We will be using an online system for class aide registration. Click on the link that will appear with a parent to register. At the time of registration you will be required to enter the following information:
Name
Address
Home phone
Teen Cell phone
Teen Email
Parent Name
Parent Cell Phone
Parent Email
Emergency contact information
The weeks that you would like to work
Credit Card Information
Paperwork Deadline:
Once registered, you will receive a follow up email within the next few weeks confirming the dates you have been scheduled to volunteer. At that time you will also receive the 2012 Class Aide manual to review along with forms that must be completed and returned to the volunteer office. You will be asked to complete a medical history form, a volunteer policy acknowledgement form, and provide two letters of recommendation from an adult outside your family. These items are required for participation and will be due back to the volunteer office no later than May 1, 2012.
If you have any questions, please contact us prior to the registration date.
Questions?
Email us.
202.633.4456
