Applications for Summer 2026 will be open from February 1 - April 1. Check back after January 1 for the most updated information about the three roles for teens within ZooCamp!

About The Program

Love kids, nature, and ZooCamp? We need your help! Spend part of your summer working with kids, helping to lead activities, making crafts, dressing up in costumes and, of course, having fun. Teen Assistants and Interns are truly an integral part of the camp experience! Teen Assistants and Interns should be energetic and enjoy spending time with children. This program is designed for teens entering grades 9–12 in the Fall of 2026.

We have 3 different ZooCamp roles for high-school age youth, each with different responsibilities and requirements. Find the different job descriptions, applications and other information below.

All Teen Assistant applications must be submitted by April 1st at 5pm in order to be considered. Applicants that submit their application early may be prioritized.

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Summer ZooCamp is divided into 9 different 1-week sessions and different teen positions have different required time commitments. The sessions for summer 2025 are as follows:

June 1-5 | June 8-12 | June 15-19 | June 22-26 | July 6-10 | July 13-17 | July 20-24 | July 27-31 | August 3-7

*Note: Camp will not be held during the week of July 4th (June 29 - July 3)

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Info meetings to learn more about this program as well as our other summer teen opportunities will be held on both March 8 & 9 at 4:30pm over Microsoft Teams:

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Topic: Teen Programs Info Meeting

Time: March 8 & 9, 2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Microsoft Teams (Need help?)

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID:276 795 065 500

Passcode:6aa65XN2

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Additional Information

• Although we do our best to accommodate your preference for a specific age group, we cannot guarantee placement with any particular class. We also feel it is beneficial for TAs & Interns to experience a range of different age groups and teachers.
• The final number of TAs & Teacher Interns accepted is determined by the number of camp classes and enrollment. If you are not chosen, we recommend you try again next year and/or look into some of the other teen opportunities the Oakland Zoo has to offer.

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ZooCamp Teen Assistant

Unpaid Volunteer Position — Hours volunteered count as community service hours

Overview

Teen Assistants are truly an integral part of the camp experience! This program is designed for teens entering grades 9–12 in the Fall of 2026.

Responsibilities

• Support ZooCamp Instructors in leading a group of no more than 20 campers
• Facilitate games and activities with campers
• Support Instructors and Teacher Interns in leading lessons
• Help ensure the well-being of campers and peers
• Act as a positive role model for campers
• Understand and follow all ZooCamp and Zoo safety protocols
• Attend check in meetings with Instructors 
• Attend weekly meetings with peers and Teen Program representatives
• Help with lunchtime set-up and activities with campers
• Assist with end of day tasks, including cleaning and materials gathering
• Create a kind, warm, fun environment for everyone and add your personality and voice to the ZooCamp community

Requirements

• No previous camp experience is needed, though it is always beneficial
• Experience with children is preferable
• Applicants should be responsible, eager to learn & good at following instruction
• Must volunteer for at least 3 sessions of camp, but the sessions do not need to be consecutive
• Shifts run Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
• Must attend a training on Sunday, May 7, 2026 from 1-5pm

How to Apply

Complete the Teen Assistant Application by April 1st to be considered for the summer.

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ZooCamp Teacher Intern

Paid Position — $400/week stipend, assuming full attendance

Overview

The ZooCamp Teacher Intern plays an integral part of the camp experience by supporting Instructors to create a kind, warm, and fun environment for all campers. The interns will spend their time helping to lead activities, learning leadership skills, and act as a peer mentor to the Teen Assistants.

We are looking for teens (entering grades 11-12 in Fall 2026) who are energetic, responsible, creative, and interested in careers in education or childcare.

Responsibilities, Requirements and How to Apply

Click HERE to learn a bit more about the position, including how to apply!

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ZooCamp Administrative Intern

Paid Position — $400/week stipend, assuming full attendance

Overview

The ZooCamp Administrative Interns provide back-of-house support for the ZooCamp program, and will spend the majority of their time helping ZooCamp Leadership prepare for the daily and weekly activities of camp and will be responsible for media and communication material and content. The Administrative Interns will gain valuable management experience, learning the behind the scenes skills to run an efficient and fun summer camp program. Additionally, the interns will be managing a substantial communications project that runs the length of camp.

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We are looking for teens (entering grades 11-12 in Fall 2026) who are detail oriented, creative, and interested in pursuing careers in education.

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Responsibilities, Requirements and How to Apply

Click HERE to learn a bit more about it, including how to apply!

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Covid-19 Protocols

• Masks: We are no longer requiring masks at ZooCamp. Masking at the Zoo is always an option, especially as you may sometimes find yourself in indoor spaces where social distancing may not be possible. Masks may be required in some behind-the-scenes animal spaces.

Contact Information

Still have questions? Please contact Teen Programs staff.

Email »