Teen Wild Guides

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 hands 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 every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday shifts available).
• During Summer, Teen Wild Guides are expected to volunteer once a week (specific days vary, but typically 4-5 shifts per week are available).

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.

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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 (both training dates are mandatory)‍

• Sunday, February 2nd from 10am-4pm
• Sunday, February 9th from 1:00pm-8:30pm
  • 6 - 8:30pm - families invited for potluck dinner and a chance to see their teen practice interpretation

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Summer 2025

Virtual Info Meetings (optional, but highly recommended)

Passcode: 2rwuBG

• Sunday, March 2nd @ 4:15pm
• Monday, March 3rd @ 4:15pm

Applications Due

• Tuesday, April 1st by 5pm

Training Dates (both training dates are mandatory)

• Sunday, May 18th from 10am-4pm
• Sunday, May 25th from 1:00pm-8:30pm
  • 6 - 8:30pm - families invited for potluck dinner and a chance to see their teen practice interpretation

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

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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 one letter of recommendation from an adult who is 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? Please email teenprograms@oaklandzoo.org.

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