Volunteer Opportunities for Teens

Teen Ambassador

This opportunity is for youth ages 14 to 18 looking to earn community service hours while working with visitors at the Zoo and The Leaf. Teen Ambassadors greet visitors, provide directions, help create a welcoming environment, and more! This opportunity requires a commitment of a minimum of one volunteer shift per week for the months of July and August.

Apply Online

How to Become a Teen Ambassador

1. Apply Online

Please click the "Apply Online" button below. Once you have completed the online application, you will receive an email with instructions to sign up for an online meet-up session.

Apply Online

2. Attend a virtual meet-up

Meet-up sessions take place through Microsoft Teams. During this session, a small group of applicants will meet with a Volunteer Resources team member to learn more about the volunteer opportunities and why volunteering at Assiniboine Park Conservancy is such a great summer experience!  Applicants will have the chance to learn which volunteer opportunity is the best fit for them.

3. Online Orientation and In-Person Training

• New Teen Ambassador volunteers will complete five online orientation/training modules.
• Volunteers will then attend a three-hour training shift in which they will receive an overview of their responsibilities and a tour of the Zoo with a small group of their peers, led by an experienced volunteer trainer.
• After the training shift, new Teen Ambassadors will attend a mentor shift in which they will shadow an experienced volunteer throughout their regular three-hour volunteer shift in the Zoo.
• After the mentor shift has been completed, the volunteer will be able to sign up for as many Zoo Ambassador shifts as they desire.  They will also be able to attend an optional Leaf training shift if they wish to volunteer as an ambassador at The Leaf as well.

Zoo Camp Crew

This is a unique opportunity for youth aged 14 to 18 to earn community service hours while working with 6 to 12 year old children under the direction of our Education team. The Zoo Camp Crew supports camp staff as campers participate in a variety of activities and explore the Zoo and Park. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 40 hours served in one week blocks in July and August (weekdays only). Fun and engaging orientation and training provided in June.

The Zoo Camp Crew enhances the camp experience by:

• entertaining campers during free time and befriending individual campers as needed.
• setting a positive example and fostering an appreciation of nature.
• assisting staff with set-up, take-down, and clean-up during camp activities.

Apply Online

All About Zoo Camp

What is Zoo Camp?

Zoo Camp is a full-day, Monday to Friday activity camp for kids ages 6 to 12. Camp takes place primarily within the Assiniboine Park Zoo, and other locations throughout the Park. Campers participate in fun and educational activities including crafts, games, Zoo tours, and chats with animal care professionals. Camp days, including drop-off and pick-up, take place from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Zoo Camp Crew Volunteers

Zoo Camp Crew is a volunteer opportunity for students aged 14 to 18 years of age. Zoo Camp Crew volunteers assist the Camp Counsellors in making Zoo Camp the best experience possible for our campers. Camp Crew responsibilities include:

• Playing games with campers
• Engaging with campers throughout the day and during activities
• Befriending campers that may need some individualized attention
• Helping camp staff with set-up and clean-up
• Moving supplies throughout the Park and Zoo

Commitment

Zoo Camp Crew volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of 40 hours of service - 8 hours per day for five consecutive days - in July or August (weekdays only). Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for additional weeks if possible. Volunteers will work with the same group of campers throughout the week, so your commitment is very important to them!

How to Join the Zoo Camp Crew

1. Apply Online

Please click the "Apply Online" button below. Once you have completed the online application, you will receive an email with instructions to sign up for an online meet-up session.

APPLY ONLINE

2. Attend an Online Meet-Up Session

Meet-up sessions take place through Microsoft Teams.  During this session, a small group of applicants will meet with a Volunteer Resources team member, and learn more about the Zoo Camp Crew program and why volunteering at Zoo Camp is such a great summer experience. Applicants will have the opportunity to learn if the Zoo Camp Crew program is a good fit!

3. Online Orientation and In-Person Training

• New Camp Crew volunteers will complete an online orientation module.
• Volunteers will attend a one-day training session at the Zoo where you will meet your fellow teen volunteers, take a tour of the Zoo, play games, and learn important skills.
• Once training is complete, you will receive a volunteer uniform and a list of what to bring on your first day.

Once you have completed the online orientation module and one-day training session, you can sign up for your Zoo Camp Crew shifts.  On your first day, Volunteer Resources staff will assign you to your group and introduce you to your counsellor.

You will meet many campers and other Teen Volunteers, and participate in a number of fun activities throughout your week at the Park and Zoo!