Volunteer Opportunities for Teens

Teen Engagement Ambassador

Applications for this position are now closed for 2025.

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.

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.

Applications for this position are now closed for 2025.

2. Attend an in-person interview 

Applicants will attend an in-person interview at the Volunteer Resource Centre inside the zoo.  Interviews will be done in pairs of two applicants at a time and 20 to 30 minutes in length.

3. Online Orientation and In-Person Training

• New Teen Ambassador volunteers will complete five online orientation/training modules.
• Volunteers will then attend a six-hour training day 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 buddy shift in which they will shadow an experienced volunteer throughout their regular three-hour volunteer shift in the Zoo.
• After the buddy shift has been completed, the volunteer will be able to sign up for as many Engagement 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.

Camp Crew

Applications for this position are now closed for 2025.

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 Camp Crew supports camp staff as campers participate in a variety of activities and explore the Zoo and Park.

The 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.

All About Camp

What is Zoo and Leaf Camp?

Zoo and Leaf Camp is a full-day, Monday to Friday activity camp for kids ages 6 to 13. Camp takes place primarily within the Assiniboine Park Zoo, The Leaf,  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.

Camp Crew Volunteers

The Camp Crew is a volunteer opportunity for students aged 14 to 18 years of age. The Camp Crew volunteers assist the Camp Counsellors in making Zoo and Leaf 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

Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 80 hours served in two one-week blocks in July and August (weekdays only).  The two weeks of camp do not need to be consecutive, you will be able to choose your weeks on a first come, first serve basis. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for additional weeks if possible. Volunteers will work with the same group of campers throughout their one week blocks, so your commitment is very important to them!

How to Join the 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.

Applications for this position are now closed for 2025.

2. Attend an In-Person Interview 

Applicants will attend an in-person interview at the Volunteer Resource Centre inside the zoo.  Interviews will be done in pairs of two applicants at a time and be 20 to 30 minutes in length.

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 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!

Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team 

Applications for this position are now closed for 2025.

The Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team is a brand-new volunteer program being piloted this year!  The mission of this program is to nurture an understanding and a passion for conservation in the leaders of tomorrow while simultaneously spreading the conservation message to today's visitors. The Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team will be a group of students ages 14 to 18 who are passionate about animals, the natural environment, and conservation.  They will learn about conservation, participate in field studies/citizen science projects, create their own conservation-themed engagements/activations, and engage the public in discussions related to conservation through various activations.

Qualities of an ideal candidate:

• Passionate about conservation.
• Willingness to share conservation messages with visitors in the Park and Zoo.
• Preferably interested in a conservation-related career. 
• Works well on their own and as a part of a team.
• Presentation/public speaking skills are considered an asset. 

Commitment 

Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team members will be required to commit to an average of two 3-hour shifts per week throughout July and August.  These shifts could include attending conservation learning events like Keeper Chats, nature walks, engagement training, career talks, and/or participating in practical activities like Engagement Ambassador shifts, biodiversity monitoring shifts, and working on designing/creating your own engagements/activations.

How to Join the Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team

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 interview. 

Applications for this position are now closed for 2025.

2. Attend an In-Person Interview 

Applicants will attend an in-person interview at the Volunteer Resources Centre inside the Zoo. Interviews will be done in pairs of two applicants at a time and will be 20 to 30 minutes long.

3. Online Orientation and In-Person Training
(If the applicant is accepted into the program)  

• Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team (COLT) members will complete 6 online orientation/training modules.
• COLT members will attend a six-hour in-person training day with APC's Conservation Team, where they will learn about the achievements and current projects happening in the field of conservation here at APC. Volunteers will also learn how they can participate in citizen science projects and biodiversity monitoring. This training will take place near the end of May. 
• Volunteers will then attend a six-hour training day where 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. This training will take place in June. 
• After the training shift, COLT members will attend a buddy shift where they will shadow an experienced volunteer for their regular volunteer shift in the Zoo.
• After the buddy shift has been completed, the volunteer will be able to sign up for as many Engagement Ambassador shifts as they desire. They can also attend an optional The Leaf training shift if they wish to volunteer as an ambassador at The Leaf.
• Various other trainings, including engagement training, Nature Walks, Keeper Chats, Career Chats, and more, will be offered throughout the summer.