Teens for Nature is a fun and immersive summer volunteer program where participants between 7th and 12th grade can learn, grow, and make new friends all while making a big impact at the Fort Wayne Zoo.
Session schedules are comprised of two consecutive weeks Monday through Friday throughout the summer.
Multiple positions are available so teens can get hands-on experience that matches their interests in a vibrant setting.
Openings are limited and fill fast, so please register early. Application deadline is February 28.
Register with the links at the top of the page, or scroll down for more details about positions, scheduling, pricing, and more.
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Positions Available:
Become a teen counselor with Kids for Nature Summer Camp by assisting with educational activities, leading camp songs and games, and helping campers explore the Zoo.
Interact with guests of all ages as you lead educational games and share Zoo animal facts. Learn presentation skills and assist with special events.
Become an active steward of our natural resources and participate in a hands-on conservation project. Past crews have practiced citizen science techniques, maintained wetlands, and planted native species.
Work together with staff Animal Care Specialists and interact with animals, prepare diets, watch training sessions, and participate in animal husbandry and enrichment.
Special note: Teen Animal Care Specialist positions are reserved for returning third year teen volunteers with staff recommendation.
Requirements:
Must be current 7th grade to 12th grade students. This includes current graduating 12th graders.
New applicants must submit this Recommendation Form to be completed by an adult not related to you.
Have the desire and ability to work with people of all ages
Have an interest in animals and the environment
Be courteous and helpful to Zoo guests
Be able to understand and follow instructions
Commit to being in attendance on the days you are assigned
Complete necessary training sessions
Follow the program’s code of conduct
Cost: $65
No payment is due until after acceptance into the program. Acceptance letters will be sent at the end of March.
Financial Aid:
A limited number of scholarships are available to those who qualify. Please fill out the Financial Aid Request Form.
Session Dates:
Session 1: June 1st-June 12th
Session 2: June 15th-June 26th
Session 3: June 29th-July 10th
Session 4: July 13th-July 24th
Check-in occurs daily from 7:15-7:45 am at the Zoo Education Center.
Dismissal is at 4:00 pm every day with pick-up no later than 4:30 pm at the Zoo Education Center.
Code of Conduct:
Teens for Nature participants are expected to be kind and respectful to animals, campers, guests, staff, and property. The Fort Wayne Zoo reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any program participant the opportunity to participate in the program if the teen’s social conduct or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or unsafe by the Zoo administration. No refunds will be issued if a teen is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons.
Orientation:
First time participants will need to attend an in-person orientation.
Returning volunteers will need to watch the orientation video.
Your acceptance email will provide further details.
Cancellation Policies:
Programs are held rain or shine, but in case of severe weather, the Zoo reserves the right to cancel for the health and safety of all participants. You will be notified by email in case of severe weather cancellation.
If you need to cancel for any reason, refunds are available minus processing fees at least 2 weeks in advance. After that, all sales are final.
To cancel, you must email volunteer@fwzoo.com with your contact information and order number. Refunds cannot be completed over the phone.
Full Description:
Teens for Nature Volunteer Position Description
Questions?
Contact the Volunteer Office by phone at 260-427-6800 EXT. 302 or by email at volunteer@fwzoo.com
Current Teens:
Current Teens for Nature Volunteers: Click here to log in to our online scheduling system
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, all staff working youth activities, including camp programs, are required to complete training for Epi-pen administration. The Zoo coordinates with the American Red Cross for this training and will cover the cost of the training for employees required to complete the training.
Thank you to our sponsor for supporting our teens
Statement of Equal Opportunity
The Fort Wayne Zoo is operated by the Fort Wayne Zoological Society through a cooperative agreement with the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Parks and Recreation. All employees and volunteers work for the Fort Wayne Zoological Society. The Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and treats all applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital or veteran status, mental or physical disability that does not preclude performance of essential job duties, or any other status protected by law. The Society will offer all reasonable accommodations required by law to employees and volunteers with known disabilities. The Society supports and promotes diversity in its workforce and on its Board of Directors and strives to foster a work environment of respect and inclusiveness where the diversity and contributions of all applicants, employees, volunteers, and visitors are valued and recognized.
Together We Are Better
The Fort Wayne Zoo is proud to be part of a vibrant and diverse community. We value our team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters. We welcome their unique perspectives and experiences. Our strengths lie in these differences. Together, we inspire people to care about nature and one another.
You belong here!