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Volunteer Opportunities at the Central Florida ZooWanted: Enthusiastic Individuals Seeking Wild New Experiences Docents | Zoo Crew | Teen Team | Bright Futures Volunteer Program | Internships
DocentsGot the gift of gab? An innate talent for teaching? If so, the Zoo’s Docent program may be the volunteer opportunity for you. Each year volunteer teachers, referred to as Docents, serve as interpretive guides and present educational programs introducing thousands of children and adults to the wonders of wildlife. The Zoo offers Docent Training two times year. Docents are trained in the art of interpretation, using interesting biofacts as well as animal observations to provoke curiosity. Docents promote learning and inspire visitors towards conserving wildlife while guiding them through the zoo on Learning Safari Tours. Like working with animals? Docents also serve as animal presenters in the Zoo’s ½ hour animal encounters and 1 hour outreach programs. Docents also conduct In Zoo Encounters throughout the park seven days a week. During these programs Docents work with the Zoo’s education animals. The Docent Training Program is broken up over 7 Saturdays in which trainees learn about the natural history of both Zoo animals on exhibit and those found in the Education Department as well as the educational programs Docents conduct on and off property. Docents must pass the training program with an 80% or higher to continue as a Docent for the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden. To participate in the training there is a $40.00 fee to cover costs of materials. Fees are collected on the first day of class. Please print and complete the Docent Application and submit to the Volunteer Office. Upon acceptance you will receive information regarding the training. Docent Training Schedule for 2008Spring Class
Fall Class
___________________________________________________Zoo CrewIf you’re looking for something fun to do, the Zoo Crew may be ideal for you! Zoo Crew volunteers support the Zoo in many areas. Gardening-Green thumbs are welcome. You may assist in landscaping projects or help plant, weed and feed the Zoo’s gardens. You’ll enjoy the immediate results of your efforts in the Butterfly Garden, Spiny Garden, Epiphyte Garden, Florida Trek and much more. Special Events-Participate in annual events like the Zoo Boo Bash, Black Tie on the Wild Side, and more. Volunteers help set-up event activities, paint faces, host kids crafts, distribute goodies, and so much more. ZOOFARI Outpost-If you have an interest in retail, this is the post for you. You can assist in selling a unique array of wildlife items at the gift store or satellite unit. Perfect for someone with a free Saturday or Sunday. Behind the Scenes-What does it take to keep the Zoo in tip-top shape? Volunteers assist departments in painting, building, and designing a variety of projects. For more information call the Volunteer Office at (407) 323-4450, extension 120 or email volunteers@centralfloridazoo.orgMake new friends, learn something new and share your talents as a member of the Teen Team. Teen Team volunteers, ages 13 to 15, play a vital role in educating Zoo visitors about wildlife and conservation issues. Members of the Teen Team receive a special hands-on learning experience unique to the Zoo from completing an application and interviewing for a Teen Team slot, to handling animals and presenting wildlife bio-facts and participating in special events. Teen Team members learn skills intended to help them later in life as they gain valuable work experience and make future career decisions. Teens attend a four-week training program in January and after successfully passing a final exam continue through the program volunteering on select Saturdays each month to further their skills while helping the Zoo. Applications are accepted in November. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 120 or email volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org to be placed on the wait list to receive in application. Tuition is $25.00 and includes a Teen Team manual and Zoo Shirt. Bright Futures Volunteer ProgramHigh School Students 9th – 12th grade looking to complete their 75 hours of community service at the zoo. This is a non-animal related volunteer program where students come out to the zoo and volunteer in our Guest Service Department. This means they will help in our concessions stand, help with birthday parties, special events and man a satellite station in the zoo selling items from the gift shop and snow cones. During the school year students can volunteer on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. During the summer students can volunteer during the week with Guest Services approval. Students must complete a zoo volunteer application and obtain a letter of reference from a school official (teacher, guidance counselor or coach). For more information please call the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 120 or email volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org InternshipsFor those 18 yrs and older. We offer to internship programs. One is for college credit (College Internship Opportunities). Interns receive credit from their school by participating in the three-month program and typically completing some sort of project or requirement determined by their school and the Zoo curator. Applicants must complete a Zoo Volunteer Application, provide proof of liability insurance, submit a letter expressing his/her interest and a teacher/professor must provide a letter endorsing the student, verifying the internship is for class credit and detailing the information the student should be obtaining through the internship experience at the zoo. Interns must be available a minimum of two days a week for 8 hr days. Internships generally last for three months. For more information please call the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 120 or email volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org The second internship is the Life Experience Internship. This internship is for individuals looking for a career change or to gain experience working in a facility such as CFZP. This internship is not for school credit. A resume must be submitted along with a 300-word essay describing why they wish to participate in the program, what their expectations are and how they will benefit from the internship if selected for the program. Applicants need two letters of reference, proof of liability insurance and a completed Zoo Volunteer Form. Life Experience internships are for three months and interns must be available for a minimum of two days a week for 8hrs a day. For more information please call the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 120 or email volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org
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