CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

Young Adults...
Want to take a walk on the wild side this summer? Apply for the Zoo Crew summer volunteer and leadership program at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. We are committed to providing a meaningful and educational experience for Junior and Senior High School students, ages 13-17* who are seeking the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through volunteer work and promotion of the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, and recreation.  Some volunteers go on to working positions at the Zoo.  *We will accept a limited number of mature 12 year-olds.

The Zoo Crew members are a really cool group of people who work around the zoo.  They volunteer at least 16 hours a week to help out where ever needed! The Zoo Crew program is an outstanding opportunity for young people to become active in their community and to acquire useful life-skills. It's fun too!

Committment
Each Zoo Crew member is required to fulfill a minimum of 16 volunteer hours per week throughout the summer beginning the first week of June through Labor Day or until you have to go back to school.  One weekend day or holiday is required per month.  It is recommended that each member work the same shifts on the same days of the week throughout the summer.  If this schedule cannot be fulfilled due to family vacations, other camps, etc., the Zoo Crew member is expected to make up that time either before or after the scheduled absence.  Arrangements for such absence must be made with the Zoo Crew manager at least two weeks prior.

Fees
Zoo Crew is a fee-based service program.  The $187.50 fee for return volunteers and $197.50 fee for new volunteers, covers the cost of the following: Zoo Crew t-shirt, name tag, water bottle, daily supervision, program supplies and materials, forms of recognition, zookeeper talks and tours, special guests, and more! Each Zoo Crew leader is required to fulfill a minimum of sixteen hours per week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Activity areas include face-painting, button-making, special events, serving as a resource to visitors and interpreting at animal exhibits. $2.50 of each Zoo Crew member cost is designated to Quarters for Conservation, a new program that will greatly expand Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's conservation efforts in our region and around the globe.

Application Process:
1. Complete the Zoo Crew Application. This is completed online by clicking on the application link provided and following the instructions.

2. Download and complete the Release and Waiver of Claims form. After the application is submitted online, a link will be provided to direct you back to our website so you can complete this step.

3. Complete the essay. You will have the opportunity to do this online when submitting the application. If more space is needed than what is provided in the application, print or type the essay neatly and legibly.

4. Obtain three references.

5. Send references and signed waiver form (along with the completed essay and application ONLY if you were unable to submit these online) to the address below:

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Megan Hudak - Community Programs Manager
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd
Colorado Springs, CO  80906

7. Practice interviewing skills with parents, teachers etc.

8. Attend the scheduled interview.

9. Soon after completing the interview, applicants will receive notification of acceptance. If accepted, applicants will also receive the orientation and training schedule.

10. Attend the *Orientation and Training sessions. This training is mandatory, so be sure to schedule it into your calendar. Also, remember to bring the registration fee to Orientation.

11. Past participants must also complete an essay and obtain 3 references.
 

*Note: Attendance at the Orientation and Training is required to be a Cheyenne Mountain Zoo volunteer. This training will not only provide you with all of the information and tools required to serve the Zoo, but will ensure that your volunteer experience is a rewarding one. Be sure to schedule this training into your calendar!

As a Zoo Crew member, you will have the opportunity to work in the following areas:

My Big Backyard: ZC members assist with handling some of the animals for our new contact area. You may also assist the Contact Area Zookeeper with feeding the animals, helping monitor the animals’ behavior around Zoo visitors, and answering questions for visitors.

African Rift Valley: Zoo Crew Members will be involved in the African Rift Valley.  Duties will vary from selling ARV journals to assisting keepers with Safari Trail tours.  It is sure to be an exciting experience.  We have many new African animals including Meerkats, Kudu, Vultures, Red River Hogs and many more.

Face Painting: Be creative and have fun!  ZC members use their creative abilities to face-paint animal designs on faces, arms, and hands of visitors young and old.  All face-painting materials are provided.  Experience the pleasure of bringing a smile to someone’s face!  Donations are accepted from visitors for this service.

Button Making & Selling: ZC members use a button-making machine to make animal buttons.  Zoo Crew members will then sell the buttons to visitors.  This is a good way for them to practice communication and math skills while providing the public with a CMZ souvenir.

Tram Assistant: ZC members will assist the Tram Driver by taking tickets, stamping hands, monitoring visitors for safety and aiding the Tram Driver as needed.

Administrative Assistant: ZC members may assist the Zoo Crew manager and supervisors in a variety of administrative tasks.

Special Events: ZC is crucial to the success of special event days at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  You will have opportunities to assist with Teddy Bear Days, Boo at the Zoo, Electric Safari, and others.  Duties may include setup, crafts, storytelling, staffing, registration, and cleanup.

Zoo Projects: Opportunities may arise in Horticulture, planting a new garden, Nature Trail maintenance, and other areas.  Group projects foster teamwork, a sense of accomplishment, and assist the Zoo in enhancing the visitor’s experience.

CMZoo Homepage

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road Colorado Springs, CO  80906 Phone(719)633-9925  Fax (719)633-2254