Teen Leader Information

The Teen Leader (TL) program is committed to providing a meaningful and educational experience for high school students, 9th – 12th grades, who are seeking the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through hard work, and promoting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s mission of conservation, education and recreation.

NOTE: In order to apply to be a Teen Leader, you must have completed at least one season of the Teen Program and be 15-18 years of age.

Teen Leader Opportunities

Choices are based upon the teen’s interests*

CAMP COUNSELOR IN TRAINING: Assist camp counselors with leading the daily activities and helping zoo crew explorers.
LOFT INTERPRETIVE EDUCATOR: Engage guests through the use of live animals, group lessons, and keeper talks.
EXPLORER GUIDE: Acting as a positive role model, teens will mentor the 12 to 14 year old Zoo Crew Explorers traveling from station to station teaching and assisting with guest interactions.
CMZOO AMBASSADOR: As teen leaders walk around the Zoo, they will help as guest navigators/Zoo ambassadors.

*Teens interested in participating in both Teen Junior Zoo Keeper and Teen Leader programs are encouraged to apply for both as a package.

The Role and Work Flow of a Teen Leader

The Teen Leader program is committed to providing a meaningful and educational experience for 9th – 12th grade students, who are seeking the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through hard work and promoting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s mission of conservation, education and recreation.

In this program, education staff, animal department staff, veterinary staff and horticulture staff work closely to provide a meaningful experience for the teens involved to help offer them new leadership skills. The Teen Leader program is a multi-level program designed to provide an increasing challenge to teens each year they return to the program. Teen Leader members work in various areas around the Zoo, but primarily focus on helping lead the Teen Leader members.

Teen Leader duties will include:

Helping with animal care, basic husbandry
Journalism, leadership courses and public speaking

Summer camp help
Talking to the public about conservation efforts
Joining the Teen Program for outdoor EdVentures!

Teen Leader’s Work Flow

– Each Teen Leader member will log their hours throughout the summer beginning the first day of the program through their last day.
– At the end of the summer those hours will be totaled and you will receive an official signed certificate verifying your completed hours.
– Each month you will receive an updated total number of hours.
– We recommend teens try to accomplish 120 hours throughout the summer to maximize their experiences with the program.

Teen Leader Expectations

You are now an official representative of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!This means you should be positive AND professional at all times when you are at the Zoo.
Always show respect – for animals (Zoo and wildlife), our environment, guests, peers, staff, volunteers, docents, etc. Show respect for the material property of others.
Be willing to help with whatever is asked of you; try to get to a project before you have to be asked. You can always choose the attitude you have about what you do even if you can’t choose exactly what you’re doing, help will always be given at the Zoo to those who ask for it.
Be patient– not everything is fun all of the time, and there are a lot of teenagers that participate in the program. Please be patient with your peers, staff, supervisors, teen leaders, keepers, etc. Everyone wants to help, but it may take time.
Be discrete regarding information you learn while working at the Zoo. If you aren’t sure what information you can share in regards to the Zoo family, please check with the Teen Program Supervisor.
Be dependable and communicative, stick to your schedule and let the Teen Program Supervisor know if you cannot make it to your shift (calling information below)
Sometimes things change, be flexible – your schedule could change throughout the day, just know that we need your help and want to make each day as fun as possible.
Engage with Zoo guests in conversations and try to answer their questions. –If you don’t know an answer to a question, say “I don’t know, but I’ll try and find out.” Than do your best to find someone who knows the answer. By the end of the summer you will have learned so much!
appropriate language and behavior, there are ears everywhere- so be mindful of how you are conducting yourself.
Working at a Zoo is hard, so be prepared to work in a variety of areas and in different weather conditions. Bring your water bottle, keep it full and remember to wear Sunscreen. Whenever you need a break from physical work just let a supervisor know!
Work cooperatively with other teen in the program, all Zoo Staff, guests, volunteers, and docents. We all work together as a team, so let’s help each other out!
steward by helping keep the grounds clean- picking up trash whenever possible, opening doors for guests, and helping guide guests who need directions. – It’s everyone’s responsibility and that includes you!

Have fun! This summer will be lots of hard work and long days, but it will be lots of fun too!

Tuition Pricing

All fees for all sessions includes one t-shirt, name tag and reusable beverage cup, as well as daily supervision, program supplies and materials, keeper talks and tours, special afternoon workshops, orientation, end of season party and more!

Application fee: a $25 non-refundable fee for each applicant/application is required to begin the application process.

SUMMER TEEN PROGRAM FEES*

Zoo Crew price per teen (Middle School, 6th – 8th grades):
$700.75 for our 3-month summer session, plus 1-month of training

Junior Zoo Keeper and Teen Leader price per teen (High School, 9th – 12th grades):
$600.75 for our 3-month summer session, plus 1-month of training

OFF-SEASON TEEN PROGRAM FEES*

All Teens (Zoo Crew, Junior Zoo Keepers &/or Teen Core) price per teen:
$400.75 per session; Fall, Winter or Spring.

– *These program fees do not include EdVenture trip fees.
– Full payment of the program session is due 48 hours prior to the first day of the session.
– Note: 75¢ from each Teen Program Registration goes to Quarters for Conservation, which expands Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s regional and global conservation efforts.

Summer Scholarship Information

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a scholarship fund for its Summer Teen Program and is committed to working with families to make sure price is not a limiting factor in their child’s experience.

Due to limited funding, only partial scholarships will be awarded.
Scholarships apply to the Zoo’s Summer Teen Program.
Criteria for selecting children for the program is based upon a first come, first served and need basis.
Applications for Summer Teen Program Scholarships must be submitted using this form between February 1 – February 22, with decisions be made no later than May 1. Go here to complete the Summer Teen Program Scholarship Form