Volunteer Teen Programs

Programs Tracks & Details

Zoo Crew Explorers (Ages 12-14)

Exploration, Conservation, and Education Stations: Engaging guests in different activities, games, and presentations focusing on Conservation and Education. Throughout the zoo the teens will have ‘stations’ that they will rotate around to during the day, these stations are great ways to interact with guests and gain public speaking and interpretive skills.

EdVenture Program: Crew members have the opportunity to join us for EdVenture trips that occur throughout the summer months. On average there will be 3 trips offered a month, anything from white water rafting, zip lining, hiking, survival skills, primitive skills, crafting, climbing biking, laser tag, and opportunities to travel internationally.

The Loft: Assisting the animal keepers with basic husbandry skills, program participants will interact with Zoo guests while preparing diets, making treats for the animals or creating fun crafts.

Summer Camp: Teens help with daily camp activities and gain valuable experience working with both children and animals as Junior Camp Mentors.

Face Painting and Button Making: Teens with a creative side will love the opportunity to artistically express their passion for animals. At our button cart, teens build a strong work ethic and public speaking through helping guests create and build their own personalized Cheyenne Mountain Zoo souvenirs.  

Teen Leaders (Ages 15-17)

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is looking for responsible high school leaders who love animals, are interested in mentoring their younger peers, leading conservation initiatives and education programs, and acting as CMZ ambassadors. Teen leaders will gain valuable training including leadership, interpretive education, peer mediation, communication and animal handling.

This program will allow older teens to create their own path choosing projects and duties that interest them.

Possible duties based on teen’s interest: 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. As teen leaders are walking around the Zoo they will also help as guest navigators/Zoo ambassadors.

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

Junior Zoo Keepers (Ages 15-17)

As a Junior Zoo Keeper, participants with a love of animals will experience what it takes to be a zoo keeper. Provides teens with real-world experience working with our education, animal, and horticulture departments gaining knowledge of what exactly happens behind the scenes to make a zoo possible!

• Gain personal Zoo experience so you can make informed career decisions.
• Develop a strong work ethic and problem solving skills.
• Acquire knowledge and skills surrounding animal care procedures alongside experienced animal keepers.

ANIMAL AREAS In animal areas Junior Zoo Keepers are responsible for helping clean exhibits, prepare animal food diets, creating enrichment and assist with keeper talks when needed. Junior Zoo Keepers work hand in hand with Zoo staff and help with the jobs that are a daily part of a zoo keepers career. It’s a robust position that requires hard work, dedication, attention to detail and self motivation. This position can also be a Teen Leader and/or on the Youth Leadership Advisory Council (YLAC)

Loft: Small mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Birds

African Rift Valley 1: Meerkats, Zebra, Vultures, Red River Hogs, African Birds and Tortoises.

Aquatics: Hippopotamus, Penguins, Beavers, Chickens, Rocky Mountain Goats, Aquatic Animals and Amphibians.

Primate World: Gorillas, Orangutans, Siamangs, Golden Lion Tamarins and Naked Mole Rats.

African Rift Valley 2: Giraffe, African Lions

Monkey Pavilion/Bears: Smaller Primates, Asiatic and Spectacle Bears.

Conservation Highlands: Tigers, Snow Leopards, Amur Leopards, Pallas’s Cats, Boreal Toads and Black-Footed Ferrets.

Rocky Mountain Wild: Moose, Mountain Lions, Wolf, Lynx, Porcupines, Turkeys, Grizzly Bears and River Otters.

Encounter Africa: Elephants and a Rhino.

Outback Yard: (My Big Backyard, Australia and Scutes Family Gallery)- Australian Animals

Commissary: Animal Diet Kitchen

Questions:
Visit http://www.cmzoo.org/index.php... for application, cost, and contact info.