The Potter Park Zoological Society Education Department has a summer volunteer program available for youths between the ages of 13 and 18. Please read the following criteria carefully to find out if you are eligible, then fill out and submit the application. Age ranges refer to the applicant's age as of April 1, 2008.

TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

• Available to youths between the ages of 13 and 18
• Teens in this program have the opportunity to assist Zoo Keeping Staff in the daily care of the exotic animal collection, assist the Education Staff in the summer school program, assist the Contact Area Staff in the operation of the Farmyard Area, and assist in the Pony Path Area with the care of the ponies and the operation of the pony rides.
• New candidates must submit a letter of recommendation from their current science teacher for consideration. Home-schooled candidates must submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family adult.

The Potter Park Zoo is looking for young people with:

• A willingness to work under the guidance of our professional Zoo Keeping Staff, Docent Volunteers, Pony Path Staff and Zookambi Staff, following their directions.
• A desire to learn about the proper care of the animals and the daily operations of the zoo.
• An enthusiastic attitude, willingness to sacrifice their summer free time to learn about a career through hands on experiences.
• The ability to donate a minimum of 25 hours between June 5 and September 5.
• The willingness to follow the rules of Potter Park Zoo and this program.

Please complete the application form (available in .doc or .txt formats) and return it, along with the appropriate letter of recommendation to:

Summer Teen Volunteer Program
Potter Park Zoological Society
1301 S. Pennsylvania
Lansing, MI 48912

Remember, ALL NEW APPLICANTS must submit the appropriate letter of recommendation. Failure to submit this letter makes the application incomplete and invalid for consideration. Returning Teen Volunteers need only submit the completed application form for consideration when re-applying for 2008.

To the teachers writing the letter of recommendation for this student: Letters of recommendation should address the applicant's abilities to 1) work with others, 2) accept and respect the supervision of adults, 3) follow rules and understand that any violation of the rules results in serious consequences, 4) be punctual not only in attendance, but also with work assignments, 5) be courteous, honest and trustworthy, and 6) present a neat, well groomed appearance.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2008, NO EXCEPTIONS!

After reviewing the applications, candidates will be notified by letter by April 21, 2008, as to whether or not they have been accepted into the program this year. Please indicate on the application which orientation session you will be attending. Failure to attend an orientation session is automatic grounds for dismissal from the program. All applicants accepted to the program must bring with them a parent or guardian.

Teen Volunteers will be required to show proof of a negative TB skin test administered after January 1, 2008. This is for the safety of our zoo animals. Testing will be offered here at the zoo for a fee of $10.00. We will notify successful applicants of TB test dates at the zoo. If these dates are not convenient, you can make arrangements with a private physician, visit Sparrow Health System at their St. Lawrence Campus or contact the Ingham County Health Department.

If, after being accepted to the program, a teen does not provide proof of a TB skin test, they will not be allowed to participate in the Teen Volunteer Program.

ALL RETURNING TEEN VOLUNTEERS MUST ALSO ATTEND AN ORIENTATION SESSION.

The Pony Path training sessions for any Teen Volunteer interested will be conducted at your availability and must be scheduled for any Saturday or Sunday before school is out for summer vacation. After receiving your acceptance letter, if you want to work at the Pony Path, you must call Rick Parker at 517-371-7021 to set up a training session. If you do not attend a training session, you will not be allowed to assist at the Pony Path.

PLEASE NOTE: Annually, Potter Park Zoo receives many more applications from interested youths than can be accommodated in this highly successful program. Due to this high volume of qualified teens applying for a limited number of program openings, teen volunteers will be selected by a lottery system. If you are not accepted this year, we encourage you to try again next year.

HINTS FOR YOUR APPLICATION: Return it as soon as possible. Make sure that all words are spelled correctly, that the application is neat and presentable, and make sure to thoughtfully answer the questions, using complete sentences. How you complete the application is a reflection on you.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: April 1, 2008, NO EXCEPTIONS!

Applications MUST be postmarked by April 1, 2008, if sent by regular mail, or may be hand delivered to the Education Department at Potter Park Zoo. FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

REMEMBER ORIENTATION DATES ARE:

• SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2008, 7:00 PM
• MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008, 7:00 PM

ALL TEEN VOLUNTEERS MUST ATTEND A SESSION WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN!

A program fee of $15.00 is assessed. Teen Volunteers, both new and returning, will receive a uniform T-Shirt and a nametag.

If you have any questions, contact Lori Patterson at 517-394-3738 or the Potter Park Zoological Society Office, 517-702-4730.

Thank you for your interest and Best of Luck!!!