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Teen Keeper Program

The Teen Keeper Program at Potter Park Zoo provides a great opportunity for teens, ages 13 to 18, to explore some of the many career pathways that work with the wonderful world of animals. Meet all of the animals that Zoo visitors rarely get to see as you take the experience to the next level – with a backstage pass to find out what zookeepers do behind the scenes. Teens will have the opportunity to assist the zoo keeping staff with the animals’ daily care, work with the education staff in the Zookambi summer school program, assist the contact area staff with the operations of the Farmyard area and help care for the Pony Path Area ponies. Sound like fun? Apply today!

How to apply:

Please submit the following materials, a completed application and a letter of recommendation from your current science teacher. Home-schooled candidates must submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family adult. Returning Teen Volunteers need only submit the completed application form for consideration when re-applying.

Download the application now!

Due to the high volume of interested teens applying for a limited number of program openings, all applications must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2011.  We ask that you complete and return the application along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher at your school.

As you are filling out your application, just a few important reminders:

  • You must include a letter of recommendation from a teacher with your application
  • Participants are required to give a minimum of 25 hours during the summer
  • All teen volunteers MUST select an orientation date and attend the session with a parent or guardian
  • You are required to submit TB test results (administered after JANUARY 1, 2011)
  • All teens must select a T-shirt size
  • A program fee of $25.00 is assessed, to include a uniform T-shirt and name badge.  The fee will be collected when you attend orientation

 

If you need further information or have questions, please contact us at 517-342-2714.

Mail to:

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

Hand deliver to:

Potter Park Zoological Society
1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Lansing, MI 48912
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.