Youth Volunteer Corp at Brookfield Zoo

Youth Volunteer Corps FAQ

How do I become a member of YVC?
YVC is a competitive program. All members must be accepted through an application and interview process. Applications for the 2013 Youth Volunteer Corps will be available on this website by March 11, 2013.

How old do I have to be to apply for YVC?
Students must be entering from the 9th through the 12th grades to be eligible to apply. Interpretive applicants must also be 13 years old by August 31, 2013. Students who turn 18 on or before August 31 are not eligible for the YVC program.

How many students do you accept?
YVC is made up of approximately 120 members. We usually have about 30 to 40 open spots each summer. This is dependent upon the number of current volunteers that choose to stay in the program.

When will interviews take place?
Interviews take place after school and in the early evening April 24 through April 26, 2013. Not all applicants will be invited to interview.

When will I find out if I am accepted?
All applicants will receive either an acceptance or rejection letter in mid-May.

Can I join later in the year?
No. YVC accepts members only during the spring recruitment period.

When does YVC meet?
Mandatory training takes place from June 10-14, 2013. The only excused absences for training week are for students still in regular school session (summer school does not apply).

Note to CPS Students: Due to the CPS schedule and last year's strike, we are aware that school will still be in session during this time. CPS students are still encouraged to apply for the program despite this conflict and a later start date will be acceptable.

After that, YVC meets every day from June 17 through August 11, 2013. Students will choose two duty days every week to volunteer. These must be the same two days each week!

There are no mandatory YVC days during the school year but there are additional weekend and evening volunteer opportunities on an "as needed" basis.

Does YVC meet every day?
YVC volunteers are in the park seven days a week during the summer. Students will only be required to volunteer two days per week. These need to be the same two duty days each week.

When is training? Do I have to go?
Training for YVC will take place from June 10-14, 2013. This training is mandatory for all members of YVC. It lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Each day is required training for YVC students. The only exception is for students currently finishing their regular school year.  Summer school does not count.

There is an optional field trip on Saturday, June 15. There is also a mandatory orientation session for students and their parents on May 29, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

I'm going on vacation this summer. Can I miss coming to the zoo for a few weeks?
YVC are only allowed three missed duty days all summer. This includes time for vacations, summer school, camps, other activities and illnesses. Please plan accordingly. 

How many hours can I expect to volunteer?
As a member of YVC, you are expected to volunteer 120 hours before May 2014. The bulk of those hours are earned in the summer. YVC members volunteer the same two regular duty days each week and earn other hours through special events and extra opportunities.

Can I volunteer more than two days a week?
Once we determine our staffing needs, we will be able to decide whether requests for extra hours can be accommodated. In years where students are permitted to volunteer for more than two days, no one will be permitted to volunteer for more than four days per week. 

What are the hours?
Shift hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Partial shifts are not allowed. However, we may be able to offer extended hours until 5:30 p.m. (depending on staffing needs and availability).

Can I volunteer over the school year?
We have lots of volunteer opportunities on weekends during the school year. For example, YVC members help with Creatures of the Night and Holiday Magic.

Do you provide transportation?
Since we have students coming to the Zoo from all over the area, we are unable to provide transportation. However, there is a Metra stop two blocks away from the zoo and bus stops at each Zoo entrance.

Follow this link for public transportation information.  

Do you provide uniforms?
All YVC members receive a uniform shirt. They must supply their own khaki pants or shorts.

Will I get to take care of the animals?
No. There is no animal contact as part of our program.

What will I do at the zoo?
YVC members interpret, or explain, the exhibits and animals to our guests. They work at three different “stations” each day. Depending on the station, they may use games, activities or animal specimens to help our guests better understand the animals and their habitats. There will also be opportunities to participate in workshops, research projects, and programs that help you develop science, college or job readiness skills.

I really like science better than talking to people. Can I skip the Interpretation piece and just take workshops on science research and animal care? 
All students joining YVC must first spend one year doing interpretation. After one year in the program, you may begin participating in more focused science research activities. Many students enjoy interpreting so much that they stay with us for many years. 

My question is not answered here. How can I get more information?
Send an e-mail to YVC@CZS.org.