Chicago Zoological Society

YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS (YVC)

Serving Brookfield Zoo and Making Friends

(Open to students entering grades 9-12)

If you enjoy meeting and working with other teens, learning about animals, and talking to people about animals, then YVC may be for you!

YVC offers teens the opportunity to discover conservation, wildlife, and science through hands-on experiences. Participation in the program includes free trips throughout the year to natural areas, museums, and other fun places. Youth Volunteers learn first-hand about our animals and the environments in which they live.

As an “interpreter,” you will use games, crafts, and your own creativity to educate zoo guests. During the school year, volunteers help at special events--like Boo at the Zoo! and Holiday Magic.

A variety of educational and professional development opportunities will be available to Youth Volunteers throughout the year based on student interest and volunteer service. Through a series of activities, workshops and research experiences, students can prepare themselves for entry into college, applying and interviewing for jobs, developing community action projects, and MORE!

Possible Opportunities
(Availability of opportunities will vary year to year)

Animal Behavior Observation:  Students will identify methods for systematically collecting data on animal behavior utilizing video clips to practice observations. During the second portion of the course, students will practice observations on animals in the Zoo.

Zoo Horticulture:  Students are introduced to science and art of maintaining plants at the zoo for beautification, exhibit design, conservation, animal diet and enrichment.  Students take a tour of the zoo’s greenhouses, gardens and compost facility.

NatureStart Training:  Students learn best techniques for working with and interpreting to small children, particularly as it related to nature-related content and play behavior.

College Applications:   Students review sample college applications, learn about the process, deadlines and rolling admissions, exploring schools of interest to them.

What Does Your Resume Say About You?:  Students will review samples and types of resumes and learn about the descriptive words that can help them communicate their skills effectively to potential employers.  They will choose a resume type and create a draft resume.

Benefits to YOU!

• Develop important professional, social, and public speaking skills through hands-on, real-world experience.
• Increase your knowledge of animals and conservation.
• Gain confidence!
• Meet people with similar interests from all over the Chicagoland area and make lasting friendships.
• Discounts on Zoo food and merchandise.
• Free admission for each volunteer and his/her immediate family.
• Many schools and clubs accept volunteer hours from our program for service learning credit.
• Participants who successfully complete at least one year of the program are eligible to apply for college scholarships and jobs at CZS that are open ONLY to former participants!
• Become a conservation leader today!!

**Please note that there is no animal handling as part of this program.**

YVC is a competitive program. Acceptance is based on an application and interview process. Students entering grades 9-12 and 13-17 years of age are welcome to apply.  

Ready to Apply?

Our application period for the 2013 Summer YVC program has passed. If you have applied, you will receive an email confirmation with further details (check your SPAM folder if you do not see this). 

Please keep an eye on this website for future opportunities to be part of youth programs at Brookfield Zoo or email yvc@czs.org to have your name put on the notification list for our next round of recruitment.

 
Questions?
Check the YVC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for answers.

If you did not find you answer there, please contact:

Conservation Leadership Program Supervisor
Education Department
Brookfield Zoo