Apply to be a Summer Camp Counselor

All applicants should fill out and submit the application themselves. Applicants should apply early in order to ensure ample time to schedule an interview and provide a letter of recommendation.

Application Deadline: April 18, 2019
Mandatory Training: June 2, 2019

As a counselor, you will help camp teachers prepare for and teach classes for kids ages 4 to 14. You will lead songs and games, tour the kids around the zoo, and work with teachers and kids to make sure everyone is having a great time. Counselors also help out with our Family Overnight Safaris and spend the night at the zoo once each summer. You will also run public education stations where you present a craft to the public and talk about our animals and their conservation. No matter what your strengths, there is a part of zoo camp that you can excel in!

What are the requirements for the camp counselor program?
Camp counselors are required to work Monday-Friday for 2 weeks, full day (8 am to 5 pm) or 4 weeks, half day (8 am to 1 pm or noon to 5 pm). They can work these weeks consecutively or break them up throughout the summer.

How does someone become a camp counselor?
They must complete the application, interview with a staff member from the Education Department and provide a letter of recommendation before being considered for the program.

Please Note

• Morning shifts are 8 am to 1 pm, and afternoon shifts are noon to 5 pm
• *Additional options include: 2 weeks of full day shifts (8 am to 5 pm) or 1 week of full day shifts and 2 weeks of half day shifts

What is a camp counselor?

If you have additional questions, email the Teen Coordinator.

Applications for the 2019-2020 Zoo Teen program year will open on May 2, 2019.

What is a zoo teen?
Zoo Teens are a group of middle school and high school students from all around the Sacramento region, aged 13 – 18. These individuals are interested in animals, the Earth and our community and they volunteer their time on weekends at the Sacramento Zoo. Zoo teens will develop their own ideals, views and passions to help encourage zoo patrons to become better stewards of this planet.

What are the requirements to be a zoo teen?

• Teens must turn 13 before entering the program, so they must turn 13 before August 2019
• Teens must be in middle school or high school. Anyone who has graduated from high school is encouraged to apply to the Zoo Ambassador program.
• After completing the application process, if they are selected to be a zoo teen, requirements are:
  • Volunteer 8 weekend hours per month at the zoo
  • Maintain a 2.75 grade point average
  • Attend all required orientations and training

What does a zoo teen do?
Zoo teens primarily spend their time inspiring zoo visitors to become better stewards of the Earth through activity stations. Zoo teens also help at special events, give keeper chats, plan and participate in I Heart Sacramento Zoo, and make animal enrichments.

What are the benefits of being a zoo teen?
Sacramento zoo teens will learn public speaking skills, gain confidence and initiative and be encouraged to excel in school and the workplace. As zoo teens progress through their years in the program, there are opportunities for further career exploration through higher level zoo teen positions.

How does someone become a zoo teen?
Complete the application, submit proof of their 2.75 GPA, interview with a staff member from the Education Department and provide a letter of recommendation before being considered for the program.

If you have additional questions, email the Teen Coordinator.