ZooTeens 2014 Application

8/12/2019 ZooTeens 2014 Application

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2014 ZooTeens InformationGet excited about volunteering at the Zoo in a whole new way Have you ever wanted to learnabout caring for endangered and exotic wildlife? Are you interested in spending part of yoursummer with some of the coolest animals around? If you answered Yes to one or both of thesequestions, then the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the place for you You will experience theZoo from an entirely different angle that very few people get the opportunity to encounter. Youwill make friends that share your passion for wildlife and other similar interests. You will gainfirst-hand knowledge of various Zoo careers and build a good work ethic while simultaneouslyearning community service hours for schoolWe are looking to assemble a robust crew of teens that are dedicated, hard-working,responsible and dont mind getting dirty. These individuals must also enjoy learning new thingsand creating memorable experiences for our many guests with their enthusiastic and outgoingpersonalitiesPlease read the following material thoroughly before submitting your application.REQUIREMENTSApplicants Must:

Be between the ages of 14 and 17 and have completed the 8thgrade by the summer of2014.

Be truly interested in making volunteering a top priority for your entire enrollment inthe program.

Be willing to make a ONE YEAR COMMITMENTto the Zoo. Understand that we expect you to work. You are here to actively and responsibly assist

the Zoo and its staff with whatever task is asked of you. This is NOTjust the chance tofulfill your community service requirement.

**ZooTeens is a very competitive program. (There is limited space available each year andnot all applicants will be interviewed.)**


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IF SELECTEDTeen Must: Pay non-refundable tuition fee of $60.00. This covers the cost of a volunteer t-shirt andname badge (part of required uniform), training materials and program and social event

supplies. Please DO NOTsend tuition fee with your application. Provide proof of negative Tuberculosis (PPD type) reading by June 2, 2014. Complete Level 2 Background check with finger prints (information will be provided).

Only required for teens assisting with Summer Camp. Report to work on time and adhere to our ZooTeens Involvement Contract. Commit to ONE YEARof consistent service: 3 consecutive weeks during the summer on

a Monday through Friday schedule and two (2) special events each month during theschool year. This is a commitment that includes you and your family. They arecommitting to providing you with the support, encouragement, and transportation that ittakes to successfully complete the program.

Attend one night of each session of the mandatory*orientation/training process.MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR

DATE TIME EVENTTuesday, April 1, 2014 By 5:00 PM Application DueTuesday, April 15, 2014 Applicants will be notified if they

were selected for an individualinterview

Saturday, April 19, 2014 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Individual Interviews*(Accompanied by Parent)

Saturday, April 26, 2014 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Individual Interviews*(Accompanied by Parent)

Saturday, May 3, 2014 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Group Interview*Tuesday, May 20, 2014OR*

Thursday May 22, 20145:30 PM 8:30 PM Orientation/Training Session 1**

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 OR*Thursday May 29, 2014

5:30 PM 8:30 PM Orientation/ Training Session 2**Monday June 2, 2014 By 5:00 PM Tuberculosis (PPD type) Due

Saturday, June 7, 2014 11:00 AM 3:00 PM ZooTeens Kick Off PicnicMonday, June 9, 2014 First Day of ZooTeensFriday August 8, 2014 Last Day of ZooTeens

* Absence from the interviews or mandatory trainings (for vacations, school commitments, etc.) is not allowedexcept in extreme extenuating circumstances (e.g. sudden illness, car accident, etc.) and only provided that theVolunteer Office is notified of the extenuating circumstance in a timely manner (preferably before the training).* Must attend one of each session.


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ZOOTEENS SUMMER SEASON IS BROKEN UP INTO 3 SESSIONS OF 3 CONSECUTIVEWEEKS EACH. PLEASE CHOOSE ONE (1) SESSION THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WORK:TYPE TIME DATESession 1 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*

9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*June 9 June 13June 16 June 20June 23 June 27

Session 2 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*

June 30 July 3July 7 July 11July 14 July 18

Session 3 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.*

July 21 25July 28 August 1August 4 August 8

*As a ZooTeens Summer Camp Assistant you will have the opportunity to interact with thefuture zoo keepers of the world in a classroom setting. You will assist our Education staff withgeneral classroom duties (and learn about some of our animal ambassadors in the process),positively interact with our campers, and be an outstanding role model that will encourageothers to follow in your ZooTeens steps*As a ZooTeens Interpretation Assistant you will get the opportunity to learn about severalspecies of animals that we house within our Zoo. You can share what youve learned with manyof our visiting guests and create an educational and memorable experience. You will exploremany topics and exhibits on your daily journey. You might just learn why a giraffe has twodifferent colors on its tongue or why giant anteaters walk on their knuckles1styear Zoo Interpretation Assistant, Summer Camp Assistant2ndyear Outreaches, Zoo Interpretation Assistant, Summer Camp Assistant3rdyear Teen Leads, Keeper Assistant, Outreaches, Zoo Interpretation Assistant, Summer

Camp Assistant**We ask ZooTeens to schedule around family vacations and school commitments. You will beallowed two (2) excused absences during the summer if Volunteer Services receives priornotification in a timely manner. Excused absences include illness, injury, death in the family,etc.****There are no weekend shifts available with the exception of special events.**


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2014 ZooTeens ApplicationDirections: Please follow the check list below to complete the application. Complete all areas with hand written responses. Use only blue or black ink to complete responses. Follow the point guide at each question to help you in your responses. Deliver the following in an envelope to Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens by

5 p.m.Tuesday, April 1,2014.

All required pieces should be submitted together to be considered:

o ZooTeens! Application (170 points possible)o One Academic Teacher Evaluation Form in a sealed envelope with the teachers

signature written on the seal (If home-schooled, please have a non-related adult fillout)(10 points possible)

o One Letter of Recommendation from a non-related adult in a sealed envelope with thereferences signature written on the seal (10 points possible)

o Involvement Contract signed by teen and parent (5 points possible)o Photo of Applicant- this allows us to recognize you among other applicants.

(5 points possible)

Late applications and incomplete applications (applications missing pieces)will not be reviewed.

Return to:Volunteer Programs

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens370 Zoo Parkway

Jacksonville, Florida 32218Questions? 904.757.4463 ext. 176 or ext. 175

[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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ZooTeens Application(Applications will be scored on a rubric basis. Numbers in parentheses indicate total numberof possible points per section.)

Due Date: April 1, 2014 5:00 PM Date Received: ______________(Office use only)

(10 possible points)

First Name: _________________________ Last Name: ______________________________________Nickname: __________________________ Phone number: ___________________________________

(Teen Applicants number)

Address:________________________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________________Email Address: __________________________________________________________________________(Teen Applicants email)Birthday: ___ / _____ / _______ Current Age: ________ T-Shirt Size:_____________________

(adult sizes)Parent/Guardian Full Name: ______________________________________________________________Parent/ Guardian Email: _________________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Phone Number: _________________________________________________________

(In case of an emergency and the event that we cannot contact a parent or guardian, please providethe information of an additional contact)Emergency Contact Name: ________________________________________________________________Emergency Contact Relationship: __________________________________________________________Emergency Contact Phone Number: _______________________________________________________


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Have you attended any of our educational programs? Yes or No(Zoo Camp, Home School, etc.)

If so, which one(s)? ________________________________________

Have you applied for our ZooTeens program in the past? Yes or No

Did a current or former ZooTeens recommend the program to you? Yes or NoIf so, who? _________________________________________________

If not, how did you hear about the ZooTeens program?______________________________________Are you willing to take a TB test? Yes or NoPlease refer to page 3 to answer the following:

1stChoice Session 1 Session 2 Session 32ndChoice Session 1 Session 2 Session 3

1stChoice Summer Camp Assistant Zoo Interpretation Assistant2ndChoice Summer Camp Assistant Zoo Interpretation Assistant

(office use only)

Objective Points Possible: 10 PointsReceived

Followed directions andfilled out each line 0 = Did not complete all sections5 = Clear, legible writing & used blue or black ink5 = Completed all areas


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Please circle the selection that best fits your response to the following statements(5 points possible):I care about animals. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossI want to learn more about animals. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossI dont mind getting dirty or wet. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossMy friends would say that Im not afraid tostrike up a conversation with someone I just met. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossI enjoy teaching and sharing information. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossI feel comfortable around children. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossI would do something to help animalseven though I may not work directly with them. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossI like being outdoors. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossMy friends would say I am outgoing. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/GrossI am willing to try new things at least once. Definitely/Yes/Maybe/No/Gross

(office use only)Objective Points Possible: 10 Points ReceivedObtain a response thatprovides a glimpse intoeach applicantspersonality andinterests.

0 = Did not answer allquestions10 = Answered allquestions


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(50 points possible)

Why do you want to be a Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ZooTeen? Include what motivated you toapply and what you wish to gain from this experience. (5 points)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Why would you make an excellent ZooTeen? (5 points)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How would being a ZooTeen fit into your education/career goals? (5 points)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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What do you think is the most interesting thing about you? Why? (5 points)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________If you were an endangered species, what would you be and why is your species endangered?What can people do to protect your species from extinction? (10 points)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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What activities or hobbies are you involved in at school and outside of school? How much timedo you devote to these activities? How do you plan to organize your schedule to accommodateyour time in the ZooTeens Program? (20 points)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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On a separate sheet of paper, typed, using a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500words, answer one (1) of the following questions (100 points):

1. The destruction of the worlds forests is inevitable as our need for land and food grows.Do you agree?

2. Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered animals?3. Zoos are sometimes seen as a poor alternative to an animals natural environment but are,in many cases, necessary for a speciessurvival. Discuss how zoos aide in the

preservation and conservation of many species, both in their facilities and abroad.

(office use only)Objective Points Possible: 150 Points ReceivedObtain a relevantresponse that givesinsight to theindividuals thoughtprocess, personality,and interests.

50 = provided answersfor select questions

75 = answered allquestions with minimaleffort and detail150 = answered allquestions in detail andexhibited comprehension

Please keep pages 1-3 for your personal reference and return ONLY pages 4-13 in conjunctionwith letters of recommendation, teacher evaluations and essay question responses.


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ZOOTEENS! PROGRAMTEACHER EVALUATION

APPLICANTSNAME

TEACHERSNAME

SCHOOL

COURSEThis form will be used to evaluate potential Zoo Teen Volunteers. For consideration, this evaluation must bereturned to the applicant in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal. Completed applications aredue at the Zoo no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014.

Please rate the studentsperformance based on the following numerical scale:1 Outstanding Performance is exceptional.2 Very Good Consistently exceeds.3 Good Competent & dependable.4 Improvement Needed Does not meet requirements.5 Unsatisfactory Unacceptable behavior.1. Level of maturity.

Comments: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Willingness to take initiative.Comments:

3. Level of dependability and responsibility.Comments:

4. Level of participation and enthusiasm.Comments:

5. Level of organizational skills.Comments:

On the back of this form please share your thoughts on why this student would or would not

make a good candidate for our ZooTeens! program at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.


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ZOOTEENS PROGRAMLETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

APPLICANTSNAME

REFERENCESNAME

RELATIONSHIPTO APPLICANT

YEARSKNOWN PHONE

This form is used to evaluate potential Zoo Teen Volunteers. For consideration, this evaluation must bereturned to the applicant in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal. Completed applications aredue at the Zoo no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*** DO NOT ask a relative to write you a letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation written byrelatives will not be accepted and may result in your disqualification from consideration for the ZooTeensprogram. Letters of recommendation may be written by former or current teachers, school counselors,employers or other adult authority figures (e.g. scout leader, pastor, etc.)

Documents

ZooTeens 2014 Application