Zoo Crew- Teen Volunteer Program

Zoo Crew is the Cameron Park Zoo’s Teen Volunteer program where students 14-17 years old can gain hands-on experience in the zoo world. Must be 14 years old by June 1^st.

All Zoo Crew will run education stations, engaging the public with fun animal artifacts. First year Zoo Crew will not be working with animal care departments or animal handling. Second year and up Zoo Crew may have the opportunity to work closely with keeper staff in designated areas. Your schedule may change based on the department needs. This program is a great way to see what the zoo is all about, and different career paths they can take within a zoo setting.

This program is very competitive and every summer we only admit approximately 60 teens into the program. We are looking for motivated, independent teens who are passionate about Cameron Park Zoo and wildlife.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Aged 14 – 17
• Completed application: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1171161363
  • Applications are due by Friday, April 17th at 5:00 PM.
• Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives
  • Emailed to MichelleL@CameronParkZoo.com as a PDF, or submitted with your application
• $45 program fee for first-years; $30 program fee for returning members
• Attendance by Zoo Crew member at the MANDATORY overnight training (May 22nd at 5:30 PM – May 23rd at 3 PM), and attendance by one parent/legal guardian at the MANDATORY parent meeting (May 22nd from 5:30 – 7 PM)
• Commitment to 8 shifts in June, and 8 shifts in July (approximately 56 hours total)

Zoo Crew step-by-step overview:

1. Complete an application. The application form can be found on our website under “Programs” → “Volunteer” → “Teens,” or at this link: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1171161363
2. Submit 2 letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation can be submitted as PDF files with your application, or emailed to our Volunteer Coordinator (MichelleL@CameronParkZoo.com). Your application is considered incomplete until we receive both letters of recommendation; applications and letters of recommendation are due by Friday, April 17th at 5 PM. 
3. Wait for a call. Once applications have closed, we will reach out via phone to schedule your 30-minute interview. 
4. Complete an interview. The interview will be conducted by the Volunteer Coordinator and another Education department staff member. This process allows us to get a better idea of who you are and why you want to volunteer with us.
5. If selected, attend overnight training and parent meeting. The MANDATORY overnight training will take place from 5:30 pm on Friday, May 22nd, to 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 (no exceptions or accommodations). One parent/guardian is required to attend the first 2 hours of training, in which we will cover all things Zoo Crew!

Zoo Crew Program FAQ’s:

What if I cannot attend the entire training/parent meeting?

If the Zoo Crew member cannot participate in the entire training and/or the parent/guardian cannot attend the 2-hour parent meeting, the teen will not be able to participate in the Zoo Crew program. We understand that things come up, but the content covered during the training and parent meeting is necessary for a successful and enjoyable program experience. We always encourage those who miss the training/parent meeting to apply again the following year. 

How old do you have to be to participate in Zoo Crew?

To participate in our Zoo Crew program, you must be between the ages of 14 and 17 by the first of June of that calendar year, no exceptions. 

What is the time requirement for this program?

Each Zoo Crew member is required to volunteer for at least 8 shifts in the month of June, and 8 shifts in the month of July (approximately 56 hours total). Each shift is approximately 3.5 hours; morning shifts are from 8:30 AM to 12 PM, and afternoon shifts are from 1 PM to 4:30 PM. Zoo Crew members will self-schedule on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing flexibility to those with other commitments throughout the summer. 

What does a Zoo Crew volunteer do?

We offer 5 different assignments for our Zoo Crew volunteers:

• Nature Connections Educator
  • Nature Connections Educators  are responsible for facilitating educational presentations of biofact material(s) on zoo grounds. Interaction with the public is at the core of this experience; therefore, educators act as ambassadors for Cameron Park Zoo, as well as greater conservation missions. 
• Special Projects Aide
  • Special projects can include tasks for any department and are assigned on an as-needed basis. Some examples of these tasks include picking up trash/litter, cleaning exhibit glass, cleaning exhibit signage, organizing storage areas, cleaning zoo vans/carts, helping with event preparation, creating animal enrichment, etc. 
• Education Days (special event) Aide
  • Education Days are special events highlighting Cameron Park Zoo’s 10 to Protect species. Zoo Crew will be responsible for helping facilitate activities, trivia, crafts, biofact tables, etc. 
• Zoo Camp Aide
  • Our summer Zoo Camp runs from the first week in June to the last week in July. Campers are divided into age brackets (3-4 year-olds/Zoo Tales, 5-6 year-olds, 7-8 year-olds, and 9-11 year-olds), with two groups per age-range, and two staff counselors per group. Zoo Crew will assist counselors in the facilitation of games, crafts, activities, and other curriculum. 
• Animal Care Aide
  • Animal care aides will have the unique opportunity to assist in any of Cameron Park Zoo’s animal care departments (Birds/Small Mammals, Herpetarium, Mammals, Aquatics, & Education/Animal Ambassadors). 

*Please note that our Zoo Camp Aide and Animal Care Aide opportunities are only available to returning Zoo Crew members (2nd, 3rd, or 4th year). 

*Please note that first-year members must sign up for at least 5 Interpretive Guide shifts in June and July; returners must sign up for at least 2 Interpretive Guide shifts in June and July. Zoo Crew members may then sign up for any combination of assignments for which they are eligible in order to complete their remaining shifts. 

Do I need to live in or around Waco to participate in Zoo Crew?

No, it is not required that Zoo Crew applicants/members live in or around Waco; however, out-of-town participants will still be required to attend the training/parent meeting in person, as well as uphold the 16-shift commitment required for Zoo Crew members. 

Are there opportunities to volunteer in the Vet Hospital?

At the current moment, we do not offer volunteer opportunities within our vet hospital due to their large workload. We cannot definitively say whether this policy will change in the future, but you’re welcome to check back in every now and again to inquire.

Can I continue to volunteer after the summer is over?

Yes, Zoo Crew members may continue to volunteer in certain roles throughout the remainder of the calendar year. 

Additional questions? Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at MichelleL@CameronParkZoo.com or (254) 750-7049.