Cosley Zoo Junior Zookeepers
What is the Junior Zookeepers? The Junior Zookeepers (JZ) is a program for young adults in grades 7-12 that have a strong interest in science and conservation. At its core, it is a trade: Cosley Zoo provides JZs with comprehensive training in animal care, education, and visitor services; diverse opportunities to use that training; and chances to visit other facilities, speak with people in animal and conservation-based careers, and meet other teens with similar interests. In return, the JZs support Cosley Zoo by volunteering for special events, animal care, and educational programs. Aside from being a lot of fun, the Junior Zookeeper program also helps to build life skills, including leadership, responsibility, time management, and teamwork. What's the commitment? The Junior Zookeepers program is a year-round commitment that runs from September-August. As a Junior Zookeeper, you can expect to contribute at least 60 hours per year. The program is broken into quarters:
September-November December-February March-May June-August Junior Zookeepers are required to accumulate at least 12 hours of service during each of the first three quarters (September-May). During the summer quarter (June-August) JZs are required to accumulate at least 24 hours. JZs are also required to attend at least 8 of the 11 monthly meetings, held on Saturday mornings. How do I earn hours? Hours can be earned by attending the monthly JZ meetings and Wild Card Days, both held on Saturdays. You may also earn hours volunteering for Zoo events/programs and through animal handling. Please see the JZ 2007/08 calendar for meeting and event dates. During the summer quarter (June-August) Junior Zookeepers select a half-day shift to work once per week for 10 weeks. This is called Summer Incentives and it's a great opportunity for the JZs to use the training they have received throughout the year. Program fee: $75 (nonrefundable) The fee helps to offset the cost of JZ t-shirts, nametags, program materials, staffing, and travel and admission for the JZ day trip (date TBA). Do not submit the fee with your application; all accepted JZs will be notified of fee due date. Need-based scholarships are available. Maximum participants: 30 Thirty participants will be accepted into the Junior Zookeeper program. Selection will be based on past involvement at Cosley Zoo, your application, and your interview. How do I apply? Interested participants for the 2008/09 season may fill out an application and turn it into the Zoo by August 22, 2008. Applications are available on this website and at Cosley Zoo. Questions? Check out the Junior Zookeeper FAQs or contact the Junior Zookeeper Coordinator: Chenoa Karich Cosley Zoo Educator ph: 630.665.5534 x21 Office hours: Wed-Sat, 8:00-4:30 cosleyzooedu@wheatonparks.org Downloads: Junior Zookeeper Application Junior Zookeepers 2007/08 Calendar Junior Zookeeper Handbook (coming soon!) Junior Zookeepers Newsletter-Spring '07