Play Pal Volunteer Interest Form

The Play Pals teen volunteer program is a summer-only opportunity that runs from May 23 to August 23.

Play Pals support nature-based play for children ages 3–10 at Kidzone by leading activities like fort building, mud pie making, and water play.

Before you begin, make sure you and your parent/guardian have read and understand what’s involved in being a Play Pal.

Full position details are available at www.nczoo.org/volunteer/teens.

Thank you for your interest!

The Play Pals program is only open to students who will be residing this summer within 90 miles of the North Carolina Zoo. At this time, we’re unable to move forward with your interest form for this season.

If you live further away from the North Carolina Zoo, we encourage you to check out other ways to be involved by checking out our website at www.nczoo.org/education/camps/school-grade-summer-camps!

Students who are currently in 5th–8th grade (at the time they apply for this position) will volunteer on their own in the Play Pal program, without a parent or legal guardian.

Thank you for your interest!

The Play Pals program is only open to students who are currently in 5th–8th grade at the time they apply. At this time, we’re unable to move forward with your interest form for this season.

If you are outside of this grade range we encourage you to check out other ways to be involved at the North Carolina Zoo by checking our website at www.nczoo.org/teen-volunteers!

The North Carolina Zoo is not accessible by public transportation. Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the Zoo for each scheduled shift. This may include being driven by a parent/guardian, carpooling, or other reliable arrangements.

Thank you for your interest!

The Play Pals program requires volunteers to have reliable transportation to and from the Zoo for each scheduled shift. At this time, we’re unable to move forward with your interest form for this season.

However, we encourage you to explore other ways to get involved at the Zoo at www.nczoo.org/education/camps/school-grade-summer-camps!

The Play Pal volunteers choose the days that best fit their schedule when signing up for shifts. Available shifts are open Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Volunteers must complete 10 total shifts over the summer.

• 2 shifts must be completed in June
• 2 shifts must be completed in July
• 2 shifts must be completed in August
• The remaining 4 shifts may be completed at any time between May and August

Thank you for your interest!

The Play Pals program requires a commitment of 10 shifts over the summer (May–August). At this time, we’re unable to move forward with your interest form for this season.

However, we encourage you to explore other ways to get involved at the Zoo at www.nczoo.org/teen-volunteers!

Attendance is required to participate in the program. Details will be emailed after the completion of the orientation materials.

Thank you for your interest!

Attendance at the in-person training on May 16 is required for all Play Pals. At this time, we’re unable to move forward with your interest form for this season.

However, we encourage you to check out other ways to be involved at the Zoo at www.nczoo.org/teen-volunteers!

The Zoo Pathways Series is made up of fun, interactive learning events for teens from all Zoo volunteer programs. These sessions offer a great way to explore different career pathways, hear from Zoo professionals, and build skills for personal and professional growth.

Thank you for your interest!

Attendance at at least two of the in-person Zoo Pathways events on July 9, July 23, August 4, and August 13 is required for all Play Pals. At this time, we’re unable to move forward with your interest form for this season.

However, we encourage you to check out other ways to be involved at the Zoo at www.nczoo.org/teen-volunteers!

There are 20 openings for Play Pals this summer, and this interest form will close on April 22 at 5 p.m.

If we receive more than 20 submissions, volunteers will be selected based on the quality of their responses in the Tell Us About You section. If fewer than 20 students apply, all applicants will be accepted.

Everyone who applies will receive an email on April 29 with their acceptance decision.

By signing and dating below, I confirm that all answers provided on this form are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.