Our Bright Futures volunteer program is for 9th – 12th-grade students looking to complete volunteer hours to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship through their school. They do this by interacting with Zoo guests at various activity stations using animal-related biofacts and activities. This is a fun opportunity for those who enjoy talking and interacting with people.
Duties
Educate about animal conservation during special events throughout the year.
Educate the public at several different activity stations throughout the Zoo.
Utilize bio-facts and activities to educate guests at the stations.
All stations are in front of animal habitats, but there is no direct contact with animals.
Training Sessions
We onboard new Bright Futures Volunteers approximately every other month. We send out invites to attend an orientation and training session about one month before the scheduled date. These sessions occur on either Saturdays or Sundays.
If accepted as a Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens volunteer, an initial volunteer orientation and training session is required before beginning volunteer service. Completing on-the-job training and an introductory period is also required before full acceptance into the Bright Futures volunteer position.
Application Required Documents
Letter of Recommendation written by your teacher
Signed copy of the Bright Futures Paperwork packet (linked in the application)
Requirements
Must be a student going into 9th – 12th grade.
Volunteer shifts can be completed during the day and on select evenings, as long as it does not interfere with the student’s school schedule. Volunteers cannot skip school to volunteer at the Zoo.
Participate in volunteer orientation.
Successfully completed introductory period.
Abide by policies in the Volunteer Handbook.
Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate the ability to work well with visitors.
Be interested in educating the public about conservation.
Must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher.
If home-schooled, a letter of recommendation can be from a coach, art teacher, club leader, etc. It must be an adult who is not related to the student.
Must be able to tolerate Florida’s weather conditions.
Questions?
Contact the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 127 or email [email protected].
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