CITs are teen volunteers who assist in the ZooCamp experience and help maintain a safe, fun environment for campers (ages 4-10) by encouraging participation, modeling ZooCamp expectations and assisting campers with skills during activities or crafts. CITs are supervised by ZooCamp staff while a part of the ZooCamp team. In this program, teens will gain experience in the organization of camp programs, teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and classroom management.
Responsibilities:
1.Greet ZooCampers and families, assist campers in finding and using their cubbies and in acclimating to the ZooCamp environment, and encourage campers to participate in morning games and daily camp activities.
2.Model ZooCamp expectations for campers to encourage safe and respectful behavior.
3.Help foster a love of nature and learning in campers through maintaining an enthusiastic, positive attitude.
4.Help create and maintain a safe, welcoming, fun environment for ZooCampers, utilizing tools such as songs and group games when appropriate.
5.Facilitate a variety of Play Pod activities for campers during the lunch period.
6.Assist ZooCamp staff in maintaining camper safety while out on Zoo grounds, such as during a Zoo tour, and remain with campers and ZooCamp staff during the day.
7.Be present for both AM and PM meetings and occasional team building events on evenings or weekends.
8.Help ensure camp runs smoothly and efficiently by assisting with any related tasks, administrative or otherwise, as directed by ZooCamp counselors, Jr. Counselors, Assistant ZooCamp Administrator or ZooCamp Administrator.
Qualifications:
1.Must be a student in the 7th-12th grade. Grade verification may be required. If the teen’s 18th birthday falls during the summer volunteer season (6/15-8/21) the applicant or current CIT will not be able to volunteer for that season. Teens age out of the Counselor-in-Training program at their 18th birthday.
2.Must commit to at least four full weeks of summer ZooCamp, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm (5:00pm on Fridays).
3.Must commit to volunteering during either Winter Camp (2/16-2/201) or Spring Camp (4/20-4/24) as a second stage interview. See “ZooCamp Availability” page for information additional options during 2025 Fall Zoo-Cation Day Camps.
4.Must commit to the following mandatory trainings (May 20 from 5:30-7:30pm, May 27 5:30-7:30pm, June 7 from 1:30-5:30pm, and June 9 4:30-7:30pm. Subject to change.)
5.Arrive on time and stay for the entire volunteer shift, with reliable transportation to and from the Zoo.
6.Enjoy engaging and interacting with children of all ages.
7.Interest in conservation and the natural world.
8.Ability to operate well in a team environment, as well as independently.
9.Must be flexible and willing to learn.
10.Effectively support the mission and priorities of Roger Williams Park Zoo, and adhere to all policies described in the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Volunteer Handbook.
Benefits:
1.Free year-round admission to Roger Williams Park Zoo for yourself.
2.Eight free passes per year to Roger Williams Park Zoo for your friends and family.
3.Good resume builder with potential opportunities for professional development.
4.Community service hours for school, sports teams, etc.
5.Meeting new people in a fun environment.
6. Supporting the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s mission as leaders in conservation and animal care through creating engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places.
For a more detailed application and steps to apply, please select the following link:
https://www.rwpzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2026-CIT-Application-for-web.pdf
