Zoo or aquarium volunteering
Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns
Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns is a volunteer program run by Oakland Zoo in Oakland, CA. Open to: grades 9 to 12.
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- Status
- Opens seasonally
- Season
- Summer
- Cost
- Teen Assistant role is u
About the program
Oakland Zoo offers three ZooCamp roles for high-school-age youth, each with a separate application.
Teen Assistants support ZooCamp instructors with groups of up to 20 campers, run games and activities, and help with lessons. Hours count as community service.
Key facts
- Run by
- Oakland Zoo
- Where
- Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12Teens entering grades 9-12 in the fall
- Commitment
- Varies by role; camp runs in 1-week sessions, June 1 to August 7, 2026
- Applications
- Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)Deadline: April 1, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle)
- Cost
- Teen Assistant role is unpaid
- Good fit for
- Biology and Environmental Science, Education
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
More in the Bay Area
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen
Volunteering · San Jose, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 17
- When to apply
- Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders
Volunteering · Monterey, CA
- Who can join
- 14 and up
- When to apply
- Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Oakland Zoo Teen Summer Internships
Internship · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 11 to 12
- When to apply
- Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- 13 and up
- When to apply
- Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle)
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior Zoologist
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 15 to 17
- When to apply
- Not posted
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 12 to 14
- When to apply
- Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeenVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Jose, CA | Ages 14 to 17 | Minimum 48 hours a year or 4 hours per month | Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation LeadersVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Monterey, CA | 14 and up | Volunteer 3 to 4 days per week; summer program June 8 to August 2, 2026 with mandatory training | Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Summer InternshipsInternship · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 11 to 12 | About 200 hours across 7 weeks, Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm; Summer 2026 ran June 10 to about August 1 | Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Wild GuidesVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | 13 and up | Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer | Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior ZoologistVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 15 to 17 | Two days per month for six months | Not posted |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail VolunteerVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 12 to 14 | Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September | Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
All zoo and aquarium programs in the Bay AreaBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEducation opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns?
Grades 9 to 12. Teens entering grades 9-12 in the fall
How many hours does Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns require?
Varies by role; camp runs in 1-week sessions, June 1 to August 7, 2026
When does Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns take applications?
Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) Deadline: April 1, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle).
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/oakland-zoo-zoocamp-teen-assistant.
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