About the Opportunity
Play Pals are volunteers who support nature-based play at Kidzone - a safe, outdoor space for children ages 3–10 and their families. They lead activities like fort building, mud pie making, stream play, wildlife spotting, crafts, storytelling, and more. Volunteers help kids explore and enjoy nature, often getting a little messy, but always having fun!
The Play Pals program is a summer-only opportunity that runs from May 23 to August 23.
Who Can Apply
Students who are currently in 5th–8th grade (at the time they apply for this position) will volunteer on their own, without a parent or legal guardian.
Applicants should be:
- Able to follow directions and work under staff supervision
- Willing to work outdoors and stay active during the day
- Reliable, punctual, and committed to scheduled shifts
- Positive and have an enthusiasm for helping others
- Be able to attend the in-person training on May 16
- Complete all required steps listed below
- Commit to volunteering for the full summer
- Close enough to reliably commute (within 90 miles of the Zoo)
- Able to complete all required steps listed below
Time Commitments
The Play Pal program is a summer-only opportunity with a flexible schedule. Volunteers choose the days that best fit their schedule when signing up for shifts.
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
Available shifts: Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In addition to the time commitment listed above, Play Pals must attend a minimum of two Zoo Pathway Series events (dates below).
Zoo Pathways Series
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.
It’s also a chance to meet other like-minded teens, make connections across programs, and learn in a relaxed, social setting. The goal is to help teens feel more connected to the Zoo community and more confident as they explore future career opportunities in a Zoo setting.
As part of the program commitment, participants are expected to attend at least two Zoo Pathways sessions. Teens are welcome to attend all four if they’d like. If you’re unable to attend at least two sessions, we encourage you to consider a different teen volunteer program that may better fit your schedule.
Dates: July 9, July 23, August 6, and August 13
More details, including locations and times, will be shared closer to summer.
Steps to Becoming a Play Pal
We’re excited about your interest in joining our volunteer team and being part of our Zoo community!
To participate as a Play Pal this summer, all steps listed below must be completed within the required timeframes. Please review the timeline carefully to make sure you’re able to complete everything on time.
If you’re unable to complete one of the required steps, we encourage you to consider joining another teen volunteer program that better fits your schedule.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Zoo this summer!
Step 1: Volunteer Interest Form
Submit a Volunteer Interest Form (the link will open on April 9). Please visit this page again during that time to apply.
- The deadline to submit the form is May 6.
Step 2: Orientation
After you’re accepted for the position, orientation materials will be emailed to you. You’ll need to complete these materials on your own before June 10.
Step 3: In-Person Training
Play Pal training will be held at the North Carolina Zoo on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Attendance is required to participate in the program. Details will be emailed after the completion of the orientation materials.
Step 4: Begin Volunteering
After completing all the steps above, Play Pals may begin volunteering in Kidzone starting May 23.
