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Camp Crew

About the Opportunity  

Camp Crew volunteers support the North Carolina Zoo’s summer camps by helping create fun, safe, and memorable experiences for campers. Working alongside Zoo educators, volunteers help lead age-appropriate activities, assist with crafts, games, and themed activities, and set up, organize, and clean up materials. Camp Crew members also serve as positive role models for younger campers and work as part of a team with camp staff and fellow volunteers. In the process, volunteers build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, gain real-world experience in an outdoor setting, and play an important role in helping campers learn, explore, and connect with wildlife, all while having fun themselves.

The Camp Crew program is a summer-only opportunity that runs from June 15 to August 14.

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Who Can Apply

Students who are currently in 5th–12th 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 attend the in-person training on June 11 
  • Reliable, punctual, and committed to scheduled shifts
  • Close enough to reliably commute (within 90 miles of the Zoo)
  • Willing to work outdoors and stay active during the day
  • Able to follow directions and work under staff supervision
  • Positive with an enthusiasm for helping others
  • Strong in their communication and teamwork skills
  • Leadership potential and ability to model appropriate behavior
  • Able to complete all required steps listed below

Note: There is a one-time onboarding fee of $20 for new volunteers. The fee may be waived by request for anyone experiencing financial hardships.

Time Commitments

The Camp Crew program is a summer-only opportunity. Volunteers will indicate the days and weeks that best fit their schedule when applying for the position.

Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 6 camp days over the summer.

  • One full week (Monday-Friday) of a weeklong camp
  • Three additional days of single day camps

All Camp Shifts: 8:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for additional week-long or single-day camps if they would like.

In addition to the time commitment listed above, Camp Crew 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 4, and August 13
More details, including locations and times, will be shared closer to summer.

Steps to Becoming Camp Crew

We’re excited about your interest in joining our volunteer team and being part of our Zoo community!

To participate as Camp Crew this summer, all steps listed below need to 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: Submit Application

Submit a Summer Teen Volunteer Application (the link will open on March 1). Please visit this page again during that time to apply.

  • When you apply, you’ll be asked to share your availability for the summer (June 15–August 14), so please have that information ready before starting the application.
  • The deadline for submitting the application is April 22 at 5 p.m.

Step 2: Virtual Interviews

Virtual interviews will be conducted May 3–7 and May 10. Each interview lasts about 15 minutes.

Think of this as a casual conversation where we get to know you, your interests, and why you want to be part of the Zoo’s Camp Crew. It’s low-pressure and fun, and it’s also a great way to practice skills you’ll use in the future - like talking about yourself, answering questions clearly, and showing enthusiasm. These are exactly the kinds of skills that help in college applications, jobs, internships, and other volunteer opportunities!

Applicants will receive notification of program acceptance by May 14.

Step 3: 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 your first shift.

Step 4: In-Person Training

Camp Crew training will be held at the North Carolina Zoo on Thursday, June 11 from 9:00 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 5: Begin Volunteering

After completing all the steps above, Camp Crew may begin volunteering during their scheduled weeks. The program takes place on weekdays from June 15 through August 14.