Youth Volunteer Corps FAQ

How do I become a member of YVC?
YVC is a competitive program. All members must be accepted through an application and interview process. Applications for the 2009 Youth Volunteer Corps will be available on this website by March 15, 2009.

How old do I have to be to apply for YVC?
Students must be entering from the 9th through the 12th grades to be eligible to apply. Interpretive applicants must also be 14 years old by August 31, 2009.

How many students do you accept?
YVC is made up of approximately 90 members. We usually have about 30 to 40 open spots each summer. This is dependent upon the number of current volunteers that choose to stay in the program.

When will interviews take place?
Interviews take place after school and in the early evening April 29 through May 1, 2009.

When will I find out if I am accepted?
All applicants will receive either an acceptance or rejection letter in mid-May.

Can I join later in the year?
YVC accepts members only during the spring recruitment period.

When does YVC meet?
Mandatory training takes place from June 15-19, 2009. After that, YVC meets every day from June 23 through August 22, 2009. You will choose the same two duty days every week. There are no mandatory YVC days during the school year but there are additional weekend and evening volunteer opportunities on an "as need" basis.

Does YVC meet every day?
YVC are in the park seven days a week during the summer. You will choose the same two duty days to volunteer each week

When is training? Do I have to go?
Training for YVC will take place from June 15-19, 2009. This training is mandatory for all members of YVC. It lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. There is an optional field trip on Saturday, June 20. There is also a mandatory orientation session for students and their parents on May 27, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

I'm going on vacation this summer. Can I miss coming to the zoo for a few weeks?
YVC are only allowed three missed duty days all summer. Please plan accordingly. This includes time for vacations, other activities and illnesses.

How much will I work?
As a member of YVC, you are expected to volunteer 120 hours before May 2010. The bulk of those hours are earned in the summer. YVC members work the same two regular duty days each week.

Can I work more than two days a week?
Once we determine our staffing needs, we will be able to decide whether requests for extra hours can be accommodated.

What are the hours?
Shift hours this year will be 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Partial shifts are not allowed. However, we may be able to offer extended hours until 5:30 p.m. (depending on staffing needs and availability).

Can I volunteer over the school year?
We have lots of volunteer opportunities on weekends during the school year. For example, YVC members help with Boo! at the Zoo and Holiday Magic.

Do you provide transportation?
Since we have students coming to the Zoo from all over the area, we are unable to provide transportation. However, there is a Metra stop two blocks away from the zoo and bus stops at each Zoo entrance. We provide stipends for public transportation if necessary.

Do you provide uniforms?
All YVC members receive a uniform shirt. They must supply their own khaki pants or shorts.

Will I get to take care of the animals?
No. There is no animal contact as part of our program.

What will I do at the zoo?
YVC members interpret, or explain, the exhibits and animals to our guests. They work at three different “stations” each day. Depending on the station, they may use games or animal skulls or pelts to help our guests better understand the animals and their habitats.

I really like science better than talking to people. Can I skip the Interpretive track and go straight to the Science track?
All students joining YVC must first spend one year in the Interpretive track. Many students enjoy Interpretive so much that they stay with us for many years.

My question isn’t answered here. How can I get more information?
Send an e-mail to YVC@CZS.org.

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