What is a docent?
The word "docent" is derived from the Latin word ‘docere’ which means "to teach." In the United States, the word is frequently used to identify trained volunteer educators in zoos, national parks, museums, and similiar organizations. The Chicago Zoological Society's Docent Program began in 1977. Literally hundreds of people over the past 30 years have been part of our Docent Program.
At Brookfield Zoo, docents are volunteer educators who educate guests about wildlife conservation by interpreting zoo exhibits and chatting with guests about our animals and their habitats.
** Please note that docents do not handle animals and are not involved in animal husbandry. If you are interested in gaining hands-on experience with animals for your career development, and are currently enrolled in a university degree program, consider our 12-week Animal Care Internship Program. If interested send an e-mail to zookeeper_internships@czs.org.
Who are the docents?
The nearly 250 docents at Brookfield Zoo come from all walks of life and range in age from 18-88! Some have college degrees; many do not. Some live close to the zoo; others live quite some distance. Their passion for animals is what motivates them to volunteer at the zoo. If your passion is talking with people about animals, nature, and conservation, then we have a great volunteer program just for you!
Qualifications:
* You need to have an active interest in and committment to wildlife conservation.
* You need a friendly personality, excellent communication skills, and the desire to talk with people of all ages and backgrounds.
* You need to be dependable and reliable.
* As our docents volunteer all year, we ask for a commitment of at least one year of continuous service.
* An annual minimum contribution of 48 hours of service to the Society each calendar year (a minimum of a four-hour shift each month) is required. (100 hours preferred.)
* Docents spend most of their day standing and walking, and enjoy being outdoors, especially during the summer months. During colder weather, docents are stationed in the indoor exhibits. (We are happy to accommodate persons who use electronic convenience vehicles or wheelchairs.)
* You must be at least 18 years old.
Schedules
* Weekday docents volunteer the same day each week on your choice of a 4-hour shift: mornings from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or afternoons from 1-5 p.m. (2-6 p.m. in the summer).
* Weekend docents volunteer every other Saturday or every other Sunday on your choice of a 4-hour shift: mornings from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or afternoons from 1-5 p.m. (2-6 p.m. in the summer).
The Docent Training Program
To become a Chicago Zoological Society docent, you must complete the Docent Training Program. The three-month training program is facilitated and coordinated by CZS staff. You will spend about 5-10 hours each week reading, doing research in the library and on the Internet to complete weekly written assignments that are returned to and reviewed by the training program facilitator. These assignments are distributed during our meeting time and/or sent out via e-mail to be completed during the week at a time when it is most convenient for you. (If you do not have access to e-mail, other arrangements to complete assignments can be made.)
During our training sessions, time is devoted to topic review as well as being out in the park interacting with guests and observing experienced docent mentors interpret the exhibits. You'll learn about CZS/Brookfield Zoo operations and its history. You will be amazed at the wonder of the natural world as you learn about ecology, conservation, and animal behavior. We will delve into the worlds of primates, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and so much more.
You'll also learn interpretation techniques so that our guests are moved to action on behalf of conservation. You'll also brush up your communication and guest relations skills. Once the initial training program is completed, approximately another three months to six months is spent out in the park with experienced and caring docent mentors who will guide you through the basic certification process. Once certification is achieved, you'll be ready to "fly solo!"
Some applicants to the Docent Program are sometimes concerned about their ability to handle the assignment portion of the program. Rest assured! The training program is designed so that anyone with a true and sincere interest in animals and conservation can be successful in communicating that information to others. There are no grades; not even a "pass/fail". We will help you every step of the way!
Cost
There is a non-refundable fee of $50 for the course. If not already a zoo member, you will be required to purchase a zoo membership plan of your choice. However, those membership plans are available to you as a new volunteer at a 50% discount. For example, if you wished to purchase an Individual Membership Plan the price would be $26.50 instead of $53. Check our membership page for more information on our membership packages. (Note: Should this requirement cause a financial hardship, other arrangements can be made.)
Docent Training Program Schedule
You may choose to attend the WEEKDAY Docent Training Program OR the WEEKEND Docent Training Program.
Weekend Docent Training Program Schedule
The training program will begin on Saturday, September 6 with a New Volunteer Orientation Program from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All trainees meet for topic review and in-the-park experience on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.:
* September 20
* October 4
* October 18
* November 1
* November 22
In addition to the Saturday sessions, all docent trainees must also attend a half-day Hospitality Training Program at a time convenient for you; sessions are offered at least once a month.
Weekday Docent Training Program Schedule
The training program will begin on Wednesday, September 10 with a New Volunteer Orientation Program from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All trainees meet for topic review and in-the-park experience on the following Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.:
* September 24
* October 8
* October 22
* November 5
* November 19
In addition to the Wednesday sessions, all trainees must also attend a half-day Hospitality Training Program at a time convenient for you; sessions are offered at least once a month.
Graduation Ceremony
All Weekday Program and Weekend Program docent trainees who complete their assignments and all required sessions are eligible to attend the Docent Graduation Ceremony & Reception on Tuesday evening, December 2.
Application to the Program
Because of the personal time and effort invested in the Docent Training Program, all applicants should seriously consider their personal responsibilities before submitting an application. If you are currently in school or anticipate going to an out-of-town school, travel for your job on a regular basis, work more than 50 hours a week, or have many other family/personal commitments, you may want to consider joining another of our volunteer programs that require less training time.
Interviews for the fall Docent Training Program take place this summer. We also require all docent applicants to spend a day in the park "shadowing" a docent before the training program begins so you can be absolutely certain that our Docent Program is the right volunteer choice for you.
If interested, please fill out the on-line application on the website or, if you've received a paper application, complete it and mail it in at your earliest convenience.
If you need further information, contact our Volunteer Manager, Ms. Regi Mezydlo, by phone at 708-688-8366, or via e-mail at rmezydlo@czs.org.
We look forward to seeing you in our Fall 2008 Docent Training Program!