Conservation Camp Counselors

Conservation Camp Counselors are teen volunteers who assist with Camp BioPark at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach. Camp Counselors are paired with a lead teacher and assist with the daily operation of a Camp BioPark class, helping children discover nature.

Camp BioPark includes 12 different week-long (Monday through Friday) day camps. The camp classes help young people ages five to fourteen develop a better understanding of the earth and ways to take care of it.

All programs emphasize conservation and use the BioPark’s plants, animals and exhibits as teaching tools and the BioPark grounds as a living classroom.

Requirements

• Anyone over 16 years old.
• Enthusiasm for teaching conservation and working with children ages 5-13.
• Patience, maturity, a strong sense of responsibility, dependability, and a willingness to learn.
• Task-oriented, takes direction well, shows initiative, and has the ability to interact and communicate effectively with children and young adults.
• Required knowledge will be taught.
• As a safety precaution, all applicants are required to submit to a City of Albuquerque background check before they can begin volunteering.

Duties

• Assist camp teachers with the hands-on activities, games and art projects designed for each individual program.
• Assist with set-up and clean-up for daily activities.
• Help maintain a safe, enjoyable, and orderly learning environment.
• Inspire and motivate campers by being conservation-minded.
• Learn about topics relevant to Camp BioPark.
• Camp Counselors may also be asked to perform other miscellaneous jobs as the need arises.

Minimum Time

• Camp Counselors must commit to a minimum of 40 hours (10 shifts) over the course of a seven-week period.
• Camp Counselors have the option of working either morning or afternoon shift (8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. or 12:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.)
• Camp Counselors also have the option to work for a full day (8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.). Camp Counselors who choose to work a full-day shift will receive a lunch break and should plan on bringing their own lunch or money to purchase from the camp menu.

Training

• Camp Counselors must attend a two-hour orientation held in the Colores Education Building at the Zoo.
• Camp BioPark class placements will be assigned to you according to your personal interests and availability.
• The majority of a Camp Counselors training will be conducted on the job by the summer camp teachers with whom you are paired.

• Find upcoming training dates.

Uniform

• All BioPark Volunteers will be issued a volunteer identification badge, which must be worn while a volunteer is on duty.
• The BioPark Volunteer uniform consists of appropriate solid-colored clothing (blouse/shirt and pants/shorts/skirts).
• Approved volunteer uniform colors include: black, brown, khaki and white. Colors must be solid with no patterns or writing.
• Blue jeans are not considered appropriate for a Nature Guide Volunteer. The uniform should be neat and professional. Short shorts are not permitted. Remember, you represent the BioPark and the City of Albuquerque.
• Comfortable shoes with good, non-slip tread are recommended.
• Camp counselors will be issued a Camp BioPark T-shirt to wear while they are on duty.
• Volunteers are responsible for acquiring and wearing the BioPark Volunteer uniform while on duty.

Benefits

• BioPark Education Volunteers have the opportunity to do meaningful and gratifying education work with thousands of visitors to the BioPark, which is an important intangible benefit.
• The Volunteer identification badge allows the volunteer free regular admission to all BioPark facilities (Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden).
• Volunteers can receive a discount at food concessions and gift stores with their valid Education Volunteer ID during regular operating hours.
• In addition to all of BioPark Volunteer benefits, Nature Guides, will have to opportunity to attend an end of the summer recognition ceremony to be recognized for their participation.
• Nature Guides who complete the minimum 24 volunteer hours will receive a letter of recognition and a certificate of appreciation which can be used towards college & job applications, portfolios and resumes.

Support

The Camp Counselors will work with various Camp BioPark Teachers at each of the facilities. The Camp BioPark Teachers mentor the teens, and provide supervision and assistance as needed. The Camp Counselors may also seek support and assistance from any BioPark Education staff member.

Costs

BioPark Education Volunteers are responsible for acquiring their own uniform clothing. The T-shirt can be purchased from BioPark Education during the second day of training for approximately $5.

How To Apply

Fill out an online volunteer application:

• Teen Online Application 
• Adult Online Application

Our Education Department will review your application and notify you about openings and training dates.