Now, our next guest, Jane Hargreaves, works at Brad Grove Zoo and organizes a volunteer program there for teenagers each summer.0:06
So, Jane, what exactly do your teen volunteers do?0:17
Well, the volunteers mainly assist the zoo's education department by doing what we call interpreting, which simply means speaking to the visitors of the zoo about conservation.0:21
The teenagers need to be quite well informed in order to do that.0:31
So each volunteer has to attend a training program at the zoo.0:35
And how long does this training last?0:39
Well, teens who've been a volunteer before just do a quick course that lasts for three days.0:42
But those who are volunteering for the first time attend a two week course.0:47
Generally, they spend a week and a half learning about the environment in various fun ways.0:52
And then the last three days are spent learning games and activities for children.0:57
And then I gather they pass on the information they've learnt.1:02
The volunteers particularly enjoy teaching young visitors through games that they have learnt during their training.1:07
For example, we have created one game to explain recycling to children.1:13
It's called Toss it In, where the participants are given different items of household rubbish which they have to throw into the correct bins.1:18
So tell me, Jane, is there anything else that the volunteers do?1:27
Yes, they also actively participate in various conservation projects.1:31
Examples of projects are putting up nesting boxes for birds around the zoo and planting trees, flowers and plants.1:36
The teens work in various different teams, which is one of the main reasons why the volunteers find the program so enjoyable.1:44
This, of course, not only enables them to make new friends, but also to develop their teamwork skills.1:52
So what should teenagers listening who think they might like to become a volunteer do?1:58
Well, probably the best thing is to take part in one of the zoo's volunteer safaris, which are opportunities to visit the zoo for a day and see firsthand what the volunteers do.2:03
They are organized once or twice a month, from September to January and then about once a month until June.2:14
The next one will actually take place next week, but that's fully booked, so the next one after that will be in May.2:21
So any teens interested should book their place really soon.2:29
And are there any special requirements?2:36
Yes, applicants must be at least 13 years old by 1 January and not older than 18 by 1 June of the year they will be volunteering.2:39
In exceptional cases, we may allow a 12 year old to join the program if they have already had some previous experience working with animals.2:49
For example, apart from the experience, does volunteering have any other benefits?2:58
As you say, the experience is unique, great for your CV if you want to go into zoology.3:04
But also, all volunteers are entitled to free zoo admission, plus tickets to give to family or friends.3:10
Oh, they also get a discount at the gift shop, too.3:17
Jane, thank you so much for coming.3:20
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