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Youth Volunteer Program at Georgia Aquarium

Get Involved

If you have ever wanted to know how the world's largest aquarium works, how much a whale shark eats or what ocean fans like you are up to, then the Georgia Aquarium's Youth Volunteer Program is for you!

The Deal

The Georgia Aquarium Youth Volunteer Program is a four month program that gives 14 & 15 year olds the chance to learn more about the oceans, their animals, & the Georgia Aquarium. During each session, teens will assist Camp H20 and spend time assisting in the following areas: (A minimum of 112 hours during the four month session)

• Aquarium Greeter positions
• Mascot assistance
• Birthday parties
• Conservation Carts
• Arts & Crafts assistance

NOTE: We cannot accommodate requests to assist with teens' school projects.

Application Process:

• Applicants must be 14 or 15 years old by the application postmark deadline. (Anyone 16 years and above is eligible to become a volunteer by applying online. If you will be turning 16 within 2 months of the postmark deadline, please wait and apply as an adult volunteer.)
• Applications will be made available for download three times a year and have a set postmark deadline for each session (Spring/Summer/Fall). The postmark deadline for Summer 2012 is April 1, 2011.
• As part of the application, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers or community leaders that the applicant has known for at least a year.
• Due to the volume of applications and the limited teen volunteer positions available, not all of those who apply will be selected to participate in the program.

Time Requirements

• All youth volunteers are required to commit to 112 hours during their 4 month session. Note: We do not offer one-time community court-appointed or school service opportunities.
• Spring & Fall session youth volunteers will be required to volunteer for 24 hours each month (8 three-hour shifts per month) plus two full days assisting with Camp H2O
• Summer session youth volunteers will be required to volunteer for one full week assisting with Camp H2O (40 hours) and then six hours each week for three months

Our Expectations - Teens must:

• Confirm and secure all necessary means of transportation before applying
• Be able to volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium for 4 consecutive months
• Provide a copy of their birth certificate to verify their age at information session
• Provide current government or school-issued photo ID
• Pay a $30 Youth Volunteer Membership Fee by start of program
• Attend selected Information Session with a parent in attendance - April 18 from 6-8 p.m. or April 21 from 10 a.m.-Noon.
• Attend one full day of training at the Georgia Aquarium - May 5 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Report on time for all training and volunteer positions in proper attire
• Provide all Aquarium guests, staff and volunteers with respect, accurate information, and assistance within the Aquarium guidelines
• Maintain a strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Demonstrate care & concern for wildlife and support for Aquarium’s mission
• Abide by Aquarium policies, procedures and code of conduct as set forth by the Georgia Aquarium Volunteer Program

Youth Volunteer Benefits

• raining on the Aquarium exhibits, operations, the animals and conservation
• Aquarium uniform shirt and nametag
• One Volunteer Annual Pass
• Opportunities to attend lectures, special events and tours
• Discounted Behind-the-Scenes Tours for family and friends
• Discounts on merchandise in the gift shop, food/beverages within the Aquarium and a limited number of additional Annual Passes and general admission daily tickets
• Invaluable job experience
• Opportunity to meet the Aquarium staff and other volunteers
• 5 FREE general admission daily tickets upon completion of the program

Process for Becoming a Youth Volunteer:

• Download, complete and send in application (with two recommendations) by postmark deadline of April 1, 2012
• If accepted, attend the scheduled information session (April 18 from 6-8 p.m. or April 21 from 10 a.m.-Noon) with a parent and pay the non-refundable Volunteer Membership Fee of $30.
• Attend the scheduled full day of training - May 5, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• NOTE: If teen (or parent) fails to attend either the Information Session or full day of training, no makeup day will be available. Teen must re-apply at the next recruitment.

Apply to be a Georgia Aquarium Youth Volunteer Now!

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