I work full time and need to drop my child off early, what are my options?

-No teen participant is allowed on grounds before 8am or after 5pm unless previously set up with Teen Program Staff and approved.

-If teens are on grounds at a time that they are not scheduled, and without prior approval the Teen Program staff are not responsible for their safety.

My teenager’s uniform gets dirty pretty quick, can we purchase another one?

-Yes, extra t-shirts are $10 a piece and can be purchased with cash, check or credit card in the Education Office throughout the summer. Just let the Teen Program Staff know.

My teen doesn’t have a cell phone, how can I get a hold of them during the day?

-You can call 719-424-7822 (Austin’s phone) and if there is no answer please call 719-633-9925 and ask the Zoo front desk to contact Teen Program Staff or pass a message along, they can do so via closed radio communication.

Can my teen stay on Zoo grounds until the Zoo closes if their shift ends earlier?

-Yes, teens are allowed to stay on grounds as Zoo guests until 5pm, no teen is allowed on grounds after 5pm.

-Teen Program staff doesn’t go home until teens go home, please make your greatest effort to be on time, Zoo staff will do the same.

Are EdVenture trip fees included in the program tuition? When can we sign up?

-No, because trips are limited to certain numbers of participants most trips will have an associated extra fee.

-All EdVenture sign ups are open online, if you need access please contact Teen Staff members, we do NOT post these trips on the website.

My teen isn’t feeling well and can’t make it to a shift, who should I call?

-We ask the teens to make the phone calls when possible, it’s good practice for them! Please call the Teen Program Staff at 719-424-7822.

I want to come and walk around the Zoo while my teen is working, is that okay?

-Free Zoo admission for teen crew member and immediate family living in the same household (4 people total including teen program member) during the current session. Your name tags will have the dates of validity on them for you to show the admissions staff. Your name tag must be worn for the duration of your visit, and visitation days are restricted to the between the first and last day of the program.

Is there a minimum number of hours my teen needs to complete over the summer?

-We like to recommend trying to complete 100-120 hours over the summer session. It is not required but we find that when you commit more time to getting to know your peers, the staff, and the animals the quality of the teens experience is higher.

-During Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions we do not have a minimum hour requirement.

Can parents attend EdVenture trips?

-We do encourage parents and siblings to join us on certain trips when advertised that family can join.

When do you travel abroad?

-We usually schedule international trips throughout the year during school breaks, primarily winter and summer.

There are a lot of Teen Program Staff, who do we contact for what?

If you are having a scheduling issue, or need something answered as soon as possible we recommend emailing all three of the staff members, otherwise please email Austin Kennedy and Russell Friedman.