The Summer Volun Teen Program

This program at Brevard Zoo is a 10-week seasonal position that runs from May 31 through early August. Once selected into the program, Volun Teens will receive 2 days of training on the first weekend of May, 2021. Upon the competition of training, Volun Teens will be given their official assignments ( 10 days minimum, or 2 weeks of full day camp). Schedules vary, but most assignments run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Volun Teens may sign up for additional days as they choose.

Important requirements

The program is for teens between the ages of 13 to 17 who are interested in working with the public. Applicants must be 13 years old by April 1, 2021. And they are supposed to know well about various animals and their living habits. Once accepted, Volun Teens must pay dues of $ 25.00. This covers the costs of a teen manual (手册), a T-shirt and various supplies. Volun Teens are also required to participate in a conservation event.

Volun Teen positions are temporary, however, interested teens are encouraged to apply for the full Zoo Teen Program in the fall. Volun Teen participants are allowed to miss two of their assigned volunteer days to account for summer vacations. On the third miss, Volun Teens may be dismissed from the program. Besides, the program doesn’t provide make-up days and it does not allow switching volunteer days with another Volun Teen.   

Benefits

Many students are able to use their volunteer experience to meet the community service requirement for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Depending on their school, students may receive credits for their volunteer hours. Volunteers also have the opportunity to work with Education Department staff members and the public, gaining valuable skills for a variety of careers. Making new friends, earning potential employment references, gaining lots of experience and a sense of accomplishment are just a few more reasons to apply!

4 Summer Jobs to Get Paid and Take a Break

Camp counsellor (辅导员)

Most kids head off to camp during the summertime, and if you’re past the typical age of being a camper, relive your youth by becoming a summer camp counsellor. You can enjoy participating in activities, planning events, and partaking in arts and crafts. It’s one of the best summer jobs because it also builds your leadership skills while you earn extra money. Depending on your schedule, you can work to fit your needs. The average starting pay is $10.5 an hour.

Lifeguard

Spending time on the water is something many people do during the summer. And if you're good at swimming, then being a lifeguard is a great option for you. The hours are flexible, and the pay is great, with the average hourly rate at $11.50.

Amusement park employee

An amusement park is a great place to work during the summertime. There are a variety of positions you can get hired for — from ride operator to food service to booth tender — and the average starting pay is $10 an hour. The hours are flexible and negotiable depending on where you decide to work: the larger the park, the more employees they’ll have, which could mean fewer hours they’ll need you to cover.

Dog walker

If you’re looking for a relaxing job, being a dog walker could be the right choice for you. Dog walking hours and pay are easily negotiable, as you can simply discuss with the dog’s owner what your availability is, when they need you, and what your pay rate is. Getting some exercise with a furry friend will feel more like a relaxing pastime than a job. And if you wish to continue being a dog walker, it’s the job that’s easiest to keep year-round.

They say if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. We say if you travel for work, you’ll never have a boring commute(上下班往返) a day in your life. If the typical 9-to-5 isn’t working for you, here are some options that will pay you to travel. No matter your current skill set, you can probably do it somewhere else.

Represent abroad

The State Department is actively hiring Foreign Service Officers, and it’s probably easier than you think to become one. You’ll have a lot of tests, but if you pass, you’ll spend the next years of your life working around the world. A Junior Foreign Service Officer starts at $71,000 a year.

Teaching English in China

Teaching English as a Second Language abroad is one of the best ways to deepen understanding of another culture. There’s no need to be a certified English teacher in order to go abroad. In this program in China, soon-to-be teachers go abroad to obtain their Teaching English as a Foreign Language(TEFL) certifications. A beginning teacher in China will earn $2,500 for working six months, plus room and board.

Selling art on the seas

A cruise ship is a floating village. Therefore, any job that you could have in a village you could have onboard a ship—even auctioneering(做拍卖师). Carnival is hiring an art auctioneer to work aboard a luxury cruise ship. The only qualifications necessary are a college degree and public speaking skills. Going…going…sold.

Write the rails

Writers can reimagine themselves as rail-surfing Jack Kerouacs, crossing the country and writing from coast to coast on the Amtrak Writer’s Residency. The application process consists of two questions, as well as the opportunity to provide up to a 20-page writing sample. Amtrak will select 24 writers to participate in the program with the help from a panel of judges. Although the project won’t replace a full-time job, it’s really a fun opportunity. The application period for 2016 has closed, but applications will reopen in the fall.