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Conservation Ambassadors Board
Working Together to Share Zoo Conservation Work
The Conservation Ambassadors Board (CAB) lets Chicago teens learn about Lincoln Park Zoo conservation initiatives and plan projects unique to CAB to share this work, developing leadership skills and zoo-career knowledge in the process. This nine-month volunteer program is open to students entering grades 9–12.
Participants will first learn about zoo conservation initiatives and then plan projects designed to share these conservation topics with other Chicago teens and the general public. Subcommittees focus on tasks related to promotion, finance, and event planning, or research and learning activities. Zoo educators will provide guidance and advice but will share decisions equally with the teen board members. The specific details of the project(s) are decided by the Conservation Ambassador Board members.
Program Goals
- Create new avenues for Chicago youth to learn about zoo conservation efforts
- Provide opportunities for participants to discover personal strengths that support leadership development
- Integrate youth as key decision-makers in disseminating zoo conservation messages
- Establish a culture of collaboration and co-learning between zoo staff and youth
Related Focuses: Teen Voices for Wildlife
How To Apply
Applications for the Conservation Ambassadors Board are currently closed. If you would like to be notified when the application opens for the 2020-21 school year, please email zooteens@lpzoo.org to be added to our email list.
Compensation and Time Commitment
Participants who meet the attendance requirements may be eligible to earn service hours.
Time Commitment:
• Two-day training (Saturday and Sunday) in late September or early October from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on both days
• CAB planning meetings occur two Saturdays a month from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. There are no meetings over Chicago Public Schools winter break or spring break.
• One extra four-hour zoo event, to be determined at a later date. Examples include attending zoo exhibit openings, board meetings, or fundraising events to speak on behalf of the Conservation Ambassadors Board.
Board members must be available for all training, event, and meeting dates to be eligible for participation. Specific meeting dates will be given to potential participants upon being offered an interview. Two absences may be accommodated in case of overlap with other extracurricular programs. These absences must be communicated in advance to program staff and CAB elected officials.
CAB EVENTS, 2017-2018
Polar Bear Express
Back Up the Bats
CAB EVENTS, 2016-17
CAB Events, 2015-16
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2001 North Clark Street • Chicago, IL 60614 • 312-742-2000
