Youth Team

Northern Colorado Wildlife Center values the contributions of young people and their role in creating positive change in our community. As a youth volunteer, you can develop valuable skills, gain experience, and make a difference in the lives of wild animals. Youth volunteers work in the facility alongside our staff and other volunteers to care for the animals and the facility. Youth volunteers also have the option to volunteer at community engagement events to educate the public on wildlife rehabilitation.

Things to Know Before Volunteering

  • Youth volunteers must be at least 10 years of age.

  • Volunteers ages 10-15 must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

    • Volunteers ages 16-17 do not need to be accompanied by a guardian during their shifts.

  • Youth Volunteers are required to commit to a scheduled, 1 hour shift each week for at least 1 month.

  • The Youth Volunteer program is intended to give young animal-lovers the opportunity to learn and develop essential skills. While volunteers will get the opportunity to see and interact with animals, this is not a zoo or pet store. Volunteers are expected to complete tasks and follow instructions.

  • Volunteers will spend their time each week providing basic husbandry care to animal patients and ambassadors at our hospital.

    • Tasks are assigned based on age, maturity, and ability. Guardians should work with the volunteer to communicate specific goals and interests to staff for a more catered experience.

    • All Youth Volunteers will be expected to learn how to sweep, mop, wash dishes, and do laundry. These skills help build a sense of responsibility.

  • Wildlife patients are not to be pet, talked to, or played with.

    • There may be opportunities to interact with ambassador animals that do need socialized.

  • Youth Volunteers may be exposed to situations that are uncomforable or upsetting. While we do our best to create positive experiences and memories, we reccommend that guardians inform and discuss these things with volunteers before they start.

    • Exposures may include urine, feces, bad smells, loud noises, blood, death, bites and scratches, etc.

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