WildCare's Youth Volunteer Program is for high school students!
Every spring and summer, WildCare experiences what is referred to as “Baby Season,” when our patient load soars with orphans and injured wildlife in need of care.
We are looking for student volunteers to assist our adult Hospital Volunteers and Medical Staff with support tasks such as sweeping, mopping, laundry, dishes, patient diet prep and husbandry.
It is very important to note: while Student Volunteers will be working within the Wildlife Hospital and will, at times, have the unique opportunity to see wildlife patients up close, they will NOT be working hands-on with any animals.
The work all of our volunteers do is imperative in order to maintain and deliver our high level of care for our wildlife patients! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the behind-the-scenes operations of a Wildlife Hospital.
Students who successfully volunteer in this program will be given priority when applying for an adult Hospital Volunteer position (18 years and up).
The Youth Volunteer Orientation will be held in person for accepted applicants at WildCare on an upcoming Saturday (TBD) from 10am to 1pm.
2023 Youth Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students
WildCare's Youth Wildlife Hospital Volunteer opportunity is currently closed.
Please check again for our next youth opportunity this fall.
Teen Volunteers Needed (ages 14—18) at WildCare’s Wildlife Summer Camp
You will help with craft projects, hikes, and games, and gain valuable experience working with children while earning community service hours.
This program is designed for students aged 14 to 18 years old who enjoy nature, wildlife, and working with children.
WildCare Wildlife Camps operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday, although Volunteer Assistants are required to work from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Camp will be held at Short School and Albert J. Boro Community Center, both located in San Rafael, but two days are spent at various hiking sites around Marin County*. Transportation is not provided. Students may request to work at as many camps as they would like.
To apply complete the online Wildlife Camp Assistant application form.
and submit a recommendation form from a teacher or community leader.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY Friday, April 28, 2023 by 5pm.
Mandatory training date: Saturday, June 10 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
For more information, call 415-453-1000 ext. 120 or email Eileen Jones at eileen@discoverwildcare.org
*Why are WildCare’s Wildlife Camps not currently being held at WildCare?
A new strain of avian flu is spreading through California called HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza). Although it is considered low risk to humans, this virus is highly contagious and deadly to certain birds. HPAI can be brought into WildCare’s facility on shoes and other surfaces.
In order to protect WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Animals and hospital patients WildCare’s property is closed to the public for visitations and camp.
Camp Sessions (dates, times and ages):
Session 1 - Growing up Wild (3 ½ - entering K)
- Dates: June 26-30
- Session: 8:30am-4:30pm
- Location: Short School
Session 2 – Wild California (entering grades 1-2)
- Dates: July 10-14
- Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
- Location: Short School
Session 3 – Weird and Wonderful (entering grades 2-3)
- Dates: July 17-21
- Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
- Location: Short School
Session 4 – Conservation Camp (entering grades 3-5)
- Dates: July 24-28
- Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
- Location: Short School
Session 5 – Wild California (entering grades K-2)
- Dates: July 31- August 4
- Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
- Location: Albert J. Boro Community Center
Session 6 – Conservation Camp (entering grades 3-5)
- Dates: August 7-11
- Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
- Location: Albert J. Boro Community Center