Animal Care Teen Education Program (ACT Education)



Our summer camp program fosters a love for animals and their care in thousands of campers each year. However, this opportunity ends for participants once they graduate high school. Our ACT Education program offers recent graduates the chance to spend time at our facility, where they can learn more about animal care. This program is tailored for individuals aged 17 to 20 who have completed high school (or equivalent) and may be uncertain about their next steps. Whether you're postponing college, taking a gap year, or considering alternative paths, we're here to help you further your professional development.

Students will work side-by-side with our animal care team and be involved in all aspects of animal care. Regardless of what animal career you may wish to pursue, our goal is to give participants a set of core competencies to move them to the next stage of their work life.

Our program has the following requirements:

  • 1. Have graduated high school (or equivalent)
  • 2. Be between the ages of 17-20 years old
  • 3. Available a minimum of 5 weeks
  • 4. A desire to learn how to care for over 100 species of domestic and exotic animals
  • 5. Have a passion for learning about animals and sharing that knowledge with others
  • 6. Are professional, timely, self-directed, and motivated to work and learn

Fall Start Dates: August 31st, October 5th, November 9th
Spring Start Dates: After February 1st
We ask that you arrive on a Sunday to begin on Monday


ACT Education is a comprehensive training program, similar to attending school (but cooler since it takes place at a zoo!). You will need to adhere to a more structured schedule, as half of your time will be devoted to independent (yet guided) learning projects focused on animal care topics. This program lasts a minimum of five weeks, with the option to extend for another five weeks to explore more advanced subjects. Your weekly schedule will include 40 hours of training, where mornings will be spent shadowing our animal interns. Afternoons are reserved for delving into the weekly topic and completing a project. You'll gain invaluable hands-on experience while also learning how to research various topics and species of interest.

This program, which we recently referred to as our Gap Year program, is ideal for individuals looking to ease into college education without the immediate pressure. Due to the increased supervision and resources required for this educational training, the initial five weeks are offered at $1,000, with the option to extend for an additional five weeks at a cost of $500.

Core Competancies

Participants will gain experience in:

  • 1. Basic Animal Care
  • 2. Observation and Behavior
  • 3. Basic Health Care
  • 4. Nutrition
  • 5. Interaction and Handling
  • 6. Record Keeping
  • 7. Enrichment
  • 8. Restraint and Transportation
  • 9. Animal Knowledge

Accomodation

Participants are housed in fully-furnished and equipped, modern apartments on our property. Depending on the size and make-up of the group, participants will either live together or next door to each other. Their supervisors and other Ranch employees will be on the property at all times and available if needed. Housing is located within a short walk of other residences and the animal area. The cost of housing is included in program fees.

Meals are the responsibility of participants, but transportation to the grocery store can be provided.

Gap Year Program - Gap Year Students socializing animals - Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp

Who Are We Looking For?


Applicants for the ACT Education Program should be self-motivated and able to work independently. They will collaborate with the animal team but must also manage solo projects and stay focused without direct supervision. Successful participants should be consistent, goal-oriented, and committed, with enthusiasm for teamwork, effective communication, and attention to detail. While not all skills are required, eagerness to learn is essential, as the program aims to help participants develop these abilities.

Register for the ACT Education Program



Thank you!

This form is being used to start your ACT Education Registration. *In order to complete the registration, you still need to pay a deposit. * Thank you!



Ask Us A Question!

Have more questions? Give us a call or send us an email! We would love to talk to you about your options!