Fun in the Sun Group Volunteering

What do FITS volunteers do at HVZ?

Fun in the Sun volunteers make the zoo fun and welcoming for our community! Activities like face painting, bubble blowing and story time set the stage for our community’s Zoo visit. Each activity has an important conservation connection that you’ll be sharing with our guests. From Jenga towers to chalk designs, you’ll be helping teach kids about wildlife while also having a blast!

FITS opportunities are available for up to 10 people at a time. Fridays are reserved for adults only groups. Saturdays are available for groups with volunteers ages 14+. All groups with minors must have at least two adults present in the group.

What can my group expect on their volunteer day(s)?

A HVZ staff member will meet your group at the main entrance to the zoo (the one facing Drake & Randall) at the start of your shift. Expect to walk down to Volunteer Central where we’ll check everyone in for the day, talk to you a bit about HVZ and what to expect. From there, our Guest Services Coordinator will help you collect your supplies and take you to the activity area. You’ll have support from our Guest Services team and other volunteer coordination staff throughout your volunteer shift.

What does HVZ provide?

Yard games, books, face paint, and other supplies
Any training and support from staff
Secure storage space for any belongings
Refrigerators and a microwave for any food/beverages
A volunteer lounge for cooling down and relaxing when needed

What will our group need to bring?

6-10 people
An organization/company shirt, hat or other kind of identifying apparel
Sun screen, bug spray, fans
(optional) Food, snacks, beverages and any eating utensils

What if it rains?

Then FITS becomes Splash and Play! We run activities rain or shine – with activities being moved to the area under our large tent in the middle of the zoo during periods of precipitation.

In the event of truly inclement weather, we will call to cancel. We will to our very best to reschedule with your group lead.

Fun in the Sun Application

"*" indicates required fields

Quick, before you start: I understand that…*

As the person signing up my group, I take full responsibility for that group.

No call/no shows are hard on our staff. If plans change and our group must cancel, I can call to cancel. No worries.

No call/no shows and/or violations of the below volunteer agreement may result in us not inviting your group back to volunteer in the near future.

My group will be working with humans and agrees to human to the best of our abilities to support our fellow humans.

Dates

Dates are set according to staff availability and are not flexible beyond Fridays and Saturdays at the listed times.

First Choice: Available FITS Dates/Times*

Second Choice: Available FITS Dates/Times*

We would like to volunteer*

One of these days

Both of these days

Activities

Please let us know what activities you would like to provide for your FITS day. All activities must have at least 2 group members each. In the event you’ve chosen more activities than what a group of your size can provide, we will go with your first preferences.

1st Preference*

2nd Preference*

3rd Preference*

Optional 4th Preference

Group Leads

Group/Organization Name*

Group Contact*

First Last

Contact Phone*

Contact Email*

Group Lead who will be attending

If group contact will not be attending

Group Lead Phone*

Group Lead Email*

The Whole Group

Approx. Number of Volunteers*

Min: 6, Max: 10

Approx Number of adults*

Fridays or Saturdays

Approx Number of minors*

Saturdays only

Any special accommodations needed?*

(Optional) Does your group bring any kind of special skills/expertise they would like to use during volunteering?

Finally, finishing up!

Consent*

I agree to the volunteer policy.

Policy Statement: This policy provides guidance regarding volunteer expectations as they relate to the time that the volunteer is representing themselves as a member of the HVZ team in a personal or professional capacity.

Guidelines for Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteers
1. Volunteer Policy. Volunteers understand that they are not employees of Dane County, and are not entitled to compensation from Dane County. Volunteers understand that Dane County will not be paying wages, stipend, or Workman’s Compensation benefits. Finally, they understand that the HVZ volunteer program is not a guaranteed pathway to paid work, nor does it take the place of an internship or job shadow program of any kind.

2. Experience Expectations. Volunteering at Henry Vilas Zoo should be fun and meaningful for every volunteer. If at any point one of those two things becomes the opposite, volunteers can talk with the Volunteer Coordinator, and/or the HVZ staff member who works most closely with them.

3. Behavior Expectations. Volunteers understand that we are all humans working together toward the common well-being of our animals, guests and each other. They show respect, patience and understanding towards all humans on Zoo grounds.

4. Dress Code. Volunteers will wear weather-appropriate clothing with the HVZ logo and/or nametag visible at all times. Shoes will be closed-toed. Henry Vilas Zoo will not be held responsible in the event that a volunteer comes to harm due to inappropriate dress. Volunteers will not wear their shirts or nametags outside of official Henry Vilas Zoo volunteer service.

5. Representation. Volunteers represent the Henry Vilas Zoo any time they are in uniform and/or volunteering with Henry Vilas Zoo in an official capacity. They welcome, listen, include and teach all who come through our gates or interact with us in any way.

6. Communication. Volunteers communicate their questions, concerns, and other ideas in a timely manner to the Volunteer Coordinator and/or HVZ staff member who works closely with them.

7. Health. Volunteers put health first. Volunteers communicate with the Volunteer Coordinator regarding schedule changes related to health. They do not put themselves or others at risk by showing up to volunteer while sick. In the event a volunteer needs to take a break from service due to long-term health issues of any kind, Henry Vilas Zoo will work with the volunteer to coordinate communication over the break.

8. Support, Learning & Consequences. Volunteers understand that, although they may report directly to a variety of HVZ staff, they always have support through the Volunteer Coordinator. In the event that a volunteer violates one of the above expectations, and/or is acting in a manner that is contrary to the mission, vision and values of Henry Vilas Zoo, the Volunteer Coordinator will work with all involved to resolve the situation in a way that everyone can learn, improve and move forward in a healthy manner. Egregious or repeated violation of volunteer expectations may result in suspension or dismissal from the volunteer program.

9. The Volunteer gives permission to Henry Vilas Zoo to use images of them while on grounds in a promotional capacity for the Zoo and its programs.

10. Volunteers understand that a criminal background check is part of the onboarding process for all adult volunteers.