Opinion by KatherineDietz

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo was my favorite place in the world as a kid, so when I heard that the Zoo was hiring high schoolers to work as “ZooVenture Guides,” I couldn’t resist. 

I didn’t know what being a “ZooVenture Guide” meant, I only knew that it was at the Zoo, and the job was exclusively for teenagers. 

Eventually, I learned that I would be leading activities to teach young kids about animals at the Zoo and conservation efforts and stamping their passports to mark which activities they’d done. I also got to welcome people to the Zoo and give tips on where to go for certain animals or where to find a bathroom.

I loved getting to see people learn, especially the kids. They were so excited to play the games we had, with puzzles being a big hit. 

Getting to play a part in someone else’s learning was one of the biggest highlights, building an appreciation for not only being able to go to the Zoo as a kid, but also my own education.

Plus, getting to visit one of the best zoos in the country almost every day was awesome. Even on the hottest summer days, getting to talk about a place I love with coworkers that loved it too was incredible. Having coworkers who were in high school just like me allowed the ZooVenture staff to connect easily and bond over both work and school experiences.

It was so fun getting to make the Zoo feel special, the way it felt for me as a kid. If you loved the Zoo when you were younger, you can pass that love along to a new generation by working at the Zoo this summer. It’s the ideal summer job, starting in late May and ending in August before school starts again. 

Working as a “ZooVenture Guide” was the perfect job, not only because I got to go to an amazing zoo all the time, but because it taught me the value of education and the importance of ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same things you did when you were a kid. 

Opinion by LaurenHicks

During my junior year, I scoured Indeed, hoping to find something to do over the summer and have some spending money. 

I stumbled across a listing for a job called “ZooVenture Guide” and decided to apply, not sure what it entailed. This ended up being one of the best decisions that I have made.

The ZooVenture role ended up being a weekend job where I’m tasked with standing around the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and running activities that can educate guests on animals and the conservation efforts around them. 

My favorite activity to run was the Giraffe station. Typically standing in 100-degree heat, I was in charge of challenging guests to use  puzzle pieces to create a giraffe. 

Despite how hot it was, I loved watching their faces as they tried to solve it and asked questions about the different body parts of the animals.

At the end of the summer, I was hired onto the Zoo After School Program, where I teach a class of kids every day after school in my own classroom at a local elementary school. We get to do fun science experiments and go on field trips to the Zoo. My favorite one that we have done so far is a blubber experiment where we scoop coconut oil into plastic bags and see if it keeps hands warm when dunked into a bucket of ice cold water.

I started as a third grade educator, working with 20 rowdy eight-year-olds. I never thought that I would have to ban saying “67” in both English and Spanish, but that rule stays written on my classroom’s rule list. 

Now, I have swapped and teach kindergarten through second grade.

At my job, I am in charge of the Lego and Movie clubs, getting to share some of my favorite things with the students.

In Lego club, we are building the entire Zoo out of Legos, encouraging the students to work together and problem-solve. 

In Movie club, we are currently working on making our own film, featuring a bunch of kids solving clues to figure out who stole the cookies from the cookie jar. 

Honestly, going to work and being “Miss Lauren” is the best part of my day. I love spending time with my kids, asking them about their day and listening to them talk. They can be so sweet but also mischievous, like when they chase me around the playground or try to boop my nose when I am not paying attention. Just a few days ago, I had 15 kids trailing me during recess, claiming that I was the “impostor.”

I have learned a lot from being an educator and enjoying the work experience. 

While I definitely do not want to be one in the future, I can thank this job for helping me realize that I love being with young kids and helping them learn. Nothing is more rewarding than watching them smile after finally solving a difficult math problem on their homework.

If you are looking for a job this summer, look no further than the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. 

Some benefits of being a Zoo employee include free admission and 30% off food and merchandise. The ZooVenture Guide role is currently hiring people, as well as other jobs such as admissions and concessions. 

My time working here has been fulfilling in both positions, and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else!