Are you between the ages of 14-17 years old and looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer?
Apply to become an Aquarium Camp Counselor-in-Training volunteer (CITs) with the Tennessee Aquarium! Learn skills that can be applied to future careers in environmental science, childcare, and education. Day camp CITs will assist counselors during games, crafts, experiments, Aquarium tours, and more for campers between the ages of 3-12 years old.
The Aquarium Camp summer season runs from June 8, 2026 through July 31, 2026. CIT staff’s mandatory training in scheduled for June 2-5. Following the training week there are 8 consecutive weeks of camp. Each week has a unique theme and up to 45 new campers. For more details on weekly themes please visit our camp webpage.
- Both Aquarium buildings
- S.T.R.E.A.M. Learning Center
- IMAX Theater
- Off-site field trips
- Must be between the ages of 14-17 years old.
- Ability to work well with others in a team.
- Willingness to engage with groups of 15 campers.
- Be a positive role model for campers.
- Enthusiasm!
- Willingness to learn and support the counselor staff.
- Love for nature and interest in conservation education.
- Engage with campers between the ages of 3-12 years old.
- Assist in leading groups through the aquarium while maintaining accurate headcounts and keeping the group together.
- Opportunities to lead crafts and to educate with biofacts during animal encounters.
- Assist in preparation of activities.
- Assist in cleaning up after campers and “leave no trace” practices when on field trips.
- Counselor in Training volunteers must commit to at least 3 weeks of camp out of the 8 weeks offered during the summer.
- Counselor in Training volunteers are required to attend mandatory training June 2-5 from 8:30am-3:30pm ET each day.
- Volunteers and one guardian must attend one of the Introduction Meetings. These are scheduled for Wednesday May 6th or Thursday May 7th from 5-7pm.
- Counselor in Training volunteers are required to attend mandatory training June 2-5 from 8:30am-3:30pm each day.
- Training will be located in the STREAM Learning Center.
- Ability to work outdoors in all conditions including hot temperatures, rain, and muddy terrain.
- Ability to keep up physically with children while frequently standing for long periods of time, walking, running, stooping, hiking, and lifting.
- Ability to work is possibly crowded and loud conditions indoors, both in our camp classrooms and in our Aquarium buildings.
- Free personal entry into the Aquarium during your time as a CIT. (June 2, 2026 through July 31, 2026))
- 2 free adults admission tickets to the Aquarium to invite family and friends to join you to tour the Aquarium.
- Option of free registration for 1 week of specialty camp. We want our CITs to have the opportunity to have fun as a camper! Choose between Nature Detectives from June 29-July 2 (14 year old only) or Nocturnal Wonders from July 6-10 (14-17 years old).
Interested in being an Camp Counselor-in-Training Volunteer?
Fill out the application to get started!
Applications will remain open until April 30, 2026 or until all positions are filled.
Questions?
Please send all questions to our Youth Development Supervisor, Shelley McIntyre.
Office Phone: 423-785-4093
Camp Cell: 423-356-1276
Email: [email protected]