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 Aqua 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 4-12 years old.
The Aqua Camp summer season runs from June 2, 2025 to August 1, 2025. The first week is reserved for training. Following the training week there are 8 consecutive weeks of camp. Each week has a unique theme and up to 60 new campers. For more details on weekly themes please visit our camp webpage.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work well with others in a team.
- Willing 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.
- Must be between the ages of 14-17 years old by June 1, 2025.
Commitment:
- Aqua Camp Counselors in Training volunteers must be able to attend mandatory training from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm on June 4, 2025 and June 6, 2025.
- CITs must be able to commit to at least 3 weeks of camp out of the 8 weeks offered during the summer. *Scheduled short weeks of camp during the holiday weeks will still be considered a full week of work assignment for CITs.*
* Week 2 of camp will be a 3-day week from June 16 – 18 to account for the holiday. *
** Week 4 of camp will be a 4-day week from June 30 – July 3 to account for the holiday. **
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
- 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, caving, and lifting.
- Ability to work is possibly crowded and load conditions indoors, both in our camp classrooms and in our Aquarium buildings.
Incentives:
- Free personal entry into the Aquarium during your time as a CIT (June 2, 2025 to August 1, 2025).
- 2 free adults admission tickets to the Aquarium to invite family and friends to join you to tour the Aquarium.
- Option of free registration to our Animal Care theme of camp running from June 30 – July 3. This week of camp is developed for campers ages 12-16. Campers will spend the week learning and experiencing just what it takes to care for our animals here at the aquarium and other facilities during their field trips. Follow along as we go behind the scenes to observe a week in the life of an Animal Care Specialist!
Applications will remain open until April 28, 2025, or until all positions are filled. Thank you for applying!
Questions?
Please send all questions to our camp coordinator, Shelley McIntyre.
Office Phone: 423-785-4093
Camp Cell: 423-356-1276
Email: summercamp@tnaqua.org