Teen WAVE
Teen Volunteer Program
The Teen WAVE Volunteer Program is an opportunity for individuals 14-17 years old to volunteer with our Exhibit Interpretation Team and Camp WAVE. Teen WAVE participants will interact with Newport Aquarium guests and Camp WAVE campers while sharing information on our animal exhibits and conservation efforts to help save species and animal habitats around the world!
Role and Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide exhibit interpretation through educational, interactive experiences and enhance guests’ and campers’ experience throughout the Newport Aquarium. This position would be perfect for someone who has a passion for conservation education, aquatic animals, and interacting with diverse groups of people
Teen WAVE Volunteers receive trainings for exhibit interpretation, Camp WAVE, Newport Aquarium orientation, and online training. These trainings may take place over more than one day.
There is no monetary compensation for this position.
Teen WAVE Responsibilities
- Actively invite guest participation and facilitate guests’ exploration, discovery, and enjoyment of our aquatic world
- Be knowledgeable and comfortable with public speaking and discussing content provided from the Teen WAVE training
- Provide accurate information and avoid speculation
- Model interpretation techniques learned in Teen WAVE training
- Communicate well in environments which may include loud noises and large crowds
- Assist with a variety of Camp related activities (set up, games, crafts, etc.)
- Encourage camper participation, discovery, exploration, enjoyment, and friendship building during Camp
- Be responsible for your own schedule and notify the appropriate staff if unable to volunteer, due to either illness, vacation, resignation, or leave of absence
- Represent WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium in a professional manner, including dress code, behavior, and timeliness
- Perform in accordance with all protocols, policies, and operating procedures of the WAVE Foundation and Newport Aquarium
- Attend and stay current on all training content
Teen Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers must:
- Be 14 years old by the start of your volunteer service
- Have a positive attitude, passion for animals or conservation, and desire to work with and share information with the public consisting of all ages and backgrounds.
- Comfortable interacting with special groups, children, and crowds
- Be engaging, friendly, courteous, enthusiastic, and sincere.
- Dedicate 12 hours a month of Exhibit Interpretation and one week of Camp WAVE (when available) per Teen WAVE season
- If accepted into Teen WAVE Volunteer Program, a one-time administrative fee of $25 is due at orientation
Onboarding and Applications
WAVE Foundation interviews and onboards teen volunteers 3 times yearly, and accepts 15-30 teens during each onboarding period. Teen WAVE volunteers* are invited to volunteer for multiple seasons and continue their service until 18 years old.
*Teen WAVE volunteers do not need to reapply between seasons, if in good standing.
2026 Teen WAVE Session Calender
- Summer– May-August | applications accepted December- March, interviews conducted in April (Camp WAVE opportunities)
- Fall/Winter– September-December | applications accepted April-July, interviews conducted in August
- Winter/Spring– January-April | applications accepted August-October, interviews conducted in November (Camp WAVE opportunities)