Junior Volunteer Summer Program

Calling All Animal Lovers, Ages 12 to 15!

Applications are now available for the 2026 Junior Volunteer Program! The program kicks off Saturday, June 20th, 2026 with a cookout for JVs, their parents, JV Mentors, JV Leads, and APL Staff. The application deadline is May 1st.

This program is for volunteers ages 12-15 that want to learn how to make a difference in animal lives! They will learn what it means to take care of our wonderful shelter animals, while having fun with our Humane Education and team building activities. If your child would like to be a part of this program fill out the application above and send to volunteer@apl-shelter.org or drop off at the shelter any day from 8:30-11 or 12-5.

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Program Information

The program kicks off Saturday, June 20th, 2026 with a cookout for JVs, their parents, JV Mentors, JV Leads, and APL Staff

The program officially begins Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 and ends Friday, July 17th, 2026. There will be an Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026.

Volunteers will participate two (2) days per week Tuesday through Friday from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

There will be two JV fundraisers throughout the summer. JVs are required to participate in at least one. These fundraisers are on Saturdays, additional information will be provided after acceptance into the program.

You must be 12-15 years old ON Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 to participate in this program. JVs who turn 16 during the program will be accepted.

ART/ESSAY PROJECTS: Don’t stress! Be creative!

SPACE IS LIMITED. This is APL’s fourteenth year offering the summer Junior Volunteer Program. While the program has grown each year, unfortunately our building size has not. We must limit the program to 30-40 participants. Applying, even by the May 1st deadline, does NOT guarantee your participation in this program. Having participated in the JV program in previous years does NOT guarantee your participation this year. If APL receives more applicants than we can accommodate, JVs will be accepted in the order COMPLETE applications were received. Make sure you send in your application as soon as possible!

If you are accepted into the program, you will be required to attend an orientation with one parent or legal guardian. There will be several dates to choose from. You will receive acceptance information by mid-May, 2026.

ALL PROGRAM FEES WILL BE DUE AT ORIENTATION (dates TBD). This $95 fee includes t-shirt(s), name badge and helps to purchase additional supplies needed. DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FEE WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

If the program fee would create a financial hardship for your family, please reach out to APL’s Volunteer Coordinator at (217) 544-7387 x227 or volunteer@apl-shelter.org about financial aid options.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. An application is considered incomplete if any information, signatures, or the required project is missing.

APPLY TO BE A JV LEAD