Children's Garden Guides

Our volunteer guides make nature come alive for our young visitors.  We use a discovery approach to awaken children’s curiosity about the natural world, while developing a sense of responsibility for plants, animals and habitats. Tours usually take about 1 1/2 hours and follow a trail through the natural woodland, along a beautiful brook, by a vernal pool, through a meadow, next to a cactus garden and into a bog with carnivorous plants.

Please submit Guide Information form to apply.

 Training Dates - 2008

• Thursday, March 20, 9:30-noon
• Thursday, March 27, 9:30-noon
• Thursday, April 3, 9:30-noon
• Thursday, April 10, 9:30-noon
• Thursday, April 17, 9:30-noon 

Responsibilities

Guides lead groups of no more than 10 children, accompanied by two other adult chaperones, through the woodlands stimulating the children’s observation and questioning skills. We ask that guides appear on time for tours they have signed up for and that they give the Program/Volunteer Coordinator plenty of notice, should they not be able to lead a scheduled tour.

Commitment

We rely on our guides to lead one tour per week during the busy season of May and early June, perhaps one tour a month through the summer, and one tour a week during late September through October when the Garden closes.

Training

Guides should attend our Guide Training Program offered in the early spring, become familiar with the Guide Training Notebook, and “shadow” experienced guides several times before leading their first tour. Monthly talks and walks are offered as refreshers for guides.

Benefits

Guides enjoy opportunities to learn, to grow as individuals, to share with others who have compatible interests, to enjoy a beautiful setting, and to provide enriching nature experiences for children. Monthly volunteer programs are offered ranging from brown-bag slide programs to garden tours.