Junior Docent Program
New Recruit Adventure Day: April 18, 2009. Please call Julie Strom (520-883-3084) to Register
Applications due: April 18, 2009
Interviews: April 18 & 19, 2009 or by appointment
Do you think the desert is a really "cool" place? Would you like to learn more about snakes, cactus, or minerals and teach others what you know? If you are even just a little bit curious, then the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Junior Docent program might be for you!
The Desert Museum Junior Docent program is designed for Tucson area boys and girls ages 13 to 18. Junior Docents receive training on the plants, animals and geology of the Sonoran Desert Region and how to interpret (teach) it to others. Desert Museum membership, special privileges and recognition, and the opportunity to help out with Museum events are just some of the benefits Junior Docents receive in addition to being part of a world famous museum!
WHAT IS A JUNIOR DOCENT?
Junior Docents are trained volunteers, between the ages of 13 and 18, whose major responsibility is to help Museum visitors better understand and appreciate the Sonoran Desert region. Recruitment for the 2-year program begins each spring but applications are accepted year-round. Applicants must be between 13 and 16 years of age.
WHAT TRAINING IS INVOLVED?
Inital training classes for the Junior Docent Program begin in June and continue through September. Junior Docents meet at the Museum for six hours every first and third Saturday or Sunday of each month.
The classes, taught by Museum staff, focus on topics such as the flora and fauna of the region (with an emphasis on desert adaptations and interrelationships), interpretive methods, and Museum philosophy. Training may include short excursions into the field and homework. Junior Docents are expected to attend all meetings.
WHAT ARE SOME JUNIOR DOCENT DUTIES?
The main responsibility of the Junior Docent is to spend 6 hours every first and third Saturday or Sunday with visitors on the Museum grounds presenting interpretive kits and live animals. Other activities include on-going training in interpretive kits, field trips, campouts, behind-the-scenes tours, and live animal encounters. On occasion Junior Docents will also be asked to volunteer for special Museum functions.
Duties and responsibilities increase during a Junior Docent's second year of involvement, which include mentoring of new Junior Docents and animal handling. All Junior Docents are expected to remain in the program for two years, after which they receive appreciation at a graduation ceremony.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Twelve new Junior Docents are selected each year in May. However, applications are accepted year-round. Selection is based upon teacher recommendations, application and an interview. For an application call (520) 883-3083/(520) 883-3084 or follow the links below. One application, two teacher recommendation forms and the parent/guardian form are required for each applicant. Program cost is $100.00 per year, payable to the Desert Museum upon acceptance. Payment plans and a limited number of scholarships are available (call number above for info).
New Recruit Adventure Day: April 18, 2009. Please call Julie Strom (520-883-3084) to Register
Applications due: April 18, 2009
Interviews: April 18 & 19, 2009 or by appointment
Applications and Recommendation Forms:
Application | Teacher Recommendation Form | Parent/Guardian Form
Completed application and recommendation forms may be sent to:
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Attn: Junior Docent Program
2021 N. Kinney
Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85743
For more info call:
Amy Orchard at (520) 883-3083 or Julie Strom at (520) 883-3084
