Young Naturalists Certificate Program

Young Naturalists is a Fall 2025 program for 6th-8th graders interested in forming a deeper connection with the Sonoran Desert.

Become a certified Young Naturalist at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! Gain confidence, form connections, and explore careers as you learn about the Sonoran Desert. Build skills in plant, animal, and mineral identification, nature conservation, and outdoor safety. Discover ecological relationships through nature journaling. Learn and use your art, science, and nature skills with the Desert Museum. See yourself as a part of the ecosystem around you and earn an official Young Naturalist Certificate!

Graphic of a book with Arizona=Sonora Desert Museum on the cover, and plants showing between the pages

Participants will:

Gain outdoor skills and comfort.
Build connections to nature.
Develop social skills and confidence.
Gain science and art skills in observation, research, and communication.
Explore future careers.

Who Can Join?

The Young Naturalist Program is open to students in grades 6-8 as of Fall 2025. We will accept up to 20 students. Usually, we accept all who apply, but if more students apply than we have space for, we will choose based on their interest in the program.

What if I was a Young Naturalist last year?

Apply again! Young Naturalists allows participants to build on current skills while developing leadership abilities. When applying, be sure to select "yes" for the question, "Have you participated in the Young Naturalist program before?"

Our first gathering will be Saturday, August 9th, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m! Accepted participants and their families will join us for an introductory lesson, snacks, and fun. Afterwards, you are invited to stay at the Museum for our Cool Summer Nights.

2025 Dates:

August 9 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
September 13 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
September 27 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October 11 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October 25 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
November 8 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (offsite at Sweetwater Wetlands)
November 22 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
December 6 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Save the date! Saturday August 30 – Sunday August 31 we will be inviting families to an optional overnight camping (cabin) experience in the Santa Rita Mountains.

Price:

Members $55
Non-Members $65

Enjoy Member Pricing for Family Members: Any family member of an active Museum member is eligible to receive member pricing on the Young Naturalists program fees.

Scholarships available here!

Apply Here!