Young Naturalists Certificate Program
Young Naturalists is a Fall 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. Use your art, science, and nature skills to discover ecological relationships through nature journaling. See yourself as a part of the ecosystem around you and earn an official Young Naturalist Certificate!
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 2026. 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?"
Price:
- Members $55
- Non-Members $95
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.
Applications close on August 1, 2026.
Our meeting on Saturday, September 5th will be held on Mt. Lemmon at Camp Whispering Pines near the Palisades Visitor Center. Accepted participants and one accompanying adult will spend the day exploring, discovering, and learning to use iNaturalist, the community science tool we’ll use throughout the program.
Families may choose to stay overnight for an additional $80 (cost includes participant & adult), which includes cabin lodging, restrooms with running water, dinner and breakfast for both individuals. The evening will feature activities like black lighting and a campfire, followed by a morning hike on Mt. Lemmon — offering a special opportunity for Young Naturalists to build friendships and deepen their connection to the desert and mountain environments we call home.
2026 Dates:
- August 22, 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- September 5-6, 1:00 p.m. — 10:00 a.m.
- September 19, 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- October 3, 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- October 17, 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- November 7, 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- November 21, 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
- December 5, 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Other ways for you to join us or learn more about the club:
Email — yn@desertmuseum.org
Call — 520-883-3025