Garden Guide Training

Intensive School Programs Garden Guide Training
Program Starts February 27, 2012

This training program is designed to train Garden Guide volunteers to support Education with tours and hands-on activities for school groups. Guides mainly support school programs—Exploration Tours and Project Green Reach—by conducting hands-on classroom plant exploration, leading tours of the Garden’s plant collections, and directing potting-up activities.

Program Description

Enthusiastic individuals are invited to attend a 40-plus-hour training program in the winter months (February, March, and April). There are six classroom sessions—Monday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., plus one 3-hour observation of an Education program (9 a.m.–noon) each week. Participants are given the information and direction necessary to share knowledge about the Garden and support the various school programs; they are also introduced to resources and tools to continue their own learning about the Garden’s collections and the world of plants.

Training Topics

• Overview of the history and mission of BBG
• Garden collections and Education greenhouse
• Education programs at BBG
• Basic botany
• Presentation and interpretive techniques; learning styles; working with children
• Classroom management and the art of inquiry-based learning

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission of BBG and the Education Department
• Interest in the environment and understanding of the importance of plants
• Good presentation skills; ability to interpret information for children of all ages and backgrounds
• Confidence to manage a group of children alone and with other guides

Responsibilities

• Punctual attendance at all training sessions and school program observations
• Completion of a welcome, potting up, two partial tours, and two topic introductions with children, observed by Education staff at the conclusion of the training sessions
• Commitment to volunteer at a school program one day (three hours) each week during the school year; commitment to two years of volunteer service as a Garden Guide; attendance at monthly “refresher” meetings (except during summer months)
• Notification of the Registration Office of any change in schedule and availability

Additional Training

• Attendance at monthly morning “refresher,” offering continuing education, Garden updates, and opportunities to meet other Garden Guides
• Plant walks with manager of Interpretation Romi Ige one day each month
• Education refresher workshops offered twice annually for school workshops and Project Green Reach

If you or someone you know might be interested in the program, please contact Lou Cesario, director of Visitor Services and Volunteers, at 718-623-7261; louiscesario@bbg.org.

Garden Guides are specially trained volunteers who support the education programs with tours and hands-on activities for school groups, as well as provide tours for adult visitor groups. Guides mainly support three children's educational programs—School Workshops, Project Green Reach, and Exploration Tours—by leading tours, directing potting-up activities, and supporting the classroom staff instructor. They also plan and lead 60- to 90-minute tours of seasonal highlights or specific areas of the Garden for adult groups.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission of BBG and the Education Department
• Interest in the environment and enthusiasm about the importance of plants
• Desire to continuously gain new knowledge and share it with others
• Good communication skills; ability to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Flexibility with schedules and last-minute changes, dependability, and punctuality
• Willingness to spend time outdoors in the Garden

Responsibilities

• One day (two to three hours) each week during the school year to volunteer
• Commitment to two years of volunteer service as a Weekday Garden Guide
• Attendance of monthly continuing-education "refresher" meetings (except during summer months)
• Arrival 30 to 60 minutes early to prepare for the program's lesson and tour
• Notification of the Registration Office of any change in schedule and availability

Enthusiastic and scholarly individuals are invited to attend a 60-plus-hour training program in the fall and winter months (October, November, January, February, March). There are 17 sessions—once a week, generally from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Participants are given the information and direction necessary to impart knowledge about the Garden and support the various school programs; they are also introduced to resources and tools to continue their own learning about the Garden's collections and the world of plants.

Training Topics

• Facts and history of BBG
• Collections, "gardens within the Garden," and trees of BBG
• Education programs at BBG
• Basic botany
• Introduction and access to the Gardener's Resource Center and Science Library
• Presentation and interpretive techniques; learning styles; working with children
• Practice tours and presentations

Additional Training

• Weekly quizzes and assignments
• Separate observations of at least three education programs or tours
• Attendance at the monthly morning "refresher"—classes that offer continuing education, Garden updates, and an opportunity to meet other Garden Guides
• Completion of two "partial tours" and a final tour observed by education staff
• Written final examination

There is no fee for the Garden Guide training at BBG (although many other gardens do charge up to $75 for training materials and lecture fees). Therefore, punctuality and attendance are very important as well as commitment to the Garden Guide program.

This partnership is a joint investment of your time, commitment, and enthusiasm with BBG's rich resources and experienced staff. It is also a wonderful opportunity for self-growth and for nurturing others. Together we can provide thousands of schoolchildren and adults an experience of beauty and knowledge and share our fondness for this special place—Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Please join us!

Benefits

• Free admission to Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Monthly "refresher" classes offering timely and interesting topics
• Invitation to the Volunteer Dinner
• Yearly field trip
• Discount on classes after 50 hours of service
• Access to the staff and resources of one of the most prestigious botanic gardens in North America
• Notebook containing information about BBG