Discovery Docent Program - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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Discovery Docent Program

Discovery Docent Program

Become a Discovery Docent at Brooklyn Botanic Garden!

Recruitment for summer 2023 is now closed. Fall 2023 recruitment will begin in August.

Are you a nature lover who enjoys engaging with children?

Would you like to share your curiosity about plants and nature with your community in a beautiful outdoor setting?

Docents engage with visitors of all ages in the Discovery Garden, a one-acre hands-on children’s garden at BBG. Docents lead different activity stations around the garden, interacting with visiting families and school and camp groups.

Discovery Docents engage with visitors at an activity station. Photo by Blanca Begert.
Discovery Docents engage with visitors at an activity station. Photo by Blanca Begert.

Our Discovery Docents facilitate hands-on science activities throughout the Discovery Garden. No prior knowledge is necessary—all that’s needed is an interest in nature, a willingness to grow and learn, and a friendly team attitude. BBG conducts a brief interview with all applicants to ensure they are a good fit.

Join an enthusiastic group of young adults, seniors, career changers, and students who are passionate about sharing their enthusiasm for nature with the community.

We give preference to returning Discovery Docents, so it is not guaranteed that we will be able to accept new volunteers each season.

Interested?

For more information, contact Karen Wylie, manager of the Discovery Garden and Family Programs, at [email protected] or call 718-623-7284.

Fall 2023 Discovery Docent Schedule

Docents choose one shift:

Tuesday. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.


First Discoveries (toddler program)

  • Wednesdays: September 13–November 1
  • Fridays: September 15–November 3

Discovery Carts (school groups, all ages)

  • Tuesdays: September 26–October 31
  • Thursdays: September 28–November 2

Family Discovery Weekends (all ages)

  • Sundays: September 10–October 29

Download Program Flyer (PDF)

Image, top of page: Michael Stewart