Discovery Docent Program
Become a Discovery Docent at Brooklyn Botanic Garden!
Are you a nature lover who enjoys engaging with children? Join us!
Discovery Docents are adult volunteers who facilitate hands-on nature and science activities throughout the Discovery Garden, a one-acre, hands-on garden for kids and families at BBG. Docents interact with learners of all ages.
No prior experience is necessary—all that’s needed is an interest in nature, a willingness to grow and learn, and a friendly team attitude.
Docents are asked to commit to one three-hour shift at the same time each week for an entire season. Each shift includes helping with setup and cleanup, as well as a brief “docent lesson” that deepens our team’s knowledge of plants and BBG.
Participation is contingent upon a brief interview and background check.
Applications open soon, please check back.
Spring 2026 Discovery Docent Schedule
March 18–June 12
Docents choose one weekly shift:
Tuesday–Friday, Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
First Discoveries (toddler program)
March 11—training for Wednesday & Friday docents
- Wednesdays: March 18–June 10
- Fridays: March 20–June 12
Discovery Trail (school groups, all ages)
March 26—training for Tuesday & Thursday docents
- Tuesdays: April 14–June 9
- Thursdays: April 16–June 11
Family Discovery Weekends (all ages)
March 29—training for Sunday docents
- Sundays: April 12–June 7
*Optional one-time docent shift: Saturday, June 6
Summer 2026 Discovery Docent Schedule
July 8–August 14
Docents choose one weekly shift:
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
First Discoveries (toddler program)
- Wednesdays: July 8–August 12
- Fridays: July 10–August 14
Family Discovery Weekends (all ages)
July 5—training for Saturday & Sunday docents
- Saturdays: July 11–August 8
- Sundays: July 12–August 9
*Optional one-time docent shifts:
- Members’ Pride Night: June 24, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
- Members’ Night for Children: August 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
- Last Lap Garden Fête: August 25, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Fall 2026 Discovery Docent Schedule
July 9–August 15
Docents choose one shift:
Tuesday–Friday, Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
First Discoveries (toddler program)
- Wednesdays: September 9–November 4
- Fridays: September 11–November 6
Discovery Trail (school groups, all ages)
September 24—training for Tuesday & Thursday docents
- Tuesdays: September 29–October 27
- Thursdays: October 1–November 5
Family Discovery Weekends (all ages)
September 12—docent training (with GAP teens)
- Sundays: September 20–October 25
*Optional one-time docent shift: Saturday, October 31