VOLUNTEER NATURALIST TRAINING March 28, 30, 31, 2012

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Spring Volunteer Naturalist Training will be held on the following dates:

Day 1 Wed - March 28	The first night introduces you to DNS, our staff, your fellow volunteers, and the CDN curriculum. We get necessary paperwork out of the way, take some time for a dinnertime snack, and distribute the Volunteer Naturalist Manual. Please note: DNS asks for a donation of $10 to cover copy costs of the manual.
Day 2 Fri - March 30	First thing in the morning, you will shadow one of our experienced veteran volunteer naturalists who will be leading REAL children on a REAL hike. After lunch, we spend time learning additoinal theme-based activities that you will use with students from grades K-5.
Day 3 Sat - March 31	We spend the morning learning about the natural history of the Nature Center including river ecology, plant identification, and wildlife signs. After lunch, we continue learning about the activities DNS uses for each program and age group. You will also work with one of our veteran volunteers or DNS naturalists on the mechanics of setting up a walk. Lastly, you will get to sign up to lead a Mock Walk (a practice walk) the following week.
CDN Walks 8:30 - noon April 16 - May 25	These walks are the heart of the season and the reason for all the great training! Each season, approximately 1,250 children visit the Nature Center, so every volunteer and every walk is important. Thus, we ask you to sign-up to lead a minimum of three or four walks. You can choose the dates that work with your schedule or an age group that appeals to you most.