Teen Volunteer Programs

Special Events

Short term/one-time volunteer opportunities at a variety of our special events. Current high school students are eligible to volunteer in select roles on their own and teens 12 years and older can volunteer alongside a parent or guardian. Visit the special events volunteer page to see what upcoming opportunities we have and email vol@botanicgardens.org to arrange a volunteer experience with your parent/guardian.

 

Summer Teen Volunteer Program

Program for high school students looking to support Denver Botanic Gardens through volunteer service. Participating teens explore volunteer experiences related to horticulture and guest engagement that foster professionalism and independence through gardening, science communication, customer service skills and more. Volunteer opportunities are offered at all three Denver Botanic Gardens locations: York Street, Chatfield Farms and Plains Conservation Center.

Requirements:

• Must be a current high school student for the upcoming school year (rising freshman through graduating seniors)
• Volunteer at least once a week throughout the summer session; June 3 – August 2 (two weeks of absences are permitted)
• Participate in at least one volunteer shift at Plains Conservation Center (east Aurora location) or at Chatfield Farms (Littleton location)
   

Horticulture Track

Volunteer opportunities focus on learning about plants, gardening and environmental science.

Shifts Include:

• Garden maintenance: weeding, planting, mulching, pruning
• CSA program assistant: harvesting, washing produce
• Pest management
• Behind-the-scenes tours 
   

Guest Engagement Track

Volunteer opportunities focus on interacting with guests, customer service, and science communication.

Shifts Include:

• Greeting visitors and providing wayfinding
• Science Chats with visitors
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Lead children’s science activities

  
Junior Counselor Program

Program Summary: The Junior Counselor program provides teenagers (ages 13-15) the opportunity to work with children, peers and adults. Junior Counselors will work alongside staff during one full week of Denver Botanic Gardens’ children’s summer camp. They will assist with activities and help campers enjoy and learn from their camp experience. Teens can apply for just the Junior Counselor Program or in conjunction with the Summer Teen Volunteer program.

Length of Commitment: Junior Counselors must commit to volunteering for an entire week of camp, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Junior Counselors will be assigned to a specific week of camp before the summer begins, and they must attend all days of the camp to which they are assigned (excluding absences due to illness/injury/emergency).

Opportunity available at both York Street and Chatfield Farms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist counselors in setting up materials and cleaning up after each activity
• Assist counselors in providing a safe and healthy environment for all participants
• Assist campers in completing activities

Requirements:

• Teens must be between 13-15 years to be eligible
• Attend required Teen Volunteer Orientation on Sunday, May 19.
• Junior Counselor Training for Garden Camp at York Street will take place on Thursday, June 6.
• Junior Counselor Training for Farm Camp at Chatfield Farms will take place on Thursday, June 6.
• Comfortable working with younger kids (with support from camp staff)
• Serve as a positive role model for campers

For more information about the Summer Teen Volunteer Program or the Junior Counselor Program, email vol@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3609.

(High School Students)

The Gardens Teen Leaders Program, or GTL, is a group comprised of experienced and committed teen volunteers. Members will volunteer throughout the school year (September – May) and help bridge the barrier between other teen volunteers and staff while providing meaningful volunteer service for the Gardens. Teens work collaboratively alongside other teens to complete a variety of volunteer duties related to both horticulture and guest engagement. In addition to volunteer work, GTL will also include experiences centered around team building, behind-the-scenes tours and career exploration. Participants are required to attend five teambuilding shifts and three additional shifts of choice throughout the season (September – May). Opportunities will occur on evenings and weekends, outside of typical school hours.  

Requirements:

• Completed the Summer Teen Volunteer Program the summer prior
• Must be a current high school student
• Must have a strong volunteer attendance record
• Comfortable working with peers in a team setting, as well as completing tasks independently
• Interested in gaining leadership experience 
  
   

For more information about how you can apply to this program please reach out to vol@botanicgardens.org.