Education
Educating visitors about the Gardens is an exciting
and rewarding way to help Duke Gardens achieve its mission. Below are some of the volunteer programs you may wish to join.
Adult Docent:
Lead adult groups throughout the grounds of this magnificent public
garden while telling them about its rich history, the connections
to the Duke family, its relationship to the University and its
expansive horticultural collections. An in-depth training course
is required and provided.
Children's Docent:
Teach children the wonders of nature, botany and garden ecology and
how to respect and enjoy the beauty of a public garden. Students in preschool through high school enjoy "Into the
Garden," our award-winning hands-on educational program.
Hospital Docent:
Help pediatric patients in their healing process by bringing botanical
activities to Duke Children's Hospital once a month. Docents visit
the out-patient or in-patient clinic with hands-on activities
for children waiting for appointments, or treatments, and bedside
topiary making.
An in-depth training course and manual are provided
for all participants. This is a great opportunity for those who
enjoy working with children and offering constructive and educational
experiences for them.
Leaders, planners and helpers are needed for
special events for children throughout the year. These include
Nature Adventures Camp, Story Time, teacher enrichment events, Nature for
Sprouts, Sunday Science and Arts in the Garden.
Workshop Facilitator:
Volunteers with specialized skills may share their abilities in
our adult education series. If you're interested, please contact Jan Little, the director
of education and public programs, by e-mail or at 668-5309.
Photographer: Share your photographic
ability by photographing plants, events and Gardens projects
and contributing to calendars, books, notecards,
postcards and posters.
Please contact Chuck Hemric if you would like more information about volunteering. Thanks for your interest!