The Garden Docent Program at DES invites enthusiastic parents, teachers, and community members to help cultivate a love of nature and hands-on learning among our students. This program engages volunteers in guiding classes through our vibrant school garden, enhancing students' understanding of ecology, biology, and sustainability.

Objectives:

• Foster an appreciation for the environment and healthy eating.

• Provide students with experiential learning opportunities in gardening and nature.

• Promote teamwork and responsibility through collaborative garden projects.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Lead small groups of students in garden activities, including planting, harvesting, and maintaining plants.

• Teach students about various plants, gardening techniques, and the importance of pollinators.

• Encourage curiosity and inquiry by facilitating discussions and hands-on experiments related to gardening.

Training: Volunteers will receive lesson plans covering gardening basics, age-appropriate teaching strategies, and safety protocols. Resources and lesson plans will be provided to support docents in their roles.

Commitment: Docents are asked to communicate with their teacher to work out a time that is mutually acceptable. The program aims for a minimum of 2 lessons per school year, however more would be wonderful. Flexibility is encouraged to accommodate different schedules.

If you love gardening and want to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, we invite you to be a part of this enriching program. Together, we can help our students grow—both in the garden and in their understanding of the world around them!

For more information please contact durhamschoolgarden@gmail.com