Apply To Be a Discovery Docent!

Discovery Docents

Registration for this opportunity is currently closed.

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places — where we live, where we play, and where we walk. We want to create more opportunities to share these stories with Atlanta but we need your help.

Beginning this fall, Science ATL will offer training for volunteers interested in guiding Discovery Walks in Cascade Springs Nature Preserve and the neighborhood of Decatur. Discovery Walks are 2-4 mile journeys through a specific area with stops to uncover science facts and stories. They are currently available with self-guided maps, but we are excited to offer them as a socially distanced, outdoor experience later this fall.

The training will prepare volunteer docents to speak with small groups about Science ATL’s history, mission, and programs as well as about the science present in or related to the places along the 2-4 mile Discovery Walk.

Discovery Docent volunteer with children

What Is Involved in the Docent Training?

30–45 minute Evening Zoom Session about Science ATL history, mission and programming
- Sunday 10/17 at 5pm
- Tuesday 10/19 at 8pm
2–3 hour in-person session about Discovery Walk goals and science, storytelling, tour, and speaking skills, and ways to customize the tours to emphasize your interests and personality
- Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Training – Saturday October 23 at 10am, followed by a bagel breakfast, sponsored by Science ATL
- Decatur Neighborhood Training – Thursday October 28 at 5:30pm, followed by pizza, sponsored by Science ATL

Before new Docents are eligible to lead a tour for the public, they must 1) share a written outline of their planned content for each stop and 2) lead a mock tour to demonstrate your knowledge and unique approach to the tour.

Please do not register to be a part of this program unless you can commit to one of the evening Zoom sessions and at least one of the training walks. These are the only times offered for these sessions.

While there is no fee for the training, we encourage a $25 donation to Science ATL.

Discovery Docents must be 18 year or older. If a minor is interested, they must be accompanied by an adult.

What Is Expected of Discovery Docents?

Discovery Walks will launch in January and occur monthly. After completing the training, we hope that Docents will choose to lead walks somewhat regularly.

Each Discovery Docent will receive a Science ATL T-shirt upon completion of the training

After leading 5 Walks Docents will get to sport an exclusive ALEX baseball cap. Who doesn’t love Atlanta’s Lead Explorer?!?

After spending 10 Volunteer Sessions with us, either by leading a Discovery Walk or participating as a Science ATL Event or CSO Program volunteer, Super Volunteers will be invited to a Special Science Supper.

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