Teen Volunteer Programs
If you know someone who is social, curious and likes to learn about plants and science, these volunteer programs are a perfect fit.
Applications for the Summer Teen Volunteer Program and the Junior Counselor Program are no longer being accepted.
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
For more information about this program please reach out to vol@botanicgardens.org.
Hear from past teen volunteers about their experience volunteering in previous summers in this video.
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
- Comfortable working with younger kids (with support from camp staff)
- Serve as a positive role model for campers
For more information about this program please reach out to vol@botanicgardens.org.
Gardens Teen Leaders Program
(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.
Special Events
Short term/one-time volunteer opportunities supporting 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 stay up to date on volunteer opportunities. To arrange a volunteer experience with your parent/guardian now or in the future, please email vol@botanicgardens.org.
Blossoms of Light
Select ‘Teen Takeover’ nights take place during this holiday event.
Teen Takeover Nights are reserved for teen volunteers only. This is a great way to earn volunteer hours, support the Gardens and connect with other like-minded teens in the Denver area. Volunteer duties include welcoming guests, assisting with navigating the event and answering guests' general questions. All volunteers on these nights must be current high school students.