Teen Volunteer Programs

Teen writers or aspiring writers are invited to join GTL at select Young Writers Group sessions in the Helen Fowler Library. 

Join us for plant- and nature-themed writing prompts, word games and/or discussion topics. Sessions are Sundays, 10 a.m. – noon*. We provide writing resources, pens and paper.

• No fee and no registration required
• Space is limited
• Free admission to the library; admission to the Gardens is separate

*GTL will be leading the following sessions:
Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. – noon
Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m. – noon 
 

Summer Teen Volunteer Program

Program for teens between the age of 13 years old to graduating seniors. Participating teens explore a variety of volunteer experiences related to both horticulture and guest engagement opportunities at Denver Botanic Gardens. Teens will choose a volunteer track based on their interests and expertise.

Requirements:

• Students between 13 years of age to graduating senior
• Volunteer at least once a week throughout the summer session; June 1 – August 5 (two weeks of absences are permitted)
• Participate in at least one volunteer shift at Plains Conservation Center (east Aurora location)
• Participate in at least one volunteer shift at Chatfield Farms (Littleton location)

Horticulture Track

Gives teens the opportunity to sign up for horticulture project days at three Denver Botanic Gardens sites: York Street, Chatfield Farms and Plains Conservation Center. Working alongside horticulture staff, teens will learn the basics of garden maintenance planting and landscape design. Teens will also have project days focused on plant research, environmental conservation and plant specimen preservation.

Volunteer Shifts Include:

• Garden maintenance; weeding, planting, mulching
• CSA Program Assistant; harvesting, washing produce, weeding
• Environmental Seminars lead by Research & Conservation Department
• Science Chats with visitors
• Research lab activities
• Behind the scenes tours
• Lead children’s science activities

Guest Engagement Track

Gives teens the opportunity to volunteer in our guest engagement needs at three Denver Botanic Gardens sites: York Street, Chatfield Farms and Plains Conservation Center. Volunteer shifts include greeting visitors, assisting staff during special events, and learning how to communicate art and science with the public. Teen volunteers will learn how to share information and lead activities for visitors with mentorship from Denver Botanic Gardens’ staff. 

Volunteer Shifts Include:

• Art Chats with visitors
• Gift Shop Assistant
• Special Event Assistant 
• Science Chats with visitors
• Behind the scenes tours
• Lead children’s science activities

Applications for the 2023 Summer Teen Volunteer Program will be accepted between April 1–30. Once live, the application will be posted on this webpage. 

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 training session (date TBD)
• Comfortable working with younger kids (with support from camp staff)
• Serve as a positive role model for campers

Applications for the 2023 Junior Counselor Program will be accepted between April 1-30. Once live, the application will be posted on this webpage.

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)

Denver Botanic Gardens is looking for teens who are interested in volunteering during the school year and who have a special interest in the work of the Gardens. The Gardens Teen Leaders (GTL) is a small, dedicated group of teen volunteers from throughout the Denver Metro area. These teens:

• Help the Gardens create and improve volunteer opportunities for teens
• Contribute valuable, visible service that supports the Gardens’ institutional mission of connecting people with plants
• Go behind the scenes and explore different career paths by working with staff from all over the Gardens

Participant requirements:

• Must be attending high school in the 2022-2023 school year
• Attend monthly meetings during the school year (one Sunday 1-3 p.m. and one Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m. per month). The majority of these meetings will take place at the Denver York Street location, but occasionally will occur at Chatfield Farms and Plains Conservation Center.
• Volunteer for at least two special event shifts during the school year if circumstances permit

For more information about the GTL Program, email vol@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3609.

Applications for the 2022-2023 Gardens Teen Leaders Program are no longer being accepted. Please continue to check back for additional teen volunteer opportunities throughout the year.