Junior Docent Program
What is a Junior Docent?
Junior Docents (JDs) are youth volunteers who engage with museum guests by sharing stories about the history and artifacts held within the Red River Valley Museum. Additionally, JDs engage in meaningful projects throughout the year to help better the museum and community.
Previous JDs have enjoyed learning about local history, natural sciences, arts and culture, and possible career paths in the aforementioned fields. Junior Docents show tremendous growth in confidence and skills in public speaking and teaching.
“It was really cool getting to learn about history and see all the neat things that have been found around here or were donated to that museum. It was definitely a fun way to spend our summer giving tours, while educating ourselves more on Vernon’s history.”
-2016 JD, Tinaye M.
What are Junior Docent Responsibilities?
Learning about the exhibits in Red River Valley Museum
Interpreting natural and local history with museum guests
Volunteering regularly to give tours or assist with other duties around museum.
Have a willingness to develop the following skills: sociability, inquisitiveness, coachability, leadership, and maturity
Time Commitment:
In school season, no commitment. We would prefer to see the junior docent at least once per month during the school year to keep up on volunteer and tour skills.
In summer season, at least four shifts in June and July, and two shifts in August. Shifts are two hours in length.
Requirements for participants
Attend at least one New Junior Docent Training
Must be between ages 10-18
Volunteers in this position must be able to get to and from the museum and other community events, as the Museum is unable to provide transportation.
How can you get involved?
New Junior Docent Trainings take place the first Saturday of every month from 11:00am-2:30pm. To sign up for a training call us at 940-553-1848 or email cooper@rrvmuseum.org. Pre-registration is a MUST.
Youth ages 10-18 are eligible for this program. This position is best suited for youth who have a desire to develop public speaking skills and are interested in learning about history, science, nature and conservation, and sharing what they learn with others.
JD’s should be aware that standing for long periods of time is generally part of the position (please let us know if any accommodations need to be made).
This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for teens to build confidence and enhance presentation skills and college applications!