Naturalist in Training Program

MBG Naturalists in Training (NITs) are young adults (12-16 years old) that are enthusiastic about working with kids, learning about the outdoors, and gaining valuable leadership skills. NITs will work closely with our education staff and interns and assist them in planning and leading nature-based activities and games for elementary and preschool-aged children. They will get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run an environmental education program while gaining confidence in their abilities and having fun!

Summer Camp NITs will meet with Camp staff the Friday before their NIT week(s) to review camp plans, prepare and ask questions, and help gather supplies for the week. During the camp week, NITs will arrive before campers are dropped off to help organize supplies and activities for the day, supervise campers, lead activities and games, assist in all daily routines and transitions, and stay after pick-up to clean up from the camp day. Every NIT will receive a nametag and Monk Gardens NIT shirt!

Four 1-hour NIT learning sessions will be available throughout May for Summer Camp NITs and NITs are required to participate in two.

NIT Learning Sessions will include plant identification, insect identification, beginner birding, and Monk Around (all about the Gardens)!

At the end of each session, NITs will have a brief evaluation and end-of-session meeting with Gardens staff to receive feedback and give feedback about their experience.

NITs will:

Attend at least two NIT learning sessions
Assist with leading activities and games, transitions and daily routines
Help with the setup and clean up of each day
Gain applicable communication and leadership skills
Build confidence and experience in a workplace environment
Build knowledge about local flora and fauna

NIT Sessions:

Summer Camp in the Gardens

9 weeks June-mid-August
Mon-Friday 7:30am-12:30pm
* You are able to chose the week(s) you would like when registering.

NIT Fee:

Summer - $50 per week

2023 Summer Camp Naturalists in Training

By Monk Botanical Gardens

2023 Summer Camp Naturalists in Training