Sharing Nature with Children

A training program for adults who want to volunteer with children

Enjoy spending time with children and being outdoors? Want to learn more about botany and ecology?

If so, the training program to become a Children's Docent at SFBG may be just right for you! This three-month program will introduce you to techniques for working with elementary school children in the Garden. Learn basic botany and ecology as you prepare to guide children on a variety of theme walks.

Why would anyone want to lead children's walks at SFBG?

As we waited this morning for a group of students from Cesar Chavez Elementary School to arrive, I asked four docents this question.

Diane Balter, a docent since 2004, described the walks as "a break from modern life" both for her and for the children. Instead of having to sit still indoors all day, they all get to be outside, using their whole bodies to discover and learn. "I've heard a lot of kids say that they usually hate field trips, but that this one was great!"

"I like seeing when something clicks and suddenly the kids get excited" said Jolie Lonner Egert, who started guiding walks this spring. "A lot of the problems in our world happen because we've lost our connection with nature. It's incredible to see when kids suddenly connect the plants they see with the food they eat." Jolie became a docent to explore a new career path working with children, and so far it looks like she's on the right track!

Elizabeth Murray first came to teacher training programs here at the garden in 1966 and brought her elementary students to the garden during her entire 30-plus year teaching career. "On my walks I find that 9 out of 10 kids love it, and one is afraid. They don't have much experience with the natural world, and they really need it." Elizabeth became a docent in 2003, soon after retiring from classroom teaching.


Ernie Ng, a ten year veteran, nodded sagely and agreed with his colleagues. He's worked with over 1500 children in his time here and he's still coming back for more…you can tell he's having a good time!

Many more opportunities are available. Call (415) 661-1316 ext. 312, or email: volunteer@sfbotanicalgarden.org