Teen Volunteer Program 2017 General Overview

Transcription

1 Teen Volunteer Program 2017 General Overview The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program is an eight-week summer experience that provides high school students with an opportunity to gain work experience, leadership skills, and be part of a team. Throughout the experience teens will be exposed to the history of Longwood and the horticulture and values that make it one of the great gardens of the world. Working in the Children s Garden, teen volunteers will interact with and provide hands-on activities to children of all ages. While working in this positive, fastpaced environment, teens will have the opportunity to earn volunteer hours, give back to the community, and make new friends. Qualifications Applicants must be: Entering grades Dedicated and have the time to commit to Longwood s Teen Volunteer Program, including attending all meetings, trainings, and scheduled hours. Open to interacting with visitors of all ages, especially children. Able to get along well with other like-minded high school students and work well in a group. Interested in learning more about Longwood Gardens and horticulture. Program Schedule If accepted into the program, each teen will be required to select one shift to work in the Children s Garden. Two-hour shifts will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays from June 19 August 9. There are three available shifts, 9:00 am 11 am, 11:00 am 1:00 pm, and 1:00 pm 3 pm. Teens will be assigned to a time slot and expected to complete at least seven shifts by August 9, From 9:30 am 11:30 am on Thursdays, teens will have the opportunity to work alongside a gardener and experience Longwood behind-the-scenes. Each teen is expected to participate in at least two Thursday sessions. Below is a list of important dates and required meetings and trainings that teens must attend to be part of this program. Parents/guardians are asked to attend the Kick-off Meeting scheduled for April 29, Date Time Event Monday, February 20 5 pm Applications Due Friday, March 24 5 pm Selected Applicants Notified Saturday, April am 11 am Kick-off Meeting Thursday, June 1 6 pm 8 pm Training Tuesday, June 6 6 pm 8 pm Training Friday, August pm 3 pm End of the Summer Closing Event

2 Teen Volunteer Program Application Completed applications are due February 20, 2017, by 5 pm, and must include a completed Application, a Reference Form, and a signed Agreement. Space in the Longwood Teen Volunteer Program is limited and not all applicants will be accepted into the program. CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Address: Cell Phone Number: Parent/Guardian Name(s): Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s): High School: Grade: Why are you interested in the Teen Volunteer Program? What skills or personal characteristics do you have that will contribute to the program? What are your interests and hobbies? Please list organizations, school groups, and community activities in which you participate.

3 How did you hear about the Teen Volunteer Program? REFERENCE Provide the name, phone number, and address of a teacher, counselor, coach, mentor, or employer to serve as a reference for you. This individual must complete a Reference Form and submit it to Longwood Gardens. Please refer to the Reference Form (on a separate page) for more information. Reference Name: Phone Number: APPLICANT AGREEMENT By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. I understand that I am making a commitment to attend and participate in all required trainings and assigned shifts. I have reviewed the schedule to make sure it will not conflict with my current activities. Applicant (Printed Name): Applicant Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian (Printed Name): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Please return your Application, Reference Form, and Agreement to the address below by Monday, February 20, Emerson Marine, School and Youth Programs Longwood Gardens P.O. Box 501 Kennett Square, PA

4 Teen Volunteer Program Reference Form The Teen Volunteer Program will provide a summer volunteer experience for high school students. Students will work with guests of Longwood Gardens in the Children s Garden. The Teen Volunteers will train with Longwood staff to help them grow as individuals as well as enable them to provide Longwood s young visitors with an engaging, interactive experience. Applicant Name: Reference Person Contact Information: Name: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Phone Number: Address: How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them? Please rank the applicant in the following areas, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. We appreciate your honest evaluation. Never shows Sometimes shows Always shows this quality this quality this quality Leadership Communication skills Commitment Responsibility Motivation Works well with children

5 Please tell us more about the applicant s strengths and in what areas the applicant can grow. Why would the Teen Volunteer Program be a good fit for the applicant? Thank you for your time and support of this applicant! Reference Forms must be returned to Longwood Gardens by Monday, February 20, Please return this form to: Emerson Marine, School and Youth Programs Longwood Gardens P.O. Box 501 Kennett Square, PA

6 Teen Volunteer Program Agreement The Teen Volunteer Program requires commitment from the teen, parent/guardian, as well as the institution in order for everyone to have a positive experience. Parents and applicants: please read the contract below that outlines the expectations and requirements for the Teen Volunteer Program and sign at the bottom of the following page. By signing this document, both the parent and applicant state that they understand the requirements and commitment necessary to be part of this program. As a member of Longwood s Teen Volunteer Program I will: Make the Teen Volunteer Program a priority. Be open to learning and practicing new skills. Act in a friendly and professional manner with all staff members and visitors in the Gardens. Dress appropriately for the job (comfortable footwear, pants/shorts that follow school dress codes, Longwood-provided t-shirt). Respond promptly to s or phone calls regarding the Longwood Teen Volunteer Program. NOT use any electronic device, including phones or ipod/mp3 players, while volunteering. Actively participate in training and the end of the summer event. Give at least 24 hours notice if I cannot complete my regular shift. Alert the Teen Volunteer Coordinator if I trade any of my shifts with another Teen Volunteer. Arrive 15 minutes before my shift and check in Teen Volunteer Program Coordinator. Recognize that I will not be paid or compensated for my participation in this program. As the parent/guardian of a Longwood Teen Volunteer I will: Make the Longwood Teen Volunteer Program a priority in my teenager s life. Expect my teen to be responsible for their volunteering shifts and training. Commit to assisting my teenager in attending all shifts and trainings. Ensure that my teenager is the primary communicator with the Longwood Teen Volunteer Coordinator and Longwood staff members.

7 The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program will: Provide a positive, enriching experience for each teen. Provide a safe learning and working environment that allows each teen to grow as a volunteer. Communicate with all Teen Volunteers in multiple ways, including via phone, , and in person. Communicate openly with parents/guardians of Teen Volunteers. Implement a three-chance policy, allowing for students to make mistakes as they learn and grow. Provide a t-shirt to be worn at all shifts (this t-shirt is not to be altered in any way). Provide training in volunteerism and interpretation to enable the Teen Volunteers to learn and grow, as well as provide an extraordinary guest experience for visitors to Longwood Gardens. Provide letters of recommendation and records of volunteer hours as requested. Teen Volunteer Applicant (Printed Name): Applicant Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian (Printed Name): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Please return this form to: Emerson Marine, School and Youth Programs Longwood Gardens P.O. Box 501 Kennett Square, PA