Docent volunteer program

We’re looking for “a few good docents”

Wondering what to do with your spare time? Why not volunteer to be a docent for Volusia County Government? Volusia County is seeking motivated individuals to serve as volunteer education tour guides, or docents. Enthusiastic, people-oriented individuals who have a sincere interest in teaching children and adults about our facilities and park system are ideal candidates to be a docent.

What is a docent?

The term docent (doe’-sent) is a Latin term that describes a leader or teacher. It is applied to volunteers who primarily serve an educational function in zoos, aquariums, museums, and parks. Many demands at these facilities could not be met without a dedicated group of volunteers.

What does a docent do?

Docent tours help visitors of all ages feel at home in our county facilities and parks. Fun as well as factual, docent-led tours provide relevant information on the interactions between the natural elements which give each place its unique character. They also interpret animal behavior and habitats and offer insights to the environment and conservation for visitors. Docents will also provide historical information and facts about parks and facilities and be well versed in the ECHO (ecological, cultural, heritage and outdoors) initiative as a whole, including all elements of ECHO.

By leading public tours, docents are the bridge between visitors and the parks, helping them to appreciate the park’s special places. Tours for school groups complement teachers’ efforts to meet current curriculum objectives, with customized tours to support science, history, social studies and math applications. School tours also create interactive experiences that build critical thinking skills such as observation and analysis.

What are the responsibilities of a docent?

Docents generally work without direct supervision or assistance. They are expected to be well prepared, responsible and to follow the park rules.

What type of training does a docent receive?

The Training Program is implemented in three parts. The first section is nine hours of core training (usually three and a half days, mornings) with an overview of ECHO, County Government, recycling awareness and tour tips. The second section is curriculum training for your speciality at a specific site location. The third section is field experience and includes rehearsing your tour on location.

Docent program application

Name: Address:

City: State: Zip:

Daytime telephone:

Evening telephone:

E-mail address:

List employment, community activities, and/or volunteer work in which you are currently involved and the number of hours per week you spend on each:

Which of your interests, skills or hobbies might relate directly to the docent program?

If you are fluent in a language other than English (write/speak), please list:

Do you have any special skills for working with people with disabilities?

Can you make a two-year commitment to the program?
yes no

Please check your area of interest(s):
Ecological Cultural Heritage Outdoor

Special considerations: Because of the nature of the parks, we would appreciate your response to the following questions. (Affirmative answers will not necessarily disqualify you from the program.)
Do you have:
Medical problems or physical limitations that might prevent you from walking on rough, sloping or steep dirt trails?
Allergies or severe reactions to insect stings? Controllable by medication?
A strong fear of any particular animal?

What is your preferred training time?

Nights Weekends Daytime

Please list all physical and/or medical limitations:

In case of an emergency, please call:

Name:
Telephone:

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