Calling all teens!

Do you love plants and nature? Are you looking for a fun way to spend your summer? Do you need to complete service hours or gain positive experiences to put on your college application? Then check out the Garden’s SAGE Service Program!

What is SAGE?
SAGE stands for Students as Garden Educators. This program is an opportunity for teens to lead fun activities about plants and nature in the Children’s Garden. You can help families to learn about topics like habitats, pollination, or plants we eat. SAGE volunteers plant seeds of knowledge and inspire our youngest visitors to enjoy nature!

What are the benefits?
The SAGE Service Program is a great way to earn service hours, but has other benefits as well. You can improve your public speaking and teaching skills. Garden staff will work with you one-on-one as you learn about plants and nature. You can also meet students from other schools, and enhance future college and job applications!

Who can participate?
St. Louis area students, ages 14–18, can participate. Volunteers should be out-going, willing to work outside during summer months, eager to learn new material and share their knowledge with others.

What are the expectations?

• Attend one 4-hour orientation: Saturday, April 24, 2010 or Saturday, May 8, 2010.
• Volunteer at least 50 hours between May and October, 2010.
• Arrive on-time and prepared for each volunteer shift.
• Act in a professional and respectful manner during shifts and while on Garden grounds.

When can I volunteer?

• SAGE students can volunteer between May and October, 2010.
• Shifts are available 7 days a week, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (lunch break included).
• Evening hours available Memorial through Labor Day (Wed. and Thurs. only).
• Staff will work with you to accommodate other commitments.

How do I apply?
Print and fill out the application, then send it to:

Missouri Botanical Garden
Attn: Education, SAGE Service Program
P.O. Box 299
St. Louis, MO 63166-0299

SAGE Program recruitment begins December 1, 2009.

For questions, e-mail sage.service@mobot.org or call (314) 577-9425.