Youth Volunteers
Leadership Service Projects
Do you want to plan, develop, and become a team leader in a service project while helping the Deering Estate at Cutler further its message of environmental stewardship and sustainablity? If so, then we may have a project for you. The Deering Estate at cutler is always in need of helping hands for trail and bay clean-ups, recycling projects, youth programming, trail mantenance, collections management and more. If you are planning your Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project or are a member of a youth service volunteer group and would like to submit a Project Request Form, please contact Ernie Lent in the Education and Interpretive Office at (305) 235-1668 ext 242.
Junior Naturalists
The Junior Naturalist Program gives youth ages 14-20 opportunities to become peer mentors in the community while they learn to serve as future stewards of the Earth's environmental resources. Participants are required to complete a six-part orientation and training program as part of their experience. The $188.00 program cost provides for valuable training and certifications in American Red Cross First Aid, Adult and Child CPR, and Basic Water Safety. National Parks Service Foundations of Interpretation Training and an introduction to our Living Classroom Programs is also provided to help youth develop and practice leadership, communication, and career skills. Community service credit is awarded for time spent in training. Upon successful completion of the training program, Junior Naturalists become eligible to earn additional community service hours* by assisting with one of our Living Classroom Programs: State Farm Service School Yard Science; Eco-Academy; spring, summer, and winter camps (must be age 16 or older); Book Nook by the Bay; and children's birthday parties.
The next training dates are June 14th to June 18th, 2010. Pre-registration is required. To secure a space, please bring payment along with a completed VOLUNTEER APPLICATION and AFFIDAVIT OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE to the Main Gate Ticket Booth. The booth is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Payments may be made by cash, credit card, or check payable to "Miami-Dade County."
For more information, please contact Karlisa Callwood or Jessica Cabral in the Education and Interpretive Office at (305) 235-1668 ext 238.
*A minimum number of additional community service hours is not guaranteed. Volunteers age 18 or older may be fingerprinted. All volunteers must submit to a criminal background check.