Junior Naturalists (ages 15-18)
A five-day training course at the Deering Estate that encourages youth to take an active role in environmental stewardship and education and prepares them to serve as peer mentors. The course includes certifications in American Red Cross First Aid and Adult/Child CPR, in addition to an introduction to basic canoeing, South Florida ecosystems, and Leave No Trace.
This counselor-in-training program provides service-learning hours to participants and prepares the Junior Naturalist for experiences, internships, and other opportunities in environmental studies, natural sciences, nature-based recreation, and volunteerism. This course also allows youth to assist staff and enjoy being mentors to our Summer Camp participants during our Summer Camp Sessions after they have completed the week-long training.
After the training session has been completed, participants must be available to volunteer for an entire camp session (Monday through Friday) at a time. Volunteer scheduling will be assigned at the end of the Junior Naturalists training week, once the training has been completed.
Ages: 15-18
Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Daily sign in & sign out are located at the Visitor Center.
Cost: $225 for a 5-day session.
*Registration online only*
Training Session 1: June 8-12, 2026
Register online
Training Session 2: June 15-19, 2026
Register online
Training Session 3: June 22-26, 2026
Register online
Registration is via Miami Dade County Park Link. Create your account today by clicking here. To guide you through how to register for a Miami-Dade County Park Link account to purchase your tickets, you may view an instructional PDF by clicking here.
Are you a returning Junior Naturalist? Please email [email protected] with your availability for this summer.
Questions? Call (305)235-1668, Option 1, or contact us online here.