Junior Naturalists are teens volunteering with UW Botanic Gardens Summer Camp. We’re looking for teens that are enthusiastic about working with kids, playing outside, and gaining leadership skills. Junior Naturalists will be paired with a Summer Camp Naturalist and assist them in their responsibilities for a small group of campers. Junior Naturalists will have the opportunity to lead games and activities with the guidance of their Naturalist. This position is designed to provide experience and skills in teaching and working with children, and develop leadership skills.

Summer campers with Junior Naturalist. 2019
  • WHO:   Teens ages 15 – 18
  • WHEN: Junior Naturalists serve for at least one, 2-week session. 2026 schedule TBD.
  • WHERE: Washington Park Arboretum & Center for Urban Horticulture
  • COST: Free. This is a volunteer opportunity. Junior Naturalists may use this experience to meet service hour requirements. A reference letter is available at the successful completion of the two weeks.

The 2026 Junior Naturalist Application is OPEN!

APPLY HERE

Feel free to reach out to uwbgeduc@uw.edu with any questions.

2026 Session Dates

Washington Park Arboretum (WPA)

Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH)
Session 1: June 22 – July 2

  • No camp on Friday, July 3
 Session 1: June 22 – July 2

  • No camp on Friday, July 3
Session 2: July 6 – July 17 Session 2: July 6 – July 17
Session 3: July 20 – July 31 Session 3: July 20 – July 31
Session 4: August 3 – August 14
Session 5: August 17 – August 28

 

 

Comments from Past Junior Naturalists

“It was a really great experience working with these kids during camp. I think the kids I worked with were very fun, respectful, and responsible for their actions. The counselors and junior naturalists I worked with were also really supportive and I enjoyed getting to know them. Overall, this was a great experience for me to exercise leadership and boundaries with others.”

“I had such an incredible time at camp. I got to form super awesome relationships with my campers in such a beautiful place.”

“I just want to say thank you for letting me have this opportunity! I had the most interesting 2 weeks of my life and I never thought I’d interact with so many kids at once, it really brought out my inner teacher.”

“I made many meaningful connections with the children at the arboretum which I cherish to this day. The people there are lovely and it was my first time spending so much time at the arboretum I truly appreciate its wonder now. This camp was my favorite memory in any volunteer experience I’ve had.”

 

 

Questions?

Please contact us at uwbgeduc@uw.edu

 

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