Volunteering with Reiman Gardens

Are you interested in becoming a Youth and Family Tour Docent? Fantastic! We'd love to have you!

1. Take the Youth and Family Tour Docent Training on Better Impact.
2. Email the Manager of Volunteer Engagement, who will work with you to complete required background checks and trainings with the Office of Risk Management at Iowa State.
3. Once you've completed step one and two, work with the Manager of Volunteer Engagement to shadow an upcoming Bio Basics tour or a mock tour with Education staff.

All volunteers who assist with youth education programs are required to complete an NSOR background check through the University's Office of Risk Management. Email the Volunteer Coordinator for more information on how to complete this check and to get started as a Youth and Family Docent.

Activity Instructions

Docents will meet with staff at the East Gate check-in to discuss locations and rotations about 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. Once the group arrives, and after introductions, each docent will rotate a smaller group of youth through specific locations at Reiman Gardens based on the type of activity/program.

Groups should spend 15-20 minutes at each location, with the docent guiding conversation and/or leading an activity based on specific program lesson plans.  At the end of each tour, docents will deliver their group to a pre-determined location for either a self-guided outdoor exploration, group lunch outside, or an exit to leave the Gardens. 

Training and Requirements

• Onsite Volunteer 

• Butterfly Wing Docent Training (recommended, but not required) 

• NSOR Background Check* 

• Child Abuse Awareness Training* 

• Review Lesson Plans 

• Video Training(s)  

• Shadow a Program (or lead one for staff) 

Tools, equipment, or skills needed or provided for volunteers

• Communication Skills 

• Experience with Youth 

• Some knowledge of the Gardens (any area) 

• Behavior Management (helpful hints provided) 

• Voice Amplifiers

Activity Locations

Tours visit the Hughes Conservatory, Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, and the Children's Garden.

Staff Leader

Molly Barten, Youth & Family Education Coordinator