Field Trip Nature Guides

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Interested in sharing your love of nature with youth? Learn how to lead groups of approximately 10 K-5th grade students and provide an hour-long educational field trip hike through Tryon Creek State Natural Area.

Themes include topics such as adaptable animals, plant and tree ID, and watersheds. Specific time commitments are needed as Field trips take place Mondays - Thursdays primarily in the spring and fall between 9:30 - 11:30 am. No prior experience is needed. Culturally informed training and professional development are provided.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead groups of approximately 10 students and 1-2+ adult chaperones on educational
  hike and classroom activity.
• Ongoing learning to maintain an understanding of current field trip curriculum activities.
• Personal commitment to Implement philosophy of each education program, stressing
  science education, cultural relevance, discovery and hands-on learning, practices of
  conservation, and respect for the forest.
• Interact closely with students, teachers, chaperones and other nature guides.
• Group management to ensure their safety (use adult chaperones), and to help everyone
  in the group have a successful, positive experience.
• Actively participate in pre-hike student orientations.
• Attend and actively participate in Nature Guide training.

TRAINING

• Participate in presentations by staff on park habitat, watersheds, ethnobotany and the
  plants and animals of the park
• Learn group dynamics, and techniques in working with young children
• Participate in guided hikes, focusing on park plants and wildlife
• Participate in practicing trailside interpretation sessions
• Participate in activities highlighting ecosystems, populations, conservation,
  environmental impacts, group dynamic on the trails
• Shadow experienced guides with group on the trail
• Participate in special enhancement training days that may include lectures, professional
  workshops, walks in the park, potlucks, etc.