Longwood Teen Volunteer Program 2018 The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program is an eight-week summer program from June 18 August 9 that provides high school students with an opportunity to be part of a team, gain work experience and learn leadership skills. Throughout the program teens will be exposed to the history of Longwood and the horticulture and values that make it one of the great gardens of the world. Teen volunteers will interact with and provide hands-on activities to the guests of Longwood. While working in this positive, fastpaced environment, teens will have the opportunity to earn volunteer hours, give back to the community, and make new friends. Ideal Candidates for the program will:! Be entering grades 9 12 in Fall 2018.! Are willing to learn and practice new skills.! Be open to interacting with visitors of all ages, especially children.! Get along well with other like-minded high school students and work well in a group.! Be interested in learning more about Longwood Gardens and horticulture.! Have access to reliable transportation.! Be available to attend all events, trainings, and scheduled hours. (listed on reverse) Applicants must submit a completed application, reference form and signed agreement by February 19, 2018 at 5 pm. Program space is limited and not all applicants will be accepted into the program. Questions? Please contact: Heather Drzal Director, School and Youth Programs hdrzal@longwoodgardens.org 610.388.5251
What to Expect The teen volunteer program asks that all participants:! Work a total of nine two hour shifts during the duration of the program; seven garden shifts and two Thursday horticulture sessions. Garden shift times vary depending on the placement; Thursday sessions are from 9:30am-11:30am.! Make the Teen Volunteer Program a priority, Make a commitment to attend and participate in all required trainings and assigned shifts; reviewed the schedule to make sure it will not conflict with my current activities.! Act in a friendly and professional manner with all staff members and visitors in the Gardens.! Adhere to Longwood dress code: Longwood-provided non altered t-shirt, comfortable shoes, attire that follows school dress code.! Respond promptly to email or phone communication from Longwood regarding the program.! NOT use any electronic device, including phones or headphones while volunteering.! Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled shift and check in with Teen Volunteer Program Coordinator.! Be responsible for their scheduled shifts; give at least 24 hours notice if unable to complete a shift, or trade with another volunteer.! Understand that Longwood uses a three-chance policy, allowing for students to make mistakes as they learn and grow. Program Schedule Date Time Event Monday, February 19 5pm Applications Due Tuesday, March 6 4pm 6pm Interviews Scheduled Wednesday, March 7 3:30pm 5pm Interviews Scheduled Thursday, March 8 4pm 7pm Interviews Scheduled Friday, March 30 5pm Selected Applicants Notified Saturday, April 28 10am 11am Kick-off Meeting Thursday, May 31 6pm 8pm Training Tuesday, June 5 6pm 8pm Training Monday, June 18 Teen Volunteer Program begins Friday, August 10 12pm 3pm End of the Summer Closing Event Parents/guardians are asked to attend the Kick-off Meeting Event and are invited to the End of Summer Closing Event. Please retain this page for reference 2
Teen Volunteer Program Application Contact Information Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email Address: Applicant Cell Phone Number: High School: Grade (entering fall 2018): Are you a returning volunteer? Yes / No (circle one) Parent/Guardian Name(s): Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s): How did you hear about the Teen Volunteer Program? Why are you interested in the Teen Volunteer Program? 3
What skills or personal characteristics do you have that will contribute to the program? What are your interests and hobbies? Please list organizations, school groups, and community activities in which you participate. What are your interests in Horticulture or Science? 4
As a teen volunteer, you will interact directly with our youngest guests: children. Describe a memorable interaction you have had with a child, particularly an occasion in which you taught a child something. How has this interaction influenced your life? 5
2. Teen Volunteer Program Reference Form Form should be completed and returned by reference. May be mailed to Heather Drzal, Director, School and Youth Programs, Longwood Gardens, P.O. Box 501, Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501; emailed to hdrzal@longwoodgardens.org, or returned to applicant in a sealed and signed envelope. The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program provides a summer volunteer experience for high school students. Students will work with guests of Longwood Gardens and train with Longwood staff to help them grow as individuals as well as enable them to provide Longwood s visitors with an engaging, interactive experience. Reference Contact Information Name: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Email Address: Phone Number: Please rank the applicant in the following areas, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. We appreciate your honest evaluation. Never shows Sometimes shows Always shows this quality this quality this quality Leadership 1 2 3 4 5 Communication skills 1 2 3 4 5 Commitment 1 2 3 4 5 Responsibility 1 2 3 4 5 Motivation 1 2 3 4 5 Works well with others 1 2 3 4 5 How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them? 6
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2. Teen Volunteer Program Reference Form cont. Please tell us more about the applicant s strengths. In what areas can the applicant can grow? Why would the Teen Volunteer Program be a good fit for the applicant? 8
This page is required only for returning Third & Fourth year Teen Volunteers. New and second year applicants may disregard. 3. Teen Volunteer Program Camp Counselor Application Why are you interested in the Teen Camp Counselor Position? What skills or personal characteristics do you have that will contribute to the position? How have your previous years as a teen volunteer prepared you for a position as a Teen Camp Counselor? Camp Selection Volunteers will be offered a position in at least one of the following weeklong camps. Please rank your top three choices: June 18-22 Towering Trees and Treehouses & Sculpt It 1 2 3 June 25-29 Eco Explorers & Sketch it 1 2 3 July 9-13 Inspired by Nature & Craft It 1 2 3 July 16-20 Longwood s Garden Adventure & Paint It 1 2 3 July 23-27 Birds, Butterflies & Bees & Blend It 1 2 3 9
4. Teen Volunteer Program Agreement The Teen Volunteer Program requires commitment from the teen, parent/guardian, as well as the institution in order for everyone to have a positive experience. Parents and applicants: please read the contract below that outlines the expectations and requirements for the Teen Volunteer Program and sign at the bottom of the following page. By signing this document, both the parent and applicant state that they understand the requirements and commitment necessary to be part of this program. The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program will:! Provide a positive, enriching experience for each teen.! Provide a safe learning and working environment that allows each teen to grow as a volunteer.! Communicate with all volunteers and parents via phone, email, and in person.! Implement a three-chance policy, allowing for students to make mistakes as they learn and grow.! Provide a t-shirt to be worn at all shifts.! Provide training in volunteerism and interpretation to enable the Teen Volunteers to learn and grow, as well as provide an extraordinary guest experience for visitors to Longwood Gardens.! Provide letters of recommendation and records of volunteer hours as requested. As a member of Longwood s Teen Volunteer Program I will:! Make the Teen Volunteer Program a priority, and be open to learning and practicing new skills.! Act in a friendly and professional manner with all staff members and visitors in the Gardens.! Wear comfortable shoes, attire that follows school dress code, and Longwood-provided t-shirt. T-shirt is not to be altered in any way.! Respond promptly to texts, emails or phone calls regarding the Longwood Teen Volunteer Program.! NOT use any electronic device, including phones or headphones while volunteering.! Give at least 24 hours notice if I cannot complete a shift; or trade with another volunteer.! Arrive 15 minutes before my shift and check in with Teen Volunteer Program Coordinator.! Recognize that I will not be paid or compensated for my participation in this program.! By submitting this application, I understand that I am making a commitment to attend and participate in all required trainings and assigned shifts. I have reviewed the schedule to make sure it will not conflict with my other activities. Applicant (Printed Name): Applicant Signature: Date: 10
As the parent/guardian of a Longwood Teen Volunteer I will:! Make the Longwood Teen Volunteer Program a priority in my teenager s life.! Expect my teen to be responsible for their volunteering shifts and training.! Commit to assisting my teenager in attending all shifts and trainings.! Ensure that my teenager is the primary communicator with the Longwood Teen Volunteer Coordinator and Longwood staff members. Parent/Guardian (Printed Name): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Please submit your Application, Reference Form, and Agreement by Monday, February 19, 2018 at 5 pm. Heather Drzal Director, School and Youth Programs Longwood Gardens P.O. Box 501 Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501 hdrzal@longwoodgardens.org 11