Join us for our Youth Programs Assistant Introduction Training—your first step toward making a lasting impact on young learners!

PVAS Host: Amy Thomas, Laurel Schwartz, Sonja Melander

This program is for adults. Registration is required and limited to 30 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

This hybrid training will be offered live over Zoom and in person at Cool Spring Preserve, and will also be recorded for those unable to attend. If you’re unable to attend and would like a direct link to the recording, please email volunteer@potomacaudubon.org.

This introductory session is designed for all current and prospective Youth Programs Assistants—whether you’re brand new or returning for another season. Together, we’ll explore:

• The benefits of environmental education and experiential learning
• Volunteer opportunities with our youth programs
• Best practices for group management
• Engaging teaching tips with an emphasis on asking questions
• Strategies for handling participant behavior
• Volunteer responsibilities and next steps

This training is required for all Youth Programs Assistants, even if you’ve volunteered before. It’s a great way to refresh your skills and ensure you’re up to date on best practices as the school year begins. Afterward, you’ll complete an open-book self-paced quiz to reinforce your learning. We may be able to make some exceptions to this training requirement based on past experience – to request an exception, please reach out to Amy, Laurel, or Sonja directly.

This training is a one-time requirement and does not cover specific curricula. Follow-up, in-person trainings will be held for activity-specific opportunities, including 4th Grade Watershed Field Trips and Animal Ambassador education programs.

• Walking Distance: Little to no walking. This is a hybrid training in a classroom setting – participants may attend online over Zoom or in-person at the Case Nature Center.
• Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are available in the Case Nature Center.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet inside the Case Nature Center or on the Zoom link emailed to you after registration.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

Read our pricing structure & policies.