Become a Volunteer Guide

Purpose

Enhance our guests experience by conducting an interesting and informative walking or tram tour while providing an overview of Holden history, gardens and natural areas.

Suggested activities

• Put energy and enthusiasm into one’s presentations.
• Answer questions about The Holden Arboretum in an accurate and unbiased manner

General Procedure for VIP Guides During Tours

• Check-in at the Corning Visitor Center desk 15 minutes early
• Receive registration envelope and radio from the desk.  Check to see how many tours are scheduled
• Gather your group, introduce yourself, and discuss the logistics of the tour
• Lead the tour for your group
• Return radio to the Corning Visitor Center desk
• Fill out the VIP Guides Comment Form and record your hours.  Return form to the Corning Visitor Center desk.

Measure

Positive guest comments

Position, qualifications, skills and characteristics

• Interest in working with people
• Willingness to learn
• Good health for moderate hiking
• Good communication skills
• Interest in plants, natural history and ecology is helpful
• Flexibility to work with various groups
• Flexibility to guide on weekends and/or evenings, as well as weekdays

Requirements

• Attend New Volunteer Orientation
• Background check – finger printing
• Drivers License check
• Attend VIP Guide Training (14-16 hours)
• Annual Refresher Training (4-6 hours)

Time commitment

Typically four hours per week, May - October

Work environment/site

Holden gardens and grounds - outside

Supervision

Volunteers report to the manger of public programs and are supported by guest relations staff.

Recording of Hours

Volunteers are responsible for turning in their hours by completing comment sheets at the end of each shift.

Benefits of position

Invitations to guides only events

Training provided