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PCEI Docent Program
Thank you for visiting the new PCEI Docent Program webpage. More
information will be available soon. |
What is a docent?
Many museums, art galleries and nature centers have docent programs to
help educate guests and ensure that they get the most out of their
visit. These programs can be either staffed or run by volunteers
within the community.
Individual docents often complete a training course to become familiar
with the organization, learn about the site and become proficient at
interacting with visitors of all ages.
The goals of the PCEI Docent Program are to
1. Recruit and train volunteers to conduct tours and assist with events
under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator
2. Work on informal programs that support and promote PCEI
3. Fulfill PCEI’s mission and intention to "Connect people, place and
community"
Docents at the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute:
• Give guided interpretive tours of the PCEI Nature Center that cater
to visitor interests
• Explain any hands on materials that may be exhibited on site
• Explain demonstration projects at the Nature Center that focus on
sustainability initiatives
• Promote upcoming PCEI events
• Keep records of visitors
• Provide resources including PCEI literature and present the
opportunity to become members
• Answer questions presented by visitors regarding environmental issues
or direct guests to appropriate resources
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How to become a docent for PCEI
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer docent for the
Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, giving tours of the
15.2-acre Nature Center and informing community members about the work
done through PCEI, please complete an application. Please
submit the application via email or by stopping by the
office!
Once your application has been received, you will be contacted to
schedule a meeting to discuss your qualifications and
interests.
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Qualifications for becoming a PCEI docent
The Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute Docent Program is open to
men and women age 20 and older who can complete the mandatory X-hour
training provided by the staff and board of PCEI and can commit to at
least one unpaid 3-hour shift during the regularly scheduled PCEI tour
times every month for one year. All docent applicants must also be
open to state background checks.
In addition, applications must have:
• An ability to learn accurate, detailed information and present it
effectively to visitors
• A professional manner and neat appearance
• An ability to walk for long periods of time, especially on hilly and
possibly uneven ground
• Great oral communication skills including a strong and clear speaking
voice
• An ability to engage children
• Comfort in speaking to groups of any size, age and background
• Respect for nature and wildlife
• The ability to cater descriptions of PCEI programming and events to
the interests of visitors
• An interest in serving the general public and in providing
information and resources on environmental topics
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Requirements of docents
Applicants accepted into the PCEI Docent Program must attend a 1.5 hour
volunteer orientation, complete a 18-hour docent training over the
course of 3 weeks and commit to at least one 3-hour shift each month
for a year. In addition, docents will be responsible for reading any
provided literature as part of their intensive training to learn about
the programming and history of the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental
Institute. Docents must also be willing to attend future trainings
that may focus on things such as local environmental issues or specific
natural history topics throughout the course of their participation in
the program and must assist with a minimum of 2 PCEI events or on site
Environmental Education teaching opportunities.
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Scheduled tours at the PCEI Nature Center
Each week, community members and those passing through the City of
Moscow are welcome to join in a group tour of the PCEI Nature Center.
Currently, there are two scheduled times for on site tours per week.
The following times are windows in which visitors may schedule a tour
with one of our volunteer docents. Visitors can also request another
time if necessary, but should give enough notice to ensure that a
docent will be available. Tours of the PCEI Nature Center typically
take about one full hour. |
Scheduled tours of the PCEI Nature Center are available in all
seasons
Please call to schedule a tour at 208-882-1444
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