Wonder Gardens offers Teen Wonder Guides program

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - Jan. 16, 2024 - PRLog -- The Wonder Gardens is offering a new session in spring for its Teen Wonder Guide program for youth ages 14 through 17.

Held on Saturdays March 2 - April 27, the program offers exclusive educational experiences for teens who are independently motivated, enthusiastic, responsible, courteous, and passionate about wildlife and conservation. Teens in the program will work with guests of all ages, learn public speaking, earn community service hours and gain job and life skills.

"Our Teen Wonder Guides work alongside our staff members interacting with guests while learning about the interconnection between people, plants, and animals and the positive impact people can have on the environment," said Katie Grimes, education and volunteer manager. "It's a great opportunity to explore the Wonder Gardens from a different perspective while gaining valuable life skills."

Participants must complete an application with a guardian's signature and attend the information session and orientation program. Participants receive a Wonder Gardens volunteer T-shirt. The schedule includes lunch-and-learn sessions, and participants receive a Wonder Gardens volunteer T-shirt.

Applications are due Jan. 30 and can be completed online. An information session for parents and teens takes place Feb. 10, and teen-only orientation is March 2.

The eight-week session is $150 for non-members of the Garden or $125 for members and covers staff time and educational sessions. Need-based scholarships are available.

Eligible teens will be invited to the information session, and accepted teens will be contacted following the information session. Session spots are limited. For information, and to complete an application, visit wondergardens.org/teen-wonder-guides/. (https://wondergardens.org/teen-wonder-guides/)

About Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens, a charitable zoological park and botanical garden established in 1936 in Bonita Springs, is home to rescued birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings. While preserving the best of this site's history, the nonprofit cares for rescued, rehabilitated, and non-releasable animals, is upgrading wildlife enclosures and growing the botanical beauty of the property, while delivering education programs and events and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in historic Downtown Bonita Springs. The Wonder Gardens at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs is one of the few remaining cornerstones of Old Florida, an enduring symbol of the history of the region, as well as a resource for learning about the environment and wildlife. For information, visit wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591.