EcoLeaders Docent Program

Become an EcoLeader in Sawgrass Nature Center’s Docent Program

The EcoLeaders Docent Program gives students the opportunity to develop leadership,
communication, and public speaking skills while helping educate visitors about wildlife,
conservation, and the mission of the Sawgrass Nature Center.
Through guided tours, visitor engagement, leadership discussions, and hands-on activities,
participants gain real-world experience while building confidence and professional skills.

Students who participate in the EcoLeaders Docent Program receive:

Up to 96 volunteer hours in just four weeks
Certificate of Program Completion
Official program participation letter for college, scholarship, or internship applications
Hands-on experience in public speaking and leadership
Community engagement and environmental education experience

A Valuable Experience for College Applications

The EcoLeaders Docent Program is designed to help students build meaningful experiences that
stand out on college, scholarship, and internship applications. By completing the program,
students demonstrate:
• Leadership and initiative
• Public speaking and communication skills
• Commitment to community service
• Experience in environmental education and conservation
Students leave the program with greater confidence, leadership experience, and a deeper
understanding of environmental stewardship.

Ready to Become an EcoLeader?

Take the next step in developing your leadership skills while making a positive impact on wildlife and your community.

Program Overview

The program begins with an initial training session on a Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Sawgrass Nature Center. During this orientation, students will be introduced to the organization, including its mission, exhibits, policies, and procedures. Participants will receive training materials and begin developing their public speaking skills through guided practice tours with their peers. Throughout the four-week program, students will participate in interactive “campfire” roundtable discussions based on assigned readings and worksheets. These discussions focus on topics such as leadership styles, effective communication, public speaking techniques, and reducing the use of filler words. Students will also reflect on concepts like strong versus weak leadership, honesty, vulnerability, and how these skills can apply to their future academic and professional goals. Docents will regularly practice impromptu speaking by presenting on a variety of topics to help build confidence and improve their communication skills.

Program Activities

Participants will gain hands-on experience through activities such as:
• Greeting visitors at the Nature Center
• Leading guided tours of the facility
• Assisting guests with educational crafts and activities
• Practicing public speaking and visitor engagement
• Participating in leadership discussions and reflection exercises
Docents will also collect visitor data during their shifts. This information helps the organization
evaluate programs while giving students real-world experience with data collection and
analysis. A program collaborator will visit during the program to guide participants through the
data analysis process.

Personal Development & Evaluation

At the beginning of the program, students will complete a self-assessment evaluating their public speaking skills and leadership style. During the program, participants will complete daily reflection questions to help them think about their interactions with visitors and their personal growth. At the end of the four-week program students will repeat the initial self-assessment to measure their progress, complete an exit interview to share feedback about their experience.

Ready to Become an EcoLeader?

The EcoLeaders Docent Program provides students with valuable experience in public speaking, leadership, communication, and community engagement, while helping visitors connect with the mission of Sawgrass Nature Center.