Teen Programs

The WNC Nature Center offers a volunteer opportunity for teens to gain experience working at a zoo, educating visitors, participating in conservation action, and learning about the wildlife of the Southern Appalachians.

The Young Naturalist program is a large, long-standing teen program that runs through the summer where teens can make friends, make memories, and make a difference.

Young Naturalists

Make friends, make memories, and make a difference.

Summer Program
for teens ages 13-17 years old

Connect & Learn

Learn and educate others about the native plants and animals of the Southern Appalachians while developing your personal connection to nature. Lead dynamic nature-themed activities for Nature Center guests to support the Nature Center’s mission and your own personal professional journey.

Earn Service Hours

Participate in ongoing projects and workdays fueled by conservation action. Earn service hours for school or college applications and gain hands-on work experience for job applications.

Job Experience

Work together on a dynamic team of your peers to accomplish a shared goal: connecting people to native wildlife. Develop important job skills like teamwork, responsibility, communication, and adaptability.

QUESTIONS?
Teen Program Coordinator
[email protected]

Please read the following criteria carefully to find out if you are eligible for this program before filling out and submitting the application.

Qualifications to become a Young Naturalist for 2025:

Be between 13 and 17 years of age between June 17 and August 14, 2025.
Submit a completed application and a completed parent liability release form by Friday, April 18, 2025 at 5 pm.
Attend orientation (dates TBD).
Complete at least 15 hours of service throughout the 8 week program.
Be willing to follow the rules of the Nature Center and this program.
Have a desire to learn and teach about native wildlife.

How to become a Young Naturalist:

1. Fill out the three-page application completely and take some time to provide a thoughtful response to the open-ended questions.

2. Sign, date, and submit your application.

3. Verify that you are human with the automatic hCaptcha tool.

4. Alert your parent/guardian to check their email for an automated email to verify your application and to complete the parent/guardian section of the application no later than April 18 at 5 pm.