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Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods State Parks
Volunteer Docent Duty Statement

Title: Docent

Training Dates: All Saturdays in April from 9:30-3pm, Graduation May 5th.

Purpose: The purpose of the program is to inform the public of the uniqueness of our natural and cultural resources and to enrich the visitor’s experience of the park. This is accomplished through educational walks and talks, guiding school groups, campfire programs, junior ranger programs, little ranger programs, and special events.

Duties: Upon successful completion of the docent training course, docents research, develop, and conduct interpretive programs on the natural and cultural history of Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods. Docents present information to the public and organized groups on various aspects of the park and surrounding areas through interpretive activities. In addition, they may assist in other volunteer programs, assist with the development of interpretive materials, and assist with planning and putting on special events.

Qualifications: Docents need to have an interest in working with the public, possess good communication skills, be motivated to learn about the cultural and natural history of Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods, as well as be able to commit to the training program and minimum of six volunteer hours per month for a year or more.

Reports To: Docent Coordinator/Park Interpreter I at Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods

Commitment: Docents are required to participate in the entire training program. Training is for four weeks, and will be held on all Saturdays in April, with the graduation ceremony being held on May 5th. Trainees must work at least one day with an experienced docent after completing the training sessions. After completion of training, docents are required to volunteer at least six hours per month for one year, attend all docent meetings, and participate in special events.

Dress Code: Docents are required to wear appropriate attire. While volunteering in the park, this is defined as a blue jacket, tan vest or blue shirt with park patch on right shoulder. Docents may borrow jackets and vests with patches, or provide their own. All docents are expected to wear their state park volunteer nametag when giving programs. Volunteer patch and nametag will be awarded upon graduation from docent training. Uniform questions will be answered in the training sessions.

Benefits: Through training and enrichment sessions, docents increase their knowledge and appreciation of our cultural history and natural environment and learn interpretive skills. In turn, docents experience the pleasure of sharing their knowledge and talents with others. Enrichment sessions, social gatherings, and meetings provide opportunities to learn more and interact with fellow docents.

Volunteers who contribute 50 or more hours in a year and remain actively volunteering, receive a one year day-use pass for Santa Cruz District State Parks. Those who contribute 200 or more hours in a year and remain actively volunteering, receive a pass for day-use in all California State Parks for the following year. Becoming a Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods Docent is a terrific opportunity to spend time in the beautiful natural and cultural surroundings of Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods, while contributing to the park and community.