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Flexible Schedule
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Bloomington, MN 55431
You don't need to know Japanese or even much about Japanese gardens to help. We need a few more Field trip teaching assistants. Groups are single-age or multi-age pre-school- 6 grade, middle school, or high school They'll get an introduction to Japanese gardens and how they compare with other perennial gardens. Pre-school- grade 3 tour our garden using a discovery tour based on the coloring book Garden of Many Parts--Japanese Numbers for a Japanese Garden--a Normandale Japanese Garden Committee publication. Older children and adolescents get tours that are modified to their age level. Teaching assistants need to arrive fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled time to help with setting up and they will remain for fifteen minutes afterward to help me with clean up. Before the first time you help me, we need to arrange for training so that you are thoroughly familiar with the lesson and how you can assist the teachers and me to help the children
Date Posted: 2024-04-09
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Flexible Schedule
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Bloomington, MN 55431
Recruit schools, home schools, scout troops, community groups and Book Field trip teaching assistants. Work with the foundation liaison, college public relations staff, and Japanese Garden social media coordinator (volunteer) to publicize opportunities for organizations and recruit volunteers. Respond through email and phone calls. Arrange speaking engagements for garden volunteers. We begin booking in February for the 2022 season. Typically, our groups are 2nd grade - 6th grade school, extended day or scout groups. They'll get an introduction to Japanese gardens and how they compare with other perennial gardens. They'll tour our garden using a discovery tour based on the coloring book Garden of Many Parts--a new Normandale Japanese Garden Committee publication. During mid-summer, we'll probably have a group from the college STEM camp for middle school girls. Field trips are reserved in advance and are offered free of charge. We encourage donations (suggested $2-5 per person). We encourage their teachers and parents to purchase the coloring books to reinforce what they learn. They are available for a $10 donation (less if purchased in bulk). Teaching assistants need to arrive 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time to help me with set up and they will remain for thirty minutes afterward to help with take down. Training is arranged through the Education Coordinator (a volunteer position). Summer programs "Show & Tell Sundays" series--Val Wagner began this in 2016 to celebrate the Garden's 40th year. It is a series that highlights the garden's elements. Val did monthly programs, starting with a program about our Cherry Trees on Sunday, April 17, 2016. She had uncanny luck in that the trees burst into blossom on April 17 that year! Other topics were the Koi, the Bentendo, shelters and lanterns; the waterfall, bridges and islands; and artfully pruned trees and shrubs. When we did not repeat the series in 2017, we got several inquiries and comments urging us to do it again. Last year, a couple of Committee members shared the Sundays. If you are knowledgeable about the garden and want to lead a program or two, let me know. If your Sundays are not available, a Saturday morning series might be appreciated. Talk to education coordinator about your idea, please! We continue to offer the Saturday Round Shelter programs: "Imagine Japan!" for families. This is similar to, but shorter than the field trip program And are offered from 10:30-noon on second Saturdays throughout the summer and early fall free.I have selected five dates. We don't require reservations and we offer the program at no charge. (As we do with tour groups, we promote donations and offer the two types of books available at the suggested donation rate of $15-history or $10--coloring per book.) If you want to help us, I encourage you to do so. Sharing the garden with children in this way is the most fun I have had as a garden volunteer! COVID-19 restrictions: Normandale Community College will review and adjust these as needed. Currently there is no mask mandate but smaller tour groups and physical distancing is encouraged.
Date Posted: 2024-04-09
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Flexible Schedule
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Bloomington, MN 55431
Festival volunteers Hopefully, every festival volunteer will also be one of our AMBASSADORS. This versatile position is present for event needs such as weddings and tours. The Ambassador role creates a pleasant atmosphere, greets guests, and provides direction and information. Provides additional support for events as needed. * Excellent customer service skills * Diplomatic and discrete * Willingness to learn about the history of the Japanese Garden * Able to devote 1- 5 hours per month * Ability to build and maintain relationships with college staff and peers * Flexibility in alternating responsibilities between Eduction Assistant, Garden Ambassador and Tour Guide * Ability to walk and stand for the duration of event shifts A knowledge of the Japanese language, Japanese or Japanese American culture, horticulture or Japanese Gardens is a plus, but not required. On the day of the event, we need volunteers to help set-up and take-down, collect donations, help out in the boutique, lead tours in the garden, sell the history books and coloring books, and lead children's activities. Some years, we need small (Japanese size) models for the Kimono style show. NOTES--The 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 festivals were canceled. In October 2023 Normandale Foundation and college staff will begin conversations with the leadership of the volunteer group about whether or not to hold a 2024 event. Our annual event took place on the fourth Saturday of September. We help with many aspects of conducting the annual festival. The work on the Festival begins several months in advance of the event. Finding the sponsors, entertainers, speakers, exhibits, and volunteers for each year's Festival takes creativity, networking, and organizational savvy. We can use your help preparing displays. On Saturday, August 19, 2023, we plan an event called "Imagine Peace" which is free and open to all ages with an emphasis on families. Part of the national "Gardens for Peace" in the month of August, this event is focused on activities that promote peace. We need volunteers for that event!
Date Posted: 2024-04-09
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Flexible Schedule
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Bloomington, MN 55431
This versatile position is present for event needs such as interpretation, tours, and programs. The Ambassador role creates a pleasant atmosphere, greets guests, and provides direction and information. Provides additional support for events as needed. * Excellent customer service skills * Diplomatic and discrete * Willingness to learn about the history of the Japanese Garden * Able to devote 1- 5 hours per month * Ability to build and maintain relationships with college staff and peers * Flexibility in alternating between Tour Guide and Garden Host Knowledge of the Japanese language, Japanese or Japanese American culture, horticulture, or Japanese Gardens is a plus, but not required.
Date Posted: 2024-04-09
