2026 NBG Teen Volunteer Program

The 2026 summer application cycle opens on Monday, January 26, 2026. Review the information below on our updated Teen Volunteer Summer Program and application process.

For other volunteer opportunities please email volunteer@nbgs.org.

The Teen Volunteer Program is a summer program that provides teens between ages 14-18 with the opportunity to learn about nature, develop work and leadership skills, make new friends, and earn volunteer hours for college applications and resumes.

Ideal candidates for the NBG Teen Volunteer Program will be:

  • Entering grades 9−12 in Fall 2026. If not in public school, participants must be 14-18 years old.
  • Willing to interact with Norfolk Botanical Garden Staff and guests of all ages, especially pre-k and elementary school-aged children.
  • Enthusiastic about learning and practicing new skills.
  • Get along well with peers and work well in a group.

  • Interested in learning more about horticulture, environmental science, and early childhood education.
  • Have access to reliable transportation.
  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions including extreme heat and rain.
  • Ability to work on variable terrains including but not limited to concrete, asphalt, grass, gravel, and mulch.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend down, kneel, and/or squat for extended periods of time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Greet guests and provide general information about the WOW Children’s Garden and Norfolk Botanical Garden.
  • Set up and teach Discovery Cart activities at various locations throughout the WOW Children’s Garden.
  • Support a clean and safe environment through light indoor and outdoor cleaning and activity preparation.
  • Assist NBG Horticultural staff in WOW by occasionally performing essential garden maintenance such as weeding, pruning, deadheading, planting, watering, mulching, and debris clean up.
  • Assist with the youth summer classes and programs hosted in the WOW Children’s Garden.

Time Commitment:

  • The Teen Volunteer Program runs from Monday, June 1 to Sunday, August 23.
  • Interviews will be scheduled for Saturday, April 18. Program orientation will take place on Saturday, May 30.
  • Shift times will run from 9AM-2PM and 2PM-7PM.
  • Teen volunteers are asked to commit to at least 10 hours every two weeks.
  • At end of the summer, teen volunteers will be asked to complete an exit interview for the program.

2026 Teen Volunteer Summer Program Application

The 2026 Teen Volunteer Summer Program application window is January 26 – March 31. To apply, email the following information to youthed@nbgs.org and volunteer@nbgs.org:

  • Your Name
  • Your School
  • Grade Level (Current/Fall 2026)
  • Your Email Address
  • Your Phone Number
  • Parent/Guardian Name
  • Parent/Guardian Email
  • Parent/Guardian Phone Number
  • Provide a detailed explanation of your reason(s) for applying to the NBG Teen Volunteer Summer Program.
  • Provide one (1) reference letter. The letter can be from a teacher, coach, youth group leader, a previous supervisor, etc.