By Anndy Serrano
The NYBG Explainer Internship Program allows students from 9th-12th grade to contribute to educational events at the Everett’s Children Adventure Garden. Program sessions take place during two seasons, with one in the fall and one in the spring. Students can either volunteer every Saturday or every Sunday, with one shift being in the morning and one being in the afternoon each day. This internship lasts for 5-6 months, giving training and special activities to build the knowledge of students about plants and the ecosystem. Interns get to partake in teaching kids the different kinds of plants in different seasons and their role in the ecosystem. In addition, interns also get to explore many parts of the garden, learning the different buildings and places around the whole NYBG.
As an intern myself, I 100% agree that this program is useful no matter what your career plans may be. If you’re into science, then this program will suit you. If you love nature, then this program is perfect for you. If you love plants, this program is great for you. If you love to help young individuals learn, then this program is just right for you. The NYBG Explainer Program offers a wide range of topics to learn from, and it can actually help you engage with teens your age. As an intern, you are obligated to a team of wonderful people, along with several other interns that will help you grow as an Explainer. This team will guide you through how to become more engaged in activities, how to be able to classify plants and the different locations throughout the garden, and how to build your resume as well as building your knowledge on the ecosystem of the garden.
After you finish the internship, you have two choices. You can either leave with your certificate of completion of the program, or you can continue with the program as an “advanced explainer”, where you are then able to conduct a project that will contribute to a national science network full of scientists from around the world. It requires the same time as an internship, but you will gain more training and a better understanding of the study of plants.
After being an advanced explainer, you can move up to a “master explainer”, where you are then able to become part of the staff of the ECAG garden, and you are able to be paid. You get to have your own team of interns and it counts as a job. After being a master, you can then move up to the last stage, being a “senior explainer”. A senior explainer is basically the head of the internship program, being a leader for a whole day at the ECAG. For these positions, you will have to apply again, but I swear it is worth it. When you start as an intern, you get an ID, a shirt, and a sweater.
This internship is a real stepping stone towards growing as an individual. Learning about plants and being more engaged with nature is what makes this program special. If you are thinking of being part of an amazing group, apply now! The application is open until May 25 for the fall shift. Good Luck!