Youth Volunteer Program

2025 Application Process Summary

Important Dates:

• March 21 – Application deadline
• March 31 – Selection process begins (including interviews)
• April 25 – Notification via email of selection
• May 2025 – Training sessions, Final paperwork due
• June 1-July 31 – Date range to complete a minimum of 30 hours
• July 2025 – Recognition event and career fair

Requirements to Participate:

• Must be between the ages of 13 and 18 years, turning 13 no later than June 1, 2025.
• Must submit completed application by March 21, 2025.
• Must be able and willing to complete no less than 30 volunteer hours between June 1 and July 31, 2025.

Application Requirements:

1. Completed Youth Volunteer Program 2025 Application
2. Written essay explaining why you want to volunteer at the Garden
   • 500 words or less
   • Can be handwritten (legibly) or typed
     • If mailed, use the following address:
       • Huntsville Botanical Garden
         Attn: Youth Volunteer Program
         4747 Bob Wallace Ave.
         Huntsville, AL 35805
3. Reference letter from an adult other than a parent or guardian
   • Should emphasize the applicant’s character and how they are well suited to become part of the next generation of environmental stewards
4. Completion of a brief group interview for select applicants (in-person, over the phone, or via Zoom)

Please email education@hsvbg.org with questions.

Application

For each question in the application, please read the prompt carefully and provide complete answers in
the space provided. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Parent/Guardian Consent Form at the end of the application.

In addition to completing the application questions, you will be prompted to upload the following files unless you choose to mail them in. (If mailing, please use the address provided above.)

1. An essay explaining why you want to volunteer at the Garden (500 words maximum)
2. A reference letter from an adult other than your parent or guardian

2025 Youth Volunteer Program Application

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– Step 1 of 5

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Applicant Name *

First

Last

Date of Birth *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

— Select state —AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

Home Phone Number

If none, please leave blank.

Cell Phone Number

If none, please leave blank.

Applicant Email *

Parent Name *

First

Last

Parent Email *

How did you hear about the Youth Volunteer Program? *

Have you participated in the Youth Volunteer Program before? *

• Yes
• No
• No, but I have applied.

Education

School Currently Attending: *

Current Grade: *

Volunteer/Employment History

Please complete each field as appropriate. If a field does not apply, you may leave it blank. For any additional blank spaces, leave them empty.

Employer/Organization

Position Held

Date(s)

disability, Form Volunteer/Employment

Employer/Organization

Position Held (copy)

Date(s) (copy)

About You

Why do you want to volunteer with Huntsville Botanical Garden's Youth Volunteer Program? *

What qualities or characteristics do you have that would make you a great youth volunteer? *

Tell us about a time that you followed through with something and stayed committed even though you did not want to finish it. *

Tell us something you are passionate about. *

What excites you the most about working outdoors? *

Do you have any other commitments this summer that limit your availability? If yes, please explain. *

Which youth volunteer areas interest you? You may select more than one. *

• Horticulture/Greenhouse
• Youth Education
• Plant Conservation and Research

Do you understand that the Youth Volunteer Program takes place at the Garden and that transportation is not provided? *

• Yes
• No

Do you understand that this opportunity requires completing a minimum of 30 volunteer hours from May through the end of July? *

• Yes
• No

I understand that acceptance as a youth volunteer 18 years of age or older with the Huntsville Botanical Garden is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. I agree to provide a personal email address, which will be submitted to the Huntsville Botanical Garden HR department for completion of a criminal background check. *

• I agree
• I disagree
• I am not 18 years or older

Email address for background check 18 or older: *

It is the policy of the Huntsville Botanical Garden to provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Signature *

Clear Signature

Date *

Applicant First and Last Name *

First

Last

Next

Parent/Guardian Consent Form (Applicants under 18 years of age only)

If applicant is over the age of 18, this section is not required.

We value your child’s intention to become a volunteer at the Huntsville Botanical Garden and appreciate your support of your child’s commitment. I understand that voluntary services rendered to the Huntsville Botanical Garden are not compensated. I release the Huntsville Botanical Garden from any liability or responsibility for any personal injury my child might sustain in the performance of voluntary services. All applications will be reviewed without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law. I am aware my child must agree to follow all of the gardens guidelines and policies and be aware that the garden has the right to release my child from the Garden’s service at any time, just as he or she have the right to withdraw from volunteering. I, being the parent or legal guardian of _______________________________________ (the child) give my consent and permission for the child to volunteer at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Parent/Guardian First and Last Name

First

Last

Next

File Submission

(If you choose to mail your essay and reference letter instead, you may skip these uploads.)

Essay Upload

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

An essay explaining why you want to volunteer at the Garden (500 words maximum)

Reference Letter

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

A reference letter from an adult other than your parent or guardian

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