Junior Naturalists Program
Become a Junior Naturalist at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary! Sign up for a youth environmental program for kids age 5-14. Come learn more about the environment and wildlife in our Junior Naturalist program!
Mini Naturalists: Age 5-8
We learn about environmental concepts like animal behaviors, habits, and enrichment as well as plant conservation, life cycles, and so much more! We play interactive games, work with the animals and native plants, and make eco-friendly crafts all while learning how to best take care of nature and the environment. And most importantly, we have fun!
Junior Naturalists: Age 9-14
We dive deeper into concepts of animal behaviors, biology, habitat, plant conservation, and animal life cycles. We encourage more independence when it comes to working in small groups to learn about conservation, researching wildlife, animal handling, and group games! Our interactive program encourages wildlife education, environmental conservation, and public speaking. Our Junior Naturalists leave with a stronger awareness of how to care for the environment and the animals who live there.
AVAILABLE SESSIONS
Mini Junior Naturalist Sessions Ages 5-8:
Every Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Begins May 1
Junior Naturalist Sessions Ages 12-14
Every Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Begins April 24
SUMMER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Mini Junior Naturalist Sessions Ages 5-8:
Every Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Begins June 12
SOLD OUT!
Junior Naturalist Sessions Ages 9-11:
Every Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Begins June 10
Junior Naturalist Sessions Ages 12-14
Every Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Begins June 12
Contact our Junior Naturalist Coordinator, Alyson Fishbein, at jrnaturalist@buschwildlife.org to be put on a waitlist for any sold-out sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Mini Junior Naturalists (5-8) meet 4times within a session.
The Junior Naturalists (9-12) meet 6 times within a session.
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No, all purchases are nonrefundable, transferable, or prorated.
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These sessions are geared towards homeschool students.
We offer Saturday sessions for both our Mini Junior Naturalists and our Junior Naturalists.
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Yes, all of our Junior Naturalist and Mini Junior Naturalist programs are drop-off sessions. Parents are more than welcome to wait on site while the class is in session.
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Snacks, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable & weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunglasses, rain jacket), closed-toe shows, and any required medication.
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Yes! There is an animal encounter during each class. Junior Naturalists between the ages of 9-14 also get to learn how to handle some of our educational ambassadors!
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Yes, we do have a waitlist! If you are interested in being placed on our waitlist, please email our Junior Naturalist coordinator at juniornaturalist@buschwildlife.org.
Junior Naturalist Inquiry Form
Please fill out the form below if you are interested in your child joining our Junior Naturalist Program. A team member will be in touch with additional information on pricing and registration requirements. It may take us a few days to get back to you, especially if you submit this form on a weekend.
