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Project Hort Teen Program

 Hours/Location
Teens wading in water

Project Hort: A Teen Volunteering Experience

Project Hort, short for horticulture, is a full summer stewardship and volunteer program for teens entering 7th through 12th grade who are passionate about gardening, plants, animals or the environment.

Over the course of the summer, with staff guidance and support, teens will be able to:

  • Volunteer at The Gardens—gardening, teaching and helping guests
  • Have an impact on their community through conservation projects
  • Make great friends with similar interests and participate in fun events

The summer of 2023 is full. Next summer applications will open Feb. 1, 2024.

New Summer of 2024!

Junior Hort: A special incoming 6th grade experience

Junior Hort is a fun once a week summer session that introduces pre-teens passionate about gardening, plants, animals or the environment to important skills including:

  • Public speaking 
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Horticulture
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife science

Key Application Dates:

  • Applications Open: February 1, 2023
  • Parent Informational Meeting Watch 2023's meeting here
  • Applications Due: February 29.
  • Interviews Window: March 11-24

Key Summer Dates:

  • Mandatory Training Days:  May 23 | 4-8 p.m. or June 1 | 11-3 p.m. (Dinner/Lunch Provided)
  • Program Runs: June 3rd though August 2nd
  • Mid-Summer Celebration: Thursday, July 2  |   5 - 7 p.m.
  • End of Summer Fun Week: July 29- August 2 with different activities each day
  • Community Showcase: July 31 | 3 - 3:30 p.m. with tours to follow 

What to learn more?  You can email gardenseducation@fcgov.com with questions or watch our parent information night below.

Looking for other teen volunteer opportunities? Teens 14 and up can volunteer without parents at The Gardens. Visit our volunteer page for more information on how to apply.

This program is a full summer commitment. However, we understand that vacations are important and will work with your schedule.

Date requirements:

  • Days run 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday

  • Teens are required to attend a minimum of 12 hours a week.  One day is a set day for stewardship lessons. We will set this day based on our teen participant’s availability once selections are made. The rest of the week is flexible scheduling with full or partial days up to five days a week.

Benefits of the Program:

  • $100 monthly gift card for teens working a minimum of 48 hours a month.
  • Logged volunteer hours (150 - 250 hours)
  • Skilled mentoring by staff
  • Gardens-themed swag
  • Great friends
  • A summer outside in nature
  • Free rides on Transfort
  • Additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year
  • Free plants

Opportunity to Learn Important Skills:

  • Gardening
  • Professionalism
  • Public speaking
  • Customer service
  • Grant writing
  • Project management
  • Independent work habits
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership