Junior Docent Program Applications

• Open online each year on March 1 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, March 21 at 11 p.m. MST.
• We expect applications to be completed by the potential Junior Docent.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Must be 10 years old by May 31.
  • Required to participate: Application, Interview, Orientation, Training.

• Two half-days per week: Wednesdays – Sundays.
• Either:  9:50 a.m.-1:25 p.m. or 1:20 – 5 p.m. during an assigned five-week session, according to availability.
  • Session I:June 1- July 3
  • Session II:July 6 – August 7
• Junior Docents- along with a parent/guardian- must also volunteer for either:
  • Family Fourth, Monday, July 4 and/or Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 1
  • And one other Ranch special event throughout the year.

• Saturday, April 9
• Interviews are required to participate and are approximately 15 minutes.
• Interviews will take place at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site Office by appointment only.
• Registration information will be sent upon after reviewing of the application.
• We require an invitation code to register for the interview.
• Junior Docents applicants that want to interview for the blacksmith shop (returning applicants, ages 13+) or American Indian Area must submit a notification in advance by phone, e-mail, and/or application.

• Virtual Orientation links will be open Friday, April 22, 9 a.m. through Sunday, April 24, at 10 p.m.
• Orientation quiz submission is due timestamped by Sunday, April 24 at 10 p.m. 
• Submissions after 10 p.m. MST will be considered a forfeiture of program participation.
• Parent/guardian is required to attend with Junior Docent.

• Scheduled registration is required. Drop-ins will not be accommodate
• Thursday – Friday, May 26 – 27 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 3 p.m.
• Clothing rental is $5 per item.
• Clothing is expected to be clean and pressed during use and upon return. Shoes are expected to be kept clean and returned shined.
• Check-out is optional if approved Junior Docent supplied historic clothing.
• Clothing Check-In is TBA, typically in January.

• May 31, 9:30 a.m.—2 p.m.
• Bring a sack lunch.
• Attendance required to participate.

• 1775-1835 American Indian Interpretive Area (A.M. only)
• 1860’s Homestead
• 1880’s Rock Ledge House
• 1880’s Farm and Garden
• 19^th Century Blacksmith Shop
• 1907 Orchard House (Ages 13 to 17)

Expectations of becoming a Blacksmith Apprentice:

• You will work with the master blacksmith as a traditional 19^thCentury Apprentice, which includes but is not limited to:
  • Turning the blower for the coal fire,
  • Double striking with Master Blacksmith,
  • Filing and using tools.
• As an apprentice, do not expect to make personal tools and items, but to learn the basics of blacksmithing from Master Blacksmith.

• This is a very popular youth and teen volunteer program! There are many more applications than positions available. 
• If the Junior Docent applicant indicates on the application that they are unable to attend specific required dates will be evaluated based on previous performance and circumstance. For example, a selected returning applicant is unable to attend the interview date due to a previously scheduled school commitment, alternate arrangements may be available. 
• New applicants that indicate on the application that they are unable to attend specific required dates will be considered secondary to those that are able to commit to the required dates. Alternate arrangements for interview may be available; there is ample opportunity to complete orientation, however, site training is mandatory for participation.

• We’d love to hear from you! 719-578-6777 or info@rockledgeranch.com