Open to ages 10 to 17. Applicant must be 10 years old by site training day, June 1.
All complete applications will be reviewed and considered for the program.
Experience Living History as a Junior Docent at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site! Junior Docents wear period clothing, demonstrate historic chores, games, crafts, and interpret the unique history of the Pikes Peak region to visitors from around the world! Participation in the Junior Docent program is selective and dependent on several factors, including: age, application, interest, availability, maturity, and interview. The ideal Junior Docent is enthusiastic, self-motivated, and willing to jump in and do what is needed. A Junior Docent is an overall ambassador of history and the Ranch.
- 1775-1835 American Indian Interpretive Area (A.M. only)
- 1860’s Homestead
- 1880’s Rock Ledge House
- 1880’s Farm and Garden
- 19th Century Blacksmith Shop
- 1907 Orchard House (Ages 13 to 17)
Online Applications: Open Monday, March 1 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, March 21 at 10 p.m. MST. Applications are expected to be completed by the potential Junior Docent. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Must be 10 years old by June 1.
Commitment: 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 4
- Session II: July 6 – August 8
Junior Docents- along with a parent/guardian- must also volunteer for either:
Family Fourth, Sunday, July 4 and/or Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 2
and one other Ranch special event throughout the year.
Interviews: Saturday, April 10
Interviews will take place at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site by appointment only.
Registration information will be sent upon after review of application.
An invitation code is required 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 notification in advance by phone or e-mail.
Expectations of becoming a Blacksmith Apprentice:
- You will work with the master blacksmith as a traditional 19th Century Apprentice, which includes but not limited to:
- Turning the blower for the coal fire,
- Double striking with the 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 the Master Blacksmith.
Mandatory Orientation: Saturday, April 24. Either: 10 am. – 12 p.m. or 2 – 4 p.m. Registration by invite-only and parent/guardian is required to attend with Junior Docent. Limited seating available for each Orientation session.
Period Clothing:
Friday, May 21: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 22. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Check out is optional if approved historic clothing is supplied by Junior Docent.
- Scheduled registration is required. Drop-ins will not be accommodated.
- Clothing rental is $5 per item.
- Clothing is expected to be clean and pressed during use and upon return.
- Clothing Check-In is TBA.
Site Specific Training Required:
- Session I: June 1, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring sack lunch.
Applicants: Your attendance to the dates above is mandatory to participate in the program. Failure to meet requirements will affect future program consideration.
Dates may be subject to change.
www.rockledgeranch.com / 719-578-6777
