VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT
Junior Docents will be scheduled to volunteer for two half days per week during one of two five-week sessions this summer.
Days/Times: Wednesdays through Sundays. The morning shift is from 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and the afternoon shift is from 1:15-5 p.m.
Session I: June 3-July 5 Session II: July 8-August 9
Junior Docents, along with their parent/guardian, must also volunteer for either: Family Fourth and/or Harvest Festival as well as one other Ranch special event throughout the year.
Interview: April 11th *Interviews will take place at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site by appointment only. A sign-up will be sent out to new applicants and certain returning applicants.
A parent/guardian must attend the interview appointment to complete required paperwork to volunteer, and to schedule. An invitation to register for an interview is sent after review of application.
There are limited interview appointments available. Qualified returning Junior Docents (15+) that want to interview to apprentice blacksmith must submit notification in advance.
Period Clothing Check-Out: April 22-26.
Scheduled registration is required. Drop-ins will not be accommodated. Check out is optional if approved historic clothing is provided. Clothing rental is $5 per item. Clothing is expected to be clean and pressed during use and upon return.
Online Training: May 8-10. This orientation happens online and you will be quizzed on your understanding.
Site Specific Training Required: Tuesday, June 2; 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Applicants: Your attendance to the above dates is mandatory to participate in the program.
For questions or more details, call (719) 578-6777 or email info@rockledgeranch.com
Applications for the 2026 season will open March 1 through March 21
Through the Junior Docent Program, youth gain experience interpreting the history of the Pikes Peak region for visitors throughout the summer and during special events. Under the tutelage of trained staff at sites around the Ranch, they will learn about Colorado history through interpretation–interacting directly with historic accoutrements, tools, and food to understand how the early founders of Colorado Springs lived, worked, and ate.
UPCOMING DATES
APRIL 11
JUNIOR DOCENT INTERVIEWS
APRIL 22-26
PERIOD CLOTHING CHECK-OUT
MAY 8-10
ONLINE ORIENTATION
JUNE 2
SITE-SPECIFIC TRAINING
JUNE 3
OPENING DAY
JUNE 6
SHEEP SHEARING & FIBER ARTS DAY
JULY 4
FAMILY FOURTH
JULY 8
FIRST DAY OF SECOND SESSION
AUG 15
LAST DAY OF LIVING HISTORY PROGRAM
Requirements
The Junior Docent Program is open to youth age 10 to 17 After applying to be part of the program, there is a selection and interview process. Once accepted into the program, junior docents attend an orientation, site-specific training, a period clothing check-out event, and two special events throughout the summer and fall.