Volunteer

Docent Program

What is the GSJS Docent Program? 

The GSJS Docent Program is a lively group of historical enthusiasts who enjoy learning and sharing their knowledge of the Archive's collection with the community. The word docent derives from the Latin verb “docent” meaning to teach, to conduct, or to take care of. Today, this word represents anyone associated with volunteer educational services to an archive. At the GSJS Archive, docents are a vital link between what is being displayed and how Girl Scouts respond to what they see. 

The GSJS Archive is an ever-changing environment, so the excitement is never ending. The exhibitions change depending on the season, so the displays are never stagnant and the docents that work for the archive are provided with many opportunities to learn about the history of Girls Scouts and  how it has changed since the beginning. Docents support the archive's commitment to providing all visitors: Girl Scout alumni, Girl Scouts, or Troop Leaders. All docents are trained and have the opportunity to participate in events to enhance their knowledge of Girl scouts. 

To apply to become a Docent/Tour Guide Volunteer Click Here to fill out a Google Form!

Interest Meeting Presentation 

Docents should be at least a freshman in high school. Leadership hours from giving a tour can be transferable for other organizations. 

What is a Docent’s job? 

Docents must give tours to people of all ages in the archive. Tours include guiding visitors through the room, while adapting the information to their age and interest. Topics covered include the history of how Girl Scouts started, the beginning and future of Girl Scouts at the Jersey Shore, education practice, how Girl Scouting has changed, and providing help. The mission of the GSJS docents is to deliver high quality historical experience to people of all ages, create a welcoming environment for learning about Girl Scouting history, and educate fellow docents in archive learning and touring strategies. 

Who makes a good Docent? 

Qualities which make for a good Docent are enthusiasm, patience, flexibility, and the ability to take a visitor-centered approach to touring. Successful Docents are interpersonal, skilled at interacting with visitors of all ages and interested in working as a member of a team. Docents are committed to learning ways of engaging visitors, and are willing to make the necessary commitments to both training and touring. 

What background is required? 

Prior knowledge of the history of Girl Scouts is not necessary; only an open mind, flexibility, interest, enthusiasm, and time for sharing are required. Archive docents open up a new window into Girl Scouts for everyone in the community. Docents should have a sense of satisfaction and enlightenment through giving tours since they are the first contact many have with the artifacts and the archive itself.  

While the Archive does not require a background in tour giving or knowledge of GSJS history, some of these techniques are helpful: 

• Interest in history 

• Eloquent public speaking skills  

• Engaging 

• Able to interpret stories behind the artifacts 

• Ability to work well with children and adults 

• Flexibility 

• Time 

What is the commitment? 

In general there are no formal meeting dates or scheduled guided tour days for the exception that the archive is closed on holidays and conflicting activities happening at the PAC. Docents will be notified when needed, based on if someone schedules a tour. 

All docents are expected to participate in as many tours, workshops, and talks as possible. Independent study is also strongly encouraged to be immersed in the educational points of the exhibit. 

In addition, docents may need to observe tours to more experienced docents; spend time in the archive looking at the artifacts, participating in discussions about Girl Scouts, and conducting and presenting research about GSJS history. 

All docents should talk to the head docent first, to see if there is anything in particular needed to know. Before all tours docents should arrive early to look at the displays to see if anything has changed, to familiarize themselves with the new artifacts. 

What does training involve? 

Docents will talk with the archivists and the people in charge of the program to become familiar with the GSJS collection and how visitors will interact with the displays. If asked, a docent could shadow a tour or have another docent there to help. 

Training occurs dependent on the availability of the archive before the actual tour. Having a training session could happen between a week in advance or the day of. The sessions cover the archive's permanent collection, touring techniques, more information not given to them in advance, touring practices, and other opportunities.