SAGE Service Program

To continue efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of all, the Interpretation team has suspended the SAGE Program for the 2021 season. We are sorry to have missed having you as part of the SAGE team this season and hope that you will consider applying next year.

What is SAGE?

Calling all teens! Do you love plants and nature? Do you enjoy interacting with children? Are you looking for a fun way to spend your summer? Do you need to complete service hours or gain positive experiences to put on your college application? Then check out the Garden’s SAGE Service Program!

The Students as Garden Educators (SAGE) program is a multi-level program for students ages 14–18. SAGE volunteers help children and families experience the Garden through fun and educational activities! Each student has the opportunity to lead fun activities about plants and nature in the Children’s Garden and develop job skills. SAGE students will network with each other, as well as education, interpretation, and horticultural professionals from the Garden throughout the summer. Grow your knowledge and enjoy a summer full of fun!

Applicants to the program should be out-going, willing to work outside during summer months and eager to learn new material and share their knowledge with others.

SAGE Benefits & Expectations

What are the benefits?
In addition to earning service hours, all SAGE volunteers will develop job skills like public speaking, horticultural knowledge, education and more. All students have the opportunity to attend off-site field trips to get a behind the scenes look at culturally and environmentally significant sites in the St. Louis area. Returning students will have the opportunity to develop special projects and programs as part of the program that make job and college applications stand out. Build relationships with the staff and other students that last a lifetime.

What are the expectations?
All students are required to attend one orientation session and two continuing education dinners throughout the summer. All three events provide one meal for all participating students. All first year students enter in at the Ground level and must complete at least 30 hours of service including training. Students who opt into the Grass level of SAGE must complete at least 50 hours of service including training. All students will be asked to treat their volunteer shifts in a professional manner; all students will be on-time, respectful and communicate with the Garden staff about any relevant issues with scheduling, programming, etc.

SAGE Shifts & Applications

When can I volunteer?
SAGE students can volunteer between May and October each year. Shifts are available seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (lunch break included). Evening hours are available during Member Tuesday Nights and the Whitaker Music Festival concert series on Wednesday nights. Staff will work with you to accommodate other commitments.