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Become a Humber Arboretum Ambassador-in-Training

Are you a Humber College or University of Guelph-Humber student interested in learning about nature, ecology, and the 100 hectare arboretum connected to Humber College North Campus? Sign up for the Humber Arboretum Ambassador-in-Training experience to develop your knowledge and skills while preparing to connect other students to the natural worldThe Ambassador-in-Training experience is the first level in the Humber Arboretum's Learning by Leading™ program.

Animation created by 2019/2020 Arb Creative Co-Coordinator Maria Siabato.

How Does it Work?

Participants in the Humber Arboretum's Ambassador-in-Training experience take part in weekly team meetings where they learn about the Humber Arboretum and related topics through presentations, games, discussions, and guest speakers. Follow-up activities completed outside of the meeting time will help develop skills and reinforce learning.

Topics include but are not limited to:

  • The history and partnerships of the Humber Arboretum
  • Local ecosystems: woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and the Humber River 
  • Nature, wellness, and accessibility
  • Sustainability and environmental stewardship
  • Citizen science
  • The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals

Skills developed center around summarizing and presenting information.

What Comes Next?

You are welcome to complete the Ambassador-in-Training experience on its own; we hope that you will share what you've learned with family, friends, and fellow students in casual settings.

For students who are interested in continuing on to the next level of Learning by LeadingTM, this experience prepares you to become a full Arboretum Ambassador where you will work with other LxL participants to assist at Arboretum events, plan and facilitate your own events aimed at fellow students, and find other ways to connect the campus and local community to nature and the Humber Arboretum. 

If you are not interested in being a full Ambassador but would like to stay involved, completing the Humber Arboretum Ambassador-in-Training semester may also open up opportunities to propose or take part in special projects or placements connected to the Arb.

General Details

  • One semester, approximately 40-hour volunteer/service-learning experience
  • Offered twice a year, once in the fall semester and once in the winter semester
  • Open to Humber College and University of Guelph-Humber students from any program of study
  • Combination of 1.5 hour weekly team meetings focused on learning, with independent follow-up activities to build skills
  • Team meetings are lead by a combination of Arboretum staff and advanced Learning by Leading participants
  • Spaces are limited and an application is required

Winter 2024 Details   

  • Team meetings are one and a half hours weekly, in person at the Humber Arboretum (North Campus)
  • Winter 2024 meetings will take place on TUESDAYS from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.
  • The first meeting will be on Tuesday February 6, 2024
  • There is no meeting during Humber College Reading Week (Tuesday February 27) or the Arb's March Break Camp for kids (Tuesday March 12)
  • Final meeting is on Tuesday April 16 (9 meetings total)

 

How to Apply

Applications are now open for the Winter 2024 semester.

 Fill out this form to apply.  

If you are experiencing any difficulties with the form, please contact the Humber Arboretum for assistance at Angel.SuarezEsquivel @ humber.ca or Emelia.Maceasik @ humber.ca.

The application deadline is Wednesday January 31, 2024 

Learn More

In-Person Info Sessions

We will have two in-person combination info sessions/Arb tours in September:

  • Tuesday January 23, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
  • Tuesday January 30. 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

There is no need to register for these events. Just meet at the Tree of Hope Mosaic and Welcome Gazebo at the Arboretum's front entrance (see the location on Google Maps).

 

Watch a Previous Info Session (Virtual Version - Winter 2022)

In Winter 2022 the Humber Arboretum Ambassadors-in-Training program was held virtually. While the info session below makes specific reference to those virtual sessions, in-person cohorts will cover many of the same topics.

 

LxL Stories

Icon of a pencil on a green background 

Humber Global wrote about Learning by Leading for their blog and newsletter.

Read: Learning by Leading! Humber Connecting Community and Nature through Global Citizenship

 

Benefits

Ambassadors-in-Training who complete all of the requirements will be able to have their experience formally recognized on their Co-Curricular Record and will be welcome to list the position on the Volunteer section of their resume. They will also be eligible to become a full Arboretum Ambassador.

Other benefits include:

  • learn about the natural world 
  • meet new people in a fun and supportive online setting
  • improve professional skills in areas such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, resourcefulness, and professionalism
  • gain specific experience relevant to future employment at the Arboretum or other similar organizations
  • acquire a foundation in sustainable living and engaged citizenship
  • form a deeper connection to your post-secondary community
  • support the Arboretum!

Meet the Volunteer Requirement for the Humber Global Citizenship Certificate - Citizenship at Humber course [currently on hold]

Are you taking part in Humber College’s free Global Citizenship certificate for current students? Students enrolled in GBLC 002: Citizenship at Humber are invited to complete their required volunteer hours by connecting what you’ve learned so far about global citizenship with the Humber Arboretum’s focus on creating thriving nature, healthy communities, and world-ready citizens. The Ambassadors-in-Training experience will allow you to meet your 40-hour requirement while developing knowledge, skills, and nature connection. 

CCR Certified Logo

What is a Co-Curricular Record?

Provided to students by Humber College or the University of Guelph-Humber, the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is a formal record of a student's skill development that has taken place outside of the classroom. This additional transcript is intended to support your future applications for employment or other opportunities.