Is there a statewide Junior Master Naturalist program?
We currently do not have a statewide Junior Master Naturalist program due to a lack of funding. Some chapters have developed their own Junior Master Naturalist projects and can be contacted for assistance in developing a project for your chapter. Scroll down to learn more about the need for a statewide Junior Master Naturalist program and how you can help us create it!
What is the idea behind a statewide Junior Master Naturalist program?
While a formal statewide Junior Master Naturalist Program (JMN) has yet to be established, 59% of Master Naturalist chapters’ work with youth as of 2012, targeting youth in early elementary (80%), older elementary (73%) and middle school (60%). Only 13.3% of these efforts involve high school age youth. Most programs consist of monthly or short-term intensive programs.
Current Texas Master Naturalist youth programs take place in public schools, city or county parks, state parks, and to a lesser extent, in private schools, boy and girl scouts, and other venues. Formally establishing a Junior Master Naturalist statewide program and outlining program guidelines, functions, curriculum and roles would assist current efforts by addressing issues that TMNs have identified as obstacles in their programming.
What are the goals of a statewide Junior Master Naturalist program?
The mission of the state-wide Junior Master Naturalist program would be: To develop a lifelong appreciation and knowledge of natural history and natural sciences among youth; and develop skills in personal development (My Self) and in service and leadership for sustainable communities (My Community). The goals of the program include:
1. Develop lifelong appreciation of Texas natural history and natural sciences among youth of all ages.
2. Provide knowledge resources to youth of Texas regarding natural history and natural sciences.
3. Give Texas youth a means for personal development in service and leadership for sustainable communities.
Why is forming a statewide Junior Master Naturalist program important?
Having a state-wide Junior Master Naturalist program would allow the Texas Master Naturalist program to provide support through consistent branding, messaging, and curriculum across the program.
The program will facilitate direct contact with the outdoors allowing youth to experience being part of the larger environment to foster personal development, enhanced academic performance, and promote a lifelong interest in learning. A JMN does, acts, sees. JMN learn from doing and that is what connects them to the earth. JMN will develop a relationship with the earth through participation in problem solving and making decisions as active participants in sustainable communities.
Ecological problems are cultural problems. We must recognize social and ecological interdependence and explicitly teach that knowledge and build the skills to address how these two interact. To raise youth to be the leaders of sustainable communities, they must practice participation, problem solving, and decision making skills from an early age.
How can I help?
The next steps for developing a Junior Master Naturalist Program would be to build a JMN resource toolbox and curricula, finalize JMN guidelines with inputs from current youth programs within the TMN program, pilot test training, and then refine and expand the JMN program. Additional manpower and resources are needed to finalize this program and manage the day-to-day direction to establish a true JMN program and guidebook for TMN chapters to utilize.
You can help by promoting and donating to the Texas Master Naturalist Endowment, and by promoting and purchasing a Texas Master Naturalist License Plate. Funds from these resources can be used towards the development of a JMN statewide program.