FBHI Boston Light Historical Interpreter (Tour Guide) Volunteer Description
To volunteer, please first read the description below, and then complete the VOLUNTEER INQUIRY FORM by clicking HERE.
U.S. Coast Guard Light Station Boston, Little Brewster Island
Little Brewster Island is a wind-swept outcropping of rock in outer Boston Harbor. Interpreters need to be prepared to be outside in the elements and enjoy being out-of-doors. Boston Light is an active Coast Guard Light Station with no food concession or other amenities, with Interpreters needing to bring lunch, snacks, beverage, and sufficient outerwear for predicted weather. Description: - Training is provided by the Keeper of Boston Light and a NPS Park Ranger (refer to the schedule below) to assist in acquiring knowledge about the historical significance of Light Station Boston; integrating its history and activities into the broader aspects of the Boston Harbor National Park, the general importance of aids to navigation in Boston Harbor, and the general natural environment of Little Brewster.
Personal Qualities: committed to developing appropriate and effective interpersonal skills for interacting with the diverse population that visit the island and with other Interpreters (Rangers, AUX, FBHI), Keeper, and Assistant Keepers; ability to meet minimum duty requirements (see below); and flexible in adapting unusual circumstances that may occur on an outer-harbor island.
Requirements:
Historical Interpreter Training for 2013
Saturday, May 11th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Coast Guard Base – Function Hall 427 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109
Saturday, June 15th 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
On-island training Depart: New England Aquarium onboard M/V (motor vessel) COLUMBIA POINT
Historical Interpreter Qualifying Process
1. Attending an “ashore” 4-hour training consisting of historical significance, contents of the Boston Light Interpreter Training Guide, relationship with the Coast Guard, National Park Service (NPS), Island Alliance (IA), Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Friends of Boston Harbor Islands (FBHI)
2. Attending an “on-island” orientation to become familiar with the island. (Note: The “Orientation” does not count toward the 3-day obligation of Interpreter Duty.)
3. Completing the “Interpreter Qualification Checklist” (provided at the ashore training) with an assigned Mentor
4. “Shadowing” a seasoned Interpreter during the first scheduled Interpreter Duty
5. Developing a lesson plan/activity for approx 10 min in duration
6. Performing 3 Interpreter Duties (Note: the first day of “shadowing” is considered one of the 3 duties)
Maintaining Interpreter Qualification
1. Performing a minimum of three (3) Interpreter days per season
2. Attending the annual Update held in the spring for the purpose of briefing Interpreters for the season, to distribute current year’s schedule and procedures, and to provide the opportunity to schedule three duty dates.
To volunteer, please first read the description above, and then complete the VOLUNTEER INQUIRY FORM by clicking HERE.
U.S. Coast Guard Light Station Boston, Little Brewster Island
Little Brewster Island is a wind-swept outcropping of rock in outer Boston Harbor. Interpreters need to be prepared to be outside in the elements and enjoy being out-of-doors. Boston Light is an active Coast Guard Light Station with no food concession or other amenities, with Interpreters needing to bring lunch, snacks, beverage, and sufficient outerwear for predicted weather. Description: - Training is provided by the Keeper of Boston Light and a NPS Park Ranger (refer to the schedule below) to assist in acquiring knowledge about the historical significance of Light Station Boston; integrating its history and activities into the broader aspects of the Boston Harbor National Park, the general importance of aids to navigation in Boston Harbor, and the general natural environment of Little Brewster.
Personal Qualities: committed to developing appropriate and effective interpersonal skills for interacting with the diverse population that visit the island and with other Interpreters (Rangers, AUX, FBHI), Keeper, and Assistant Keepers; ability to meet minimum duty requirements (see below); and flexible in adapting unusual circumstances that may occur on an outer-harbor island.
- A Boston Light Historical Interpreter Training Guide is provided for self-study for developing a lesson plan/program of a topic of interest to prepare for interacting with visitors.
- The NPS-IA (National Park Service-Island Alliance) tour season runs for 16-weeks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. In 2012, there were 2,800 visitors to the island.
- The Interpreter day begins with meeting and greeting visitors at the dock at the New England Aquarium and accompanying them on the NPS-IA chartered vessel to Boston Light. Once on the island, Interpreters staff a pre-determined “station” (e.g. Boathouse, Cistern Building, Beach, Grounds) where they interact with visitors – sharing historical/cultural/natural history with them, answering questions, and maintaining situational awareness to ensure their safety.
- There is a morning and an afternoon tour with time in-between for passengers onboard pleasure boats to be dropped off at the seasonal dock or land on the beach via kayak/dinghy for a tour.
- There is an annual “Boston Light Appreciation Day” to individually recognize the cadre of volunteers.
Requirements:
- Complete the Interpreter training program. Dates for 2013 are listed below
- Obtain, wear, and maintain the FBHI uniform properly
- Perform a minimum of (tbd) Interpreter duties each season
- Submit volunteer hours to FBHI Coordinator, Carol Fithian, in a timely manner
Historical Interpreter Training for 2013
Saturday, May 11th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Coast Guard Base – Function Hall 427 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109
Saturday, June 15th 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
On-island training Depart: New England Aquarium onboard M/V (motor vessel) COLUMBIA POINT
Historical Interpreter Qualifying Process
1. Attending an “ashore” 4-hour training consisting of historical significance, contents of the Boston Light Interpreter Training Guide, relationship with the Coast Guard, National Park Service (NPS), Island Alliance (IA), Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Friends of Boston Harbor Islands (FBHI)
2. Attending an “on-island” orientation to become familiar with the island. (Note: The “Orientation” does not count toward the 3-day obligation of Interpreter Duty.)
3. Completing the “Interpreter Qualification Checklist” (provided at the ashore training) with an assigned Mentor
4. “Shadowing” a seasoned Interpreter during the first scheduled Interpreter Duty
5. Developing a lesson plan/activity for approx 10 min in duration
6. Performing 3 Interpreter Duties (Note: the first day of “shadowing” is considered one of the 3 duties)
Maintaining Interpreter Qualification
1. Performing a minimum of three (3) Interpreter days per season
2. Attending the annual Update held in the spring for the purpose of briefing Interpreters for the season, to distribute current year’s schedule and procedures, and to provide the opportunity to schedule three duty dates.
To volunteer, please first read the description above, and then complete the VOLUNTEER INQUIRY FORM by clicking HERE.
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