Young Naturalists Certificate Program

Young Naturalists is a Fall 2025 program for 6th-8th graders interested in forming a deeper connection with the Sonoran Desert.

Become a certified Young Naturalist at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! Gain confidence, form connections, and explore careers as you learn about the Sonoran Desert. Build skills in plant, animal, and mineral identification, nature conservation, and outdoor safety. Discover ecological relationships through nature journaling. Learn and use your art, science, and nature skills with the Desert Museum. See yourself as a part of the ecosystem around you and earn an official Young Naturalist Certificate!

Participants will:

1. Gain outdoor skills and comfort.
2. Build connections to nature.
3. Develop social skills and confidence.
4. Gain science and art skills in observation, research, and communication.
5. Explore future careers.

Who Can Join?

The Young Naturalist Program is open to students in grades 6-8 as of Fall 2025. We will accept up to 20 students. Usually, we accept all who apply, but if more students apply than we have space for, we will choose based on their interest in the program.

What if I was a Young Naturalist last year?

Apply again! Young Naturalists allows participants to build on current skills while developing leadership abilities. When applying, be sure to select "yes" for the question, "Have you participated in the Young Naturalist program before?"

2025 Dates Coming Soon! We will have 8 meetings over the course of August – December on Saturdays from 9am-1pm.

Price:

• Members $55
• Non-Members $65

Enjoy Member Pricing for Family Members: Any family member of an active Museum member is eligible to receive member pricing on the Young Naturalists program fees.

Other ways for you to join us or learn more about the club:

Email — education@desertmuseum.org
Call — 520-883-3025