Berks Nature is recruiting a dedicated group of volunteers to be trained as “Berks Nature Ambassadors”. What does this mean? It means that you will receive basic training related to all the good conservation work that we do. Upon completion of your training, you will officially become a volunteer Berks Nature Ambassador. Our Ambassadors will be our trained volunteers that can help train others, lead projects, answer questions, and simply help enhance and protect the environment!
Berks Nature Ambassadors
There is a simple application process and fee schedule. There is a $75 fee to participate in this training program, which includes a $25 “Champion of Nature” tax deductible donation. Please pay the fee online using the button below or send a check by mail to 575 St. Bernardine St. Reading 19607.
Applications for the 2024 Ambassador Class are now CLOSED.
Prior to applying, please review the training schedule and make sure you can commit to the Welcome & Introduction Night on March 28th, plus at least 4 of the training courses. If you cannot attend the required but are still interested, contact us, and we might be able to work around it.
Next, there are five special training opportunities for interested Ambassadors to learn about our organization and practical conservation skills. To become an official Berks Nature Ambassador, attendance at 4 out of 5 training sessions is required. The Welcome & Introduction Night on March 28th is designed for all interested applicants. Also note, those interested in focusing their Ambassador skills on water quality and testing are required to attend the two-day Hydrology training listed on the schedule.
Finally, the state requires that anybody who has regular contact with children obtain 3 clearances to ensure the safety of our children. Since a Berks Nature Ambassador may have contact with children, all 3 clearances that are required to work with children must be submitted. They are free since this is a volunteer position, unless you have not lived in PA for more than 10 years. If you have not lived in Pennsylvania for the past ten (10) years, then you will need to obtain the more extensive FBI background and fingerprint clearances at a minimal cost.
Along with the background clearances, please sign the documents below and bring them to the Welcome & Introduction Night on March 28th or send them by mail.
Affirmation and Release FormAgreement and Release Form
All Berks Nature Ambassadors must receive three clearances from the list below.
Complete the first 2 clearances online and either of the applicable FBI clearance listed as items 3 and 4.
- Child abuse clearance: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/
public/home – When filling out the application make sure you check, “Volunteer Having Contact with Children”, so there is no charge, and the results take about 5 days to show up online. - PA State Police (PSP) Criminal History Report: https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp Click the volunteer button and results are instant.
- FBI waiver if you have lived in PA for at least 10 years is attached at the end of this document.
- FBI background and fingerprinting if you have not lived in PA for the past 10 years. Please go to the website Identigo.com and scroll down to the Digital Fingerprinting tab for more information.
If you need help or have questions about the clearances, contact Beckey Seel at either Beckey.seel@berksnature.org or 610-372-4992 Ext. 103.
Berks Nature Ambassadors Training Schedule
March 1st – APPLICATIONS DUE!
March 28th 6-9PM – Welcome Night at The Nature Place (575 St. Bernardine Street Reading, PA 19607). This night is intended for ALL interested applicants, you will have the chance to apply after attending this welcome night if you are interested.
April 6th 9AM-12PM – Tree Planting at The Nature Place
April 17th 6-9PM – Education Training at The Nature Place
April 27th 9AM-3PM – Hydrology Part 1 at The Nature Place
May 11th 9AM-1PM – Hydrology Part 2 at The Nature Place
May 25th 9AM-12PM – All about Invasives and Trails. We will meet in The Nature Place parking lot and then carpool to Neversink Mountain!
June 5th 6-9PM – Graduation and Volunteer Appreciation Night at The Rookery at The Nature Place
Certificates and an official Berks Nature Ambassador vest will be awarded to attendees who have completed the Berks Nature Ambassador requirements!