2026 Junior Docent Program
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum preserves and shares our region’s cultural history for all! One of the most exciting ways we fulfill this mission is through our Junior Docent Program. Each summer a team of high school students are selected to support our education, collections, and marketing departments. This group of curious, talented, and dedicated young people are critical to our efforts to connect with the community.
This summer was unique. Meg Yevara, CSPM Program Administrator, was away on parental leave and our new Education Assistant, Tim Valdez, quickly stepped in to manage the program. We were excited to welcome back all returning students from the previous year, who brought great enthusiasm and skills they had already developed. This group of 8 collectively contributed 580 hours between May and early August – averaging 72 hours per student when we only require 40! We are thrilled to recognize Addie, Alexis, Alivia, Ashton, Ela, Elina, Farah, and Macey as the Volunteer Team of the Month.
“I have worked with thousands of youths in my career, and this was one of the most enjoyable experiences. They are all highly motivated, goal-oriented individuals that have a deep love of regional history. The Junior Docents love being here.”
“I am grateful to Tim and the rest of the CSPM Staff for supporting our Junior Docents during my leave. I am proud of the maturity and professionalism our returning students showed in taking on this challenge. It was exciting to come back to the museum and learn about all their great programs and engagement with the public! They are so deserving of this recognition.”
Daily, Junior Docents are responsible for arriving early, setting up their “Hands on History” station, and interacting with visitors. One of their primary roles is to lead activities for summer children’s groups from local daycares and youth camps. Macey, our Junior Docent Mentor, also assisted with group orientations and program preparation. Students supported special events, including the COS Culture Passport Launch, the exhibit opening for Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs, and the celebration of Colorado’s 150th birthday.
Our JDs are active in the community, not only supporting the CSPM, but volunteering for other organizations like the El Paso County Nature Centers and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Some took college courses throughout the summer and others worked multiple jobs. Tim Valdez shared, “One challenge we had was reminding these students to remember to just be a kid!” We are impressed with their drive and are honored to be part of their stories. We love that the CSPM is a place where they can do something they truly enjoy – being museum nerds.
Thank you to this wonderful team and congratulations to all!
The 2026 Junior Docent Program was generously sponsored by D.A. Davidson, MB Legacy Group, a member of D.A. Davidson & Co.
This summer, due to the generous support of our sponsor, Junior Docents had the opportunity to earn a $300 honorarium for their service.