Volunteer

Join us and play your part in nurturing the naturalists of the future!

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy working with children to assist with our Summer Holiday Club at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The Botanics has a diverse education offer for all ages and you will become part of a vibrant and experienced team.  

This short-term volunteer opportunity is perfect for anyone interested in sharing the joy of plants and nature with children. You will have fun while gaining experience in outdoor learning and getting ideas of how to approach science topics in creative ways which you might share with your community or through careers in education, horticulture or science communication. 

The Mighty Oaks Club will run for four weeks over the school summer holidays from 6th to 31st July 2026 with groups of 15 children from 8 to 12 years old. They will take part in an exciting programme with themed days where they will explore the power of plants through activities in the garden and accompanying activities inside. These activities include storytelling, sensory exploration, nature observations, trails, arts and crafts, games and more. Days are designed to allow for flexibility to suit the group, weather and to allow time to relax and make new friends.

Main Duties

·         Support the club leaders in providing high quality and exciting activities for the children outdoors and in.

·         Help to set up the activities and tidy away kit at the end of the day. 

·         Ensure the children stay safe and feel supported during the day. 

·         Enable the engagement of the children in the different activities provided according to their individual needs. 

·         Provide a welcoming atmosphere for the children and help them feel comfortable and happy during their week at the Botanics.

·         Help supervise children during breaks

·         Note: You will be required to have a PVG Disclosure for this volunteering role with children. RBGE will arrange this at no cost to yourself.  

Commitment

This role requires a commitment of a full week to ensure continuity for the children. You will be based at our Edinburgh site. You will be required between the hours of 9 am – 4.30 pm and will be allocated times to take breaks and have lunch. You will also undertake 1 day of induction and some training with the team before the club weeks begin. Please mention you preferred week in your application from the following dates:

Week 1              6 – 10 July

Week 2             13 – 17 July

Week 3             20 – 24 July

Week 4             27 – 31 July   

How to apply

If this sounds of interest, we would love to hear from you. 

Please complete an application form  mentioning Mighty Oaks in the subject and return to volunteering@rbge.org.uk  

Closing date: Midday 26 May 2026

We will be contracting interested applicants for an informal interview after the closing date.