4-H Peer Teacher Program

Are you between the ages of 13 and 16, love history and want to explore volunteer possibilities as a costumed historical interpreter?

Teens, age 13-16 can learn to be a historical interpreter at a living history museum! The 4-H Peer Teacher/Jr. Interpreter Program is operated in conjunction with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. It provides countless opportunities for teens to gain skills in public speaking and interacting with museum visitors from around the globe. Youth gain skills in certain trades demonstrated at any of the five interpretive sites, and enjoy an amazing opportunity to share their love of history.

Teens from Gloucester, York/Poquoson and James City County ages 13-16 are eligible to participate in this program. Eligible teens must submit an application to Gloucester - Virginia Cooperative Extension and complete an in-person interview to be scheduled at Yorktown or Jamestown. Selected youth will be required to attend two days of orientation, and will then be assigned to one of five interpretive sites (based on their preferences) for training. Sites include: At the Jamestown Settlement: Paspahegh Town, recreated Ships, and recreated James Fort; At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Continental Army Encampment and Revolution-era Farm.

Once assigned, youth will spend five days training alongside a costumed interpreter to master one station within their site (it could be knots for example on the ships).   Participants must be present for all 5 days to successfully complete the program.  Upon completion of the training sessions and successful mastery of the station, youth may be asked to continue volunteering for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation as a costumed interpreter. They would be expected to volunteer at least 8 hours per month during the school year and 16 hours per month during the summer.