The Gamble House has much to offer students of all
ages. Learning about this important house helps them
to gain a sense of pride in their community and themselves,
and helps them realize the importance of preserving
its rich heritage. Conducting house tours for younger
visitors gives these junior docents confidence in
them selves and promotes quick thinking and self
assurance.
The Junior Docent Program trains
7th and 8th grade students to conduct tours for elementary
school classes that visit the House. In preparation,
adult docents visit the Pasadena area schools in
September to describe the program to students that
have been recommended by their teachers. Five or
six students are selected from each school for a
total of about 35 Junior Docents per class. The makeup
of each class reflects the diverse ethnic mix of
the local schools.
Training consists of six two-hour sessions
at the House. Gamble House docents give instructions
on techniques for conducting a tour, and lead small
groups in studying the rooms and the architecture.
Guest speakers illustrate their lectures with slide
presentations, and each Junior Docent receives an
information booklet. The last step in training is
Family Day when Junior Docents conduct tours for
their families and friends.
About 1,000 students from thirty-five elementary
schools visit the House each year under this program.
Junior Docents are assigned to tour these classes
and must interpret to their young visitors the information
they have learned as well as answer questions and
behave in a responsible and professional manner.
Adult docents are on hand to answer questions and
to aid in moving the groups through the House. After
each class the Junior Docents meet with an adult
docent to review their tours, discuss strategies
for improving them, and to celebrate their successes.
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