Docent Training Application

New applicants: Please read below, then click here to fill out the online application form.
Form for Current Docents: Current docents only--register here.

Questions?  Please write to info@BuffaloTours.org or call (716) 852-3300.
General application deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuition payment deadline: February 8th.
Withdrawal deadline for refund (minus $15 registration fee): February 12th.

The Docent Training program teaches people how to give a guided tour and assist with tour-related events, including concierge and chaperoning skills.  Prospective docents are taught about and tested on local history, architecture, public speaking, organizing information, working with the public, and general tour-giving skills.  After the first five weeks, prospective docents pick which group they would like to stay with.  

This year's partner docent groups are:

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper
Buffalo Tours
Buffalo Religious Arts Center
Roycroft Campus Corporation
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

Many have compared Docent Training to a college-level class.  If a person wishes to become a Buffalo Tours docent, for example, we have five additional weeks of Saturdays where docents study our Queen City Downtown architectural tour.  We then require an oral test (giving a one-on-one tour) and a written test to become a docent. 

Training sessions are from 9:30am-12:30am on Saturdays starting February 13 (2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13).  The first 90 minutes of class focuses on docent skills, homework review, and practice presentations.  The second 90 minutes consists of lectures, tours, and guest speakers.  Locations are usually in Buffalo but we will also have a week in East Aurora and Niagara Falls this year.  Participants are invited to enjoy an informal lunch at a nearby restaurant (they pay their own way) after each session.  The lunch has become a great way to socialize with other volunteers.

Tuition for this ten-week course is $75. You can pay by Visa or MasterCard over the phone by contacting Buffalo Tours at (716) 852-3300. Mail checks payable to:

Buffalo Tours
617 Main Street, Suite M108
Buffalo, NY 14203