Kim: One of the best junior interpreter programs I've ever seen was at the Museum of American Frontier Culture in Staunton, VA. At the ALHFAM regional held on site a year and a half ago, not only did they hold a session on this remarkable program.....but it's efficiency was demonstrated in the most remarkable way. With the weather at the start of the conference being a moderate blizzard (with the wind chill plunging to well below zero), many of the museum's professional staff could not reach the site to open and interpret the 4 historic farms that make up the museum's key interpretive areas for the conference attendees. (....those who weren't stopped by the weather themselves) Two local junior interpretation volunteers (13-15 year-olds?) who could reach the museum (ah, for parents w/ 4x4's) ended up opening the American farm house, building & maintaining the fire, giving interpreted tours of the building, answering questions from the visiting professionals, and teaching various period crafts and games for almost 3 hours before the first adult supervisor arrived. The two handled the difficult situation with such grace and aplomb that I can't imagine ANY museum which wouldn't be proud to have them on staff... I know I wanted to kidnap them for my site! I know that among the keys to MAFC's program are high selection standards for the few chosen for the program, serious training and commitment requirements, and on-going individualized mentoring throughout the program. But I'd suggest writing or calling them to get full details. -- Mark L. Shanks [log in to unmask] "Clio Eternum, Vita Brevis"