Another round of docent training begins Sept. 18 at the Tennessee Aquarium, so new volunteers need to sign up quickly if they would like to get involved.

The word docent means sharer of knowledge, and for the past eight years Bill and Jola Burch have been sharing their love and knowledge of the natural world with Aquarium visitors. Bill and Jola drive from Cleveland, Tn., to Chattanooga once a week to volunteer. Mrs. Burch is a retired teacher who enjoys meeting people from all over the world. “We feel like we’re doing something for somebody else. We’re helping the Aquarium, but we’re also helping other people enjoy what’s happening at the Aquarium. It makes you feel good,” she said.

Mr. Burch enjoys interacting with the public as a docent, but he also enjoys getting face to mask with many of the aquatic creatures as a diver. "Docents and divers are both specialists in their roles. Docents bring caring and knowledge about the Aquarium with them and divers bring a physical skill-set to the Aquarium,” he said.

Thom Benson, communications manager, said, "Volunteers help make the guest experience at the Tennessee Aquarium one of the best in the nation. According to the 2006 Morey and Associates Aquarium Benchmark Survey of eight major U.S. aquariums, the Tennessee Aquarium tops the list in Overall Satisfaction, Admission Value, Entertainment Experience, and Employee Courtesy categories."

The Aquarium benefits from talented volunteers who help carry out the mission of inspiring wonder and appreciation for the natural world. In fact it would be impossible to operate two buildings without the 600 volunteers who work with the plants and animals. “You don’t need to be an expert or feel intimidated,” said Julie Piper, volunteer coordinator at the Aquarium. “We provide all of the training. All we really need are cheerful and enthusiastic people who enjoy nature.”

Mr. Burch tells others that volunteering is “an enjoyable way to give back to the community.” Mrs. Burch explains another side of volunteering she likes the most. “We have a whole new group of friends that are like an extended family. And when a new volunteer comes in, we make them feel right at home and we pull them into the group.”

Mr. Benson said, "If you have ever wondered why a penguin has a 'tuxedo,' how many teeth a shark has, or what kind of plants butterflies prefer, you may have the natural curiosity needed to become a docent at the Tennessee Aquarium.

To volunteer at the Tennessee Aquarium, sign-up online at: http://www.tnaqua.org/Get_Involved/Volunteer.asp , or call the volunteer office at 1-800-262-0695 ext. 3057.

Aquarium volunteers enjoy benefits including:
-20% discount in the Tennessee Aquarium or IMAX® 3D Theater gift shops
-IMAX passes
-Volunteer uniform
-Family membership (after three months of service)
-Free individual admission to the Aquarium
-Access to computers equipped with Internet
-Pass exchanges to other attractions
-Volunteer recognition events: party, picnic and gifts
-Aquarium guest passes (after one year of service)
-Hour pins for volunteer service
-Free parking during each volunteer shift