Summer 2013 Youth Volunteer Program

Description

Each summer, the Museum offers many exciting volunteer opportunities for youth ages 14-18. The Summer Youth Volunteer Program requires a commitment of two 3.5 hour shifts per week between July 8 & August 30. Summer Youth Volunteers engage visitors in activities, exhibits and programs in order to encourage curiosity, questioning and exploration of science and technology in the following participating programs:

Position Summary

Cahners ComputerPlace : Cahners ComputerPlace provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about computer science topics such as robotics, artificial intelligence and programming. Volunteers will engage visitors in activities and discussions to explore computers as tools for helping us understand and change our world.

Discovery Center : The Discovery Center provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide variety of science topics by manipulating real objects and equipment. Volunteer interpreters engage visitors in conversations and encourage them to use science process skills in order to experience the reward of discovering on their own. Volunteers must be comfortable working with infants, toddlers, and children under age 8.

Exhibit Hall Interpretation : The Exhibit Hall Interpretation Department stimulates interest, inquiry, and enthusiasm about science and technology through hands-on activities. Volunteers initiate informal science discussions with visitors by walking the exhibit halls with props to help visitors engage with exhibit components; they may also set up a hands-on activities cart in an exhibit to explore a particular concept with visitors.

Computer Clubhouse : The Computer Clubhouse is an after-school learning environment where young people work with mentors and volunteers to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. Volunteers will engage in programs that support the creative exploration of the music studio, video production suites, digital art and graphic design stations.

Live Animal Center : The Live Animal Center (LAC) cares for the Museum’s collection of live animals. The collection of over 100 animals is used for the Museum's educational activities such as exhibits, live presentations and school programs. Volunteers in the Live Animal Center are serious about animal care and will experience different aspects of animal care. Volunteers in the Live Animal Center assist in the handling, care, and feeding of wild animals used for educational programs in the Museum. Volunteers also help with the maintenance of the Live Animal Center, including much cage cleaning, floor sweeping, and other tasks as required. Volunteers must have a special interest in animals and commitment to the serious nature of dealing with live, wild animals

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must be between 14 and 18 years of age as of July 1st, 2012.
• Interest in the sciences and motivated to learn more
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, initiative, and reliability
• Comfortable interacting with children, teens and adults.

Additional Details

Commitment

• We ask that volunteers commit to two 3.5 hour shifts per week on different days for the entire duration of the program, July 4th - September 5th. We understand that activities like vacations, camps and classes are important during the summer months. However, due to short run of the program, we will not be able to accept applicants who will be unavailable for more than two scheduled days (one week).
• Accepted volunteers must attend a mandatory New Volunteer Orientation and department orientation in late June.

Special Notes

• Submit a Youth Volunteer Application form, reference letter & parent form by *5pm, May 3rd*
• Please specify your top 2 department choices on your application.
• Youth applications are on our website http://www.mos.org/support_mos/volunteering
• Scan & email completed materials to volunteer1@mos.org or mail completed materials to Office of Volunteer Services, Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114-1099

How To Apply

Become part of our volunteer team! To apply, please print the appropriate volunteer application below, complete it, and mail it to our Office of Volunteer Services:

Mail to:

Office of Volunteer Services Museum of Science Science Park Boston, MA 02114-1099

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum of Science seeks to recruit, hire, develop, promote, and retain individuals from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds and persons with disabilities. We strive to create and sustain a more affirming environment for all staff, interns, volunteers, trustees and overseers. We value expertise gained at the Museum and encourage professional development and career growth.