Many rewarding and satisfying volunteer opportunities exist at Discovery Center. Our volunteers make a difference at the museum and in our community. We offer a fun environment where volunteers can assist our staff with classes, special events, exhibit maintenance and much more. If you are interested, please look at our volunteer positions and complete an application. Once we receive your application, you will be invited to attend volunteer orientation. You MUST attend training before your first shift.
For more information, you can email us at volunteer@discoverycentermuseum.org or call (815) 963-6769.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Youth Experiencing Science (YES) Volunteers
This program provides opportunities for teens ages 13-17 to assist with event activities and interact with museum visitors. Here are just a few things you may be asked to do as a volunteer at the museum…helping families do art projects in the Art Studio, running a station at a special event, playing with children in the museum, face painting, assisting with cleaning and keeping the museum looking good, or attending off-site programs (i.e. City Market). Hours are flexible to meet the needs of busy families! Complete a Volunteer Application form here.
Exhibits Volunteers
Discovery Center relies on a talented group of volunteers to help keep our exhibits operating. If you have mechanical, electrical, carpentry, engineering or creative skills you'd like to share with the museum, please join us! Our exhibit volunteers find the work at Discovery Center to be challenging, rewarding and fun! Contact Exhibits Director Bruce Quast for more information at bruceq@discoverycentermuseum.org or phone (815) 972-2833.
Group/Corporate Volunteers
There is strength in numbers and Discovery Center wants to give your group an opportunity to be a part of the Rockford community and give back. Group volunteers assist the museum staff with family learning activities and exhibit maintenance. Here are just a few projects your group may be asked to help with…maintaining existing and new exhibits, cleaning and painting museum spaces, preparing materials for classes and workshops, or helping at special events. Group volunteers must be 13 years or older.
Adult Volunteers
Whether you’re retired, looking to give back to your community, or have an extra few hours in your busy week, Discovery Center offers many opportunities for adults (18 years and older) to assist at the museum. Here are just a few things you may be asked to do as a volunteer at the museum…assist with Tot Spot classes, help a staff member with birthday parties on the weekends, prepare materials for upcoming classes and events, work at special events (i.e. Rockford Pro Am), or help with mailings and other office work. We require a background check for all adult volunteers.
FAQs:
How do I become a volunteer?
Complete our online volunteer application. If you are an adult volunteer (18 years or older), you will also need to submit the Criminal Background Check Release Form. Once we receive your completed application, you’ll be invited to attend volunteer orientation. You MUST attend volunteer training before your first volunteer shift. If businesses want their employees to volunteer as a group, no application is needed. Simply reach out to our volunteer coordinator at 815-972-2839.
When is Volunteer Training?
We offer monthly training sessions for new volunteers. Potential volunteers are invited to attend a training once their application has been received.
Why do I need to attend Volunteer Training?
Orientation provides potential volunteers an opportunity to tour the museum, become familiar with museum policies and procedures, meet museum staff, learn how to track service hours and observe customer interactions.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We accept youth 13 years or older for our Y.E.S. (Youth Experiencing Science) volunteer program.
How often do I have to volunteer?
You can volunteer as much or as little as you like. You set your own schedule! General volunteer shifts are daily from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 1:00 to 4:30 pm. Special Event shifts may vary.
What do volunteers do at the museum?
Volunteers at
Discovery Center Museum do a variety of fun and rewarding jobs ranging from assisting staff with classes, camps and special events, maintaining exhibits, helping in the Art Studio, attending off-site programs and interacting with museum visitors.
What is expected of me while I am volunteering?
We expect our volunteers to be friendly and flexible and most importantly, to have FUN! In addition, we ask you to be on time, be prepared to work and learn and be professional.
Why should I volunteer at Discovery Center Museum?
In addition to a sense of self-fulfillment and helping out in your community, volunteering lets you meet new people, gain new skills and knowledge, fulfill service hour requirements and explore different career paths. Not to mention, we offer awesome incentives including museum membership, free day passes and more!