The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery welcomes young scientists and educators to be a part of our Teen Volunteer Program this summer. Join the visitor experience team for a fun summer that aims to build and develop valuable skills in science instruction and public speaking within the museum world. Volunteers will enhance the visitor experience from the moment they step through the front doors with friendly faces and proper greeting to set the tone for their visit. We will also lead small educational moments through hands on activities that all ages can enjoy, and we will spend time areas like the Discovery Zoo to encourage guests to learn more about the animals or our other exhibits. 

Information about the summer teen volunteer program is listed below. Please use the link at the bottom of this page to access the application. Please email any questions to Jordan Utterback @ jutterback@boonshoftmuseum.org

Summer Program Dates

• Start Date: Monday June 8th, 2026
• End Date: Friday August 14th, 2026

Volunteer Schedule
Volunteers in the program will be assigned two shifts each week from 10:00am to 3:00pm. We will have shifts available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 

The schedule chosen aims to hit our peak visitation times during the summer weeks to keep the team active and engaged. It also allows volunteers to maximize their time spent learning the museum world with us. A volunteer who attends both days of their chosen schedule will end the summer with 100 service hours!

Application Requirements
All applications must be completed by Sunday April 5, 2026. The number of accepted applicants is limited and a place this summer is not guaranteed with just a submitted application. It is important that everyone carefully complete all aspects of the application process to be considered. A complete application includes:

• Applicant is 14-18 years of age.
• Completed questionnaire.
  • • The questionnaire file can be found and downloaded from inside the online application.
    • You will download it, answer the questions, and then upload it during your online application. 
• One letter of recommendation.
  • • The letter can be from a teacher, counselor, coach, mentor, or friend of family.
    • This letter will be uploaded in your online application.
• Attend an interview with Jordan Utterback.
  • • This will be scheduled after your online application has been received and reviewed for completeness. 
    • Interview times will flexible based on the availability of the applicant such as after school or on the weekends.

Program Entry & Orientation
After April 5th, all applications will be reviewed and volunteers for the 2026 summer will be selected and notified for their next steps. This includes:

• Completion of a Parent/Guardian Authorization form.
• Attendance at the Summer Orientation Day scheduled for Saturday May 16, 2026.
  • • You cannot skip orientation day as we review the goals for the summer, meet the team, get a uniform, review the volunteer handbook, and train for the summer.