When you volunteer at a Dayton Society of Natural History location like the Boonshoft or SunWatch, you join a team of volunteers who represent multiple ages, interests, and areas of expertise. The Dayton Society of Natural History has year-round opportunities for individuals to contribute to meaningful projects and get hands-on while interacting with the community—all while having fun and meeting new people.
Follow the link below to find short summaries for all of our volunteer opportunities at Boonshoft and SunWatch. Volunteers receive a basic orientation and receive training for their specific position as they work alongside staff in their assignments. All applicants must meet the position requirements, submit an online application, and submit any extra paperwork required.
Teen Summer Volunteer Applications have CLOSED!!
The Education department at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery welcomes young scientists and educators to be a part of our Teen Summer Volunteer Program. Join the education team for a fun and engaging summer that aims to build skills in public speaking and informal science instruction. Volunteers will take part in and lead educational experiences across the museum to assist the education team’s goal of providing educational and engaging moments for visitors of all ages.
Program Dates and Hours
This is a 10-week program that starts June 2nd and runs to August 10th. Volunteers are assigned a specific day and shift that they will keep for the duration of the 10-week program. All shifts will include time leading a variety of public programs in different areas of the museum with fellow volunteers and a break. The current programs days are:
- Sundays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
- Mondays-Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Assignments are based on the availability and the number of accepted applicants. Opportunities for additional hours may appear around specialty events or personal requests.
Application Requirements
Please read each point below carefully to make sure you meet each requirement.
- Applications are open and close April 1st, 2024.
- All applicants must be between the ages of 12-17 by the start of the program on June 2nd.
- A questionnaire will be sent to you after you submit your application that must be completed and sent back.
- A letter of recommendation must accompany your application and be sent to volunteer@boonshoftmuseum.org
- This letter must be written by someone other than an immediate family member. We recommend a schoolteacher, coach, counselor, or friend of the family.
Applications received after the closing date, missing their letter of recommendation, questionnaire, or not meeting the age requirement will not be accepted.
Orientation Dates
Accepted applicants will be contacted to attend a summer orientation. Orientation is mandatory and will cover museum policies, scheduling, hour tracking, dress code, volunteer expectations, and small training session for educational programs. We offer four orientations dates, and you must attend one of them.
- Saturday May 11, 9am-12pm
- Sunday May 12, 12pm-3pm
- Saturday May 18, 9am-12pm
- Sunday May 19, 12pm-3p
Questions? Get in Touch with Us!
If you have questions about the opportunities or group opportunities, please submit an inquiry form and our team will reach out to you via email or phone.
Questions can also be directed to volunteer@boonshoftmuseum.org
Access VicNet (Volunteer Information Center Network)
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Are you a current volunteer who needs to update their online profile? Email Volunteer@BoonshoftMuseum.org for a special link