Discovery Cart Volunteers literally help the exhibits come alive!
The carts are very popular mobile information stations where Museum guests can choose to briefly interact with a ‘real live’ person inside the exhibits. These carts are found in both the Amazing Body Pavilion and in our traveling exhibit area.  Visitors' experiences are enhanced by volunteers who provide models, demonstrations, and hands-on experiments using guided lesson plans created by the Museum’s education staff.

What kinds of Discovery Carts are available?
Four carts currently provide the core of the Discovery Cart program. Three are allocated to the Amazing Body Pavilion and feature the circulatory system, respiratory system, and general nutrition. With these carts, volunteers use the materials provided to explain the functions of major body systems and the value of good nutrition. An additional cart has been created for Genome: The Secret of How Life Works, running through May 4.

Requirements:
Pre-placement orientation and an initial two hour cart training provide an overview of the carts at the Museum.  Interest in health and science a plus. Once trained, volunteers can select two and four-hour shifts per month, choosing to staff one of the 4 carts.

Health Fair Volunteers introduce the public to the Museum and its programs through attendance at festivals, corporate wellness days and schools.  Volunteers pass out materials and demonstrate nutrition basics by showing models of fat and muscle, plus sharing specific nutrition information on the salt, fat and sugar content of common foods.

Requirements:
A pre-placement orientation, followed by an on-site, two-hour training. In addition, volunteers are paired with staff at events until a comfort level is reached.  Must be at least 18, with a valid drivers license and ability to provide own transportation to off-site events (mileage reimbursed).

Dissections and classroom programs:
Limited number of positions available for students in medical research, public health, dietetics, community health, medical and nursing professions seeking work-study, internships or volunteer opportunities in support of the Museum’s Scout Program, Home School Program and School Field Trip Program.   Send resume to: volunteer@thehealthmuseum.org. 

Customer Service Volunteers form the foundation for a positive Museum guest experience, whether through daily operations or special events.  Trained volunteers staff the Admissions Desk, Retail Shop, and Information Desk and handle various Exhibit Hospitality assignments. 

Requirements:

Admissions and Retail:  A pre-placement orientation, 12 hours of general hospitality volunteer hours and a one hour formal training session.  Must be 18 or older and work one 4-hour shift a month. 

Information Desk:  A pre-placement orientation and familiarity with the resource guide and web site in order to provide Museum guests with accurate information about daily programs and Museum activities.  Must be at least 18 or a previous Summer Youth Volunteer.  Works two 3-hour shifts per month.

Exhibit Hospitality and Greeter:  A pre-placement orientation and willingness to take on-the-job direction based on the customer service goals on a given day.  Must be friendly and pro-active in meeting the needs of our visitors.  Must be at least 18 or a previous Summer Youth Volunteer.  Works two 3-hour shifts per month.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Students who volunteer in the summer program are eligible to volunteer at the Museum throughout the year.  Special events do not require previous Museum training and are a great opportunity for student service groups. 

Summer 2008 Youth Volunteer Positions Closed

Youth Volunteer Program: Youth volunteers, ages 14 - 16, begin a relationship with the Museum by committing to a week of service in our Summer Youth Volunteer Program.  Youth volunteers are asked to support the staff in key day-to-day operations and help manage summer field trips.  These students are then invited to volunteer during the school year.

The Summer 2008 Youth Volunteer application process is closed.