If you love talking to people, have a passion for science, and are looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer, our volunteer program is right for you.
Volunteers are a vital part of our organization, and we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities designed to fit every schedule and interest. Our volunteers facilitate exhibits, assist staff, and are members of our summer camp team.
The Summer Teen Volunteer Program is a rigorous experience. We expect much from our teen volunteers. In return, you will develop valuable skills that will help in school and in life.
Requirements for All Programs
* In accordance with PA State Laws, all volunteers are required to obtain a PA Criminal Background Check and a PA Child Abuse Clearance.
Parents and Guardians:
We ask that you let your teen take the lead in this process. If they have questions, we want to hear directly from them. We want to see their own answers on their application. We want them to check their email regularly for updates, schedule their own interview, and introduce themselves when they come on site for that interview.
These requests may sound silly, but they are incredibly important indicators of whether or not they can succeed in our program.
Counselors in training are an important part of our summer camp team. Participants volunteer for at least two (2), week-long shifts (Monday- Friday morning or afternoon). We encourage you to apply if you are enthusiastic, love to learn, and can be an excellent role model for our summer campers.
When:
Shifts:
Training Dates (You must attend both dates):
Program Cost:
Counselors in training are an important part of our summer camp team. Participants volunteer for at least two (2), week-long shifts (Monday- Friday morning or afternoon). We encourage you to apply if you are enthusiastic, love to learn, and can be an excellent role model for our summer campers. Training will take place at Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown; the summer camp will take place in Easton.
When:
Shifts:
Training Dates (You must attend both dates):
Program Cost:
Exhibit guides meet and interact with our visitors every day on the exhibit floor. Our volunteers bring science to life by answering questions, facilitating exhibits, and supervising hands-on experiments. We are looking for enthusiastic, curious people who are comfortable interacting with individuals and large groups. Exhibit Guides volunteer for one (1) four hour shift per week.
When:
Shifts:
Training Dates (You must attend both dates):
Program Cost:
Staff assistants help out behind the scenes preparing summer camp and classroom materials to aid our educators in bringing science to life. We are looking for reliable, independent, and creative individuals to fill this roll. Staff assistants volunteer for one (1) four hour shift per week.
When:
Shifts:
Training Date:
Program Cost:
Which position should I apply for?
That’s up to you! If you enjoy working with children and being a mentor, apply to become a Counselor in Training. If you like working with all different types of people, the Exhibit Guide program is right for you. If you prefer helping out behind the scenes and tapping into your creative side, go with Staff Assistant.
How old do I have to be to apply?
Our program is designed for teens who are15-17 years old. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age by March 31, 2019 to be considered for the program. No exceptions will be made. Our teen volunteers need to be mature and dependable. They need to be self-starters who are comfortable with and capable of volunteering with minimal supervision from our staff.
Can I come with my child when they volunteer?
No. The Da Vinci Science Center places a high degree of trust in our summer volunteers. We enjoy seeing our volunteers branch out on their own to interact with visitors. In our program, many teens complete their first ever interview, learn what it’s like to have to maintain a schedule and let a supervisor know if they can’t come in, develop public speaking skills, etc. They do that best when given the chance to learn by doing on their own!
Can I apply for all three positions?
No. Pick your top choice. Submit your application only for that position. On your application you will be able to indicate a second choice position.
Am I guaranteed a spot in the program if I submit an application?
No. We typically receive more applications for each position than we have spots. Please keep this in mind when you complete your application. It is your introduction to us before we ever have a chance to meet you. We expect to see thoughtful answers crafted in complete sentences! It is expected that the candidate-not their parent-completes the application.
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
Yes. The fee for each position is listed in the position description. This includes the cost of your name tag and your t-shirt which you will wear as part of your uniform. Scholarships are available upon request. The fee is due at training, NOT as an application fee.
Do I need to interview for the program?
Yes. We will be conducting group interviews with selected applicants in April. All interviews will take place at Da Vinci Science Center. Please keep in mind that we do not always interview every candidate. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Do I need to attend all three interviews?
No. You are only required to attend one of the interview sessions. You will be asked for interview availability on your application.
Can I come with my child when they interview?
No. We want your teen to take the initiative when coming in for their interview. We understand that for many teens this is their first interview experience– which is why we make the interview process fun! We are looking for independent and confident volunteers who enjoy being part of a team.
When will I find out if I’ve been selected for the program?
We will email everyone by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 23. You will have until 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 28 to let us know if you’ve chosen to participate in the program. If you decline, we will notify one of the alternates.
Why would someone not be selected for the program?
We wish we could accept everyone for our volunteer program. We typically say no to someone volunteering at our facility for one of the following reasons:
I have a conflict during the scheduled training. Can I make up training at a different time?
No. We cannot train volunteers individually. If you cannot attend the designated training dates, then unfortunately you will not be able to participate this year. We scheduled these dates to avoid most exam schedules and typical early summer vacation conflicts.
| Activity | Date | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Teen Applications Posted | January 2019 | Posted in Volunteer Opportunities under the “About” section. | |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2019 | By 5 p.m. | Applications will be disabled at 5 p.m. |
| Summer Volunteer Interviews | April 17, 2019 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. | You only need to attend one interview. |
| Summer Volunteer Interviews | April 18, 2019 | 4 — 5:30 p.m. | You only need to attend one interview. |
| Summer Volunteer Interviews | April 20, 2019 | 9–10:30 a.m. | You only need to attend one interview. |
| Summer Volunteers Notified of position | April 23, 2019 | By 5 p.m. | You will receive an email if you have been accepted into the program. |
| Summer Volunteer Acceptance Deadline | April 28, 2019 | By 5 p.m. | You will receive an acceptance email with a survey that must be completed. |
| Training for Counselors in Training | June 2 and 13, 2019 | 3 – 9 p.m. and 12 – 5 p.m. | You must attend both training dates. * |
| Training for Exhibit Guides | June 2 and 16, 2019 | 3 – 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | You must attend both training dates. * |
| Training For Staff Assistants | June 2, 2019 | 3 – 9 p.m. | You must attend training. * |
| Summer Volunteer Program Starts | June 17, 2019 | All Day | Not everyone will start this day. This is the summer kickoff. |
| Summer Volunteer Program Ends | Aug. 18, 2019 | All Day | We will follow up with everyone about school year and next summer options the following week. |
* We cannot train volunteers individually. If you cannot attend the designated training dates, then unfortunately you will not be able to participate this year. We scheduled these dates to avoid most exam schedules and typical early summer vacation conflicts.
Contact: Jen Pors, 484-664-1002, Ext. 118
P: 484.664.1002
D: 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, PA 18103
H: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 12-5 p.m.
Get Directions
