H/Summer Teen Volunteer Program

Summer Teen Volunteer Program

June 19, 2023 – August 18, 2023

We would love to have you spend your summer with us!  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.

Why you should spend the summer volunteering with Da Vinci:

On the “job” experience
Our staff works closely with volunteers to help them develop self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Volunteers get the chance to see what life is like behind the scenes, and what it takes to bring science to life and lives to science.

College and Job Applications
Not only will your volunteer experience look great on applications, it also counts towards many schools’ community service requirements.

Connections
Work one on one with professional educators and scientists. You never know where the connections you make today will take you tomorrow!

Requirements for All Programs

  • Must be 15-17 years old by June 18, 2023
  • Have an email address
  • Obtain clearances by training date*
  • Complete a group interview
  • Complete in-person training

* In accordance with PA State Laws, all volunteers are required to obtain a PA Criminal Background Check and a PA Child Abuse Clearance. Details for obtaining clearances will be provided after the interview process.

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.

 

Volunteer Positions

Counselor in Training Application

Counselors in training are an important part of our summer camp team. Participants volunteer Monday- Friday in either the morning or afternoon for the entirety of the session. We encourage you to apply if you are enthusiastic, love to learn, have an interest in STEM education careers, and can be an excellent role model for our summer campers.

The Basics

When:

  • Session 1: June 19, 2023 – July 7, 2023*
  • Session 2: July 10, 2023 – July 28, 2023
  • Session 3: July 31, 2023 – August 18, 2023
*There will be no camp on July 3 & 4.

 Shifts:

  • Monday- Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Monday- Friday 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
  • You will be able to choose specific sessions on the application.

Training Dates:

  • Session 1: June 18, 2023: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 2: July 9, 2023: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Session 3: July 30, 2023: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Exhibit Guide Application

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 have an interest in a STEM education career and are comfortable interacting with individuals and large groups. Exhibit Guides volunteer for a minimum of one (1) four-hour shift per week.

The Basics

When:

  • June 19, 2023 – August 18, 2023

Shifts:

  • Monday- Saturday; 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Monday- Saturday; 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday; 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Training Dates:

  • June 18, 2023; 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

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.

How old do I have to be to apply?

Our program is designed for teens who are 15-17 years old. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age by June 18, 2023 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!

Should I apply for both 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?

No. There is no fee to participate.

Do I need to interview for the program?

Yes. We will be conducting group interviews with selected applicants in May. 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 both 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 p.m. on Friday, May 26. You will have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 1 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:

  • They have limited availability and thus would not meet the schedule requirements of the program they applied for.
  • They seem uncomfortable talking to people. We realize many teens are nervous during their interviews. However, we look for potential volunteers who seem excited about the possibility of volunteering and want to learn.
  • We get the impression that the parent wants their child to volunteer but the child doesn’t seem interested. We are looking for volunteers who are genuinely interested in helping out.

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.

Important Dates

ActivityDateTimeNotes
Application DeadlineMay 14, 2023By 5 p.m.Applications will be disabled at 5 p.m.
Summer Volunteer InterviewsMay 20, 2023EG: 10-11 a.m.
CIT: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
You only need to attend one interview.
Summer Volunteer InterviewsMay 22, 2023EG: 4-5 p.m.
CIT: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
You only need to attend one interview.
Summer Volunteer Acceptance DeadlineJune 1, 2023By 5 p.m.
Summer Kickoff PartyJune 8, 2023More details will follow after interviews.
CIT Training Session 1June 18, 20239 a.m.-12 p.m.You must attend training.*
CIT Training Session 2July 9, 20239 a.m.-12 p.m.You must attend training.*
CIT Training Session 3July 30, 20239 a.m.-12 p.m.You must attend training.*
Exhibit Guide TrainingJune 18, 20239 a.m.-12 p.m.You must attend training.*
Summer Volunteer Program StartsJune 19, 2023Not everyone will start this day. This is the start of summer.
Summer Volunteer Program EndsAug. 18, 2023

Contact: Amanda Martin

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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.
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