Teen Volunteer Playworker Program
A Teen Volunteer Playworker is 7 through 12-grade student during the application year, who is looking to be active in their community, learn important job skills, and has an interest in early childhood education, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), agriculture, and Dakota history. This role is a perfect fit for an outgoing and energetic volunteer who enjoys meeting new people and trying new things. Teen Volunteer Playworkers are trained on all Museum exhibits so they can understand the play experience and help provide a welcoming atmosphere to Museum visitors.
2019-2020 Program Cancelled
The Teen Volunteer Playworker program has been paused due to safety protocols put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to restart the program once it is deemed safe to do so. In the meantime, please explore the resources here to learn more about the program, and be sure to join our mailing list for updates on restarting this initiative!
What does a Teen Volunteer Playworker do?
Play!
Spend your time playing with children in the Museum’s exhibits and supporting our programming. You’ll volunteer with our Playwork staff and other volunteers, and have an opportunity to meet a lot of new people.
Learn!
Build your teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. This is a great way to build your resume for scholarships, college applications, and future employment.
Serve!
Support your community and the families who visit the Museum with playful learning experiences by giving your time. You’ll be a positive role-model and make an impact on the lives of thousands of children.
Teen Volunteer Playworker duties include:
- Willingness to embrace informal learning opportunities.
- Providing a high level of enthusiastic customer service.
- Modeling play and engaging visitors in exhibits and activities.
- Answering visitor questions about the Museum and seeking out answers if not known.
- Resetting exhibits and activities on an as-needed basis.
- Performing some janitorial duties.
- Providing for a suitable level of safety for visitors.
Teen Volunteer Playworker qualifications include:
- Enthusiasm and support for the Museum.
- Enjoyment of and enthusiasm for children and families.
- Dependability, self-motivation, creativity, and flexibility.
- Being visitor-focused.
- Parent or guardian permission and support.
- Attending 7th through 12th grade in the application year
- Committing to a minimum of 2 hours per week.