Volunteer Opportunities for Teens

Teen volunteers play a key role in summer programs, special events, school break camps, and more.  If you are interested in volunteering with us, please review the volunteer opportunities below, fill out an application form, and bring it by the Center or mail it to us at 7112 Newcastle.

Download BOTH our General Volunteer Application & our Summer Teen Sheet (pdf)
(The Summer Teen Sheet is REQUIRED for all teens who want to volunteer for Summer positions and must be submitted in addition to the General Volunteer Application.)  NOTE:  We've extended the deadline for this year - Summer volunteer applications will be due on or before April 15, 2013.

School Break and Summer Science Camp Counselors - Middle and High School students are invited to be counselors at camps for 5 - 10 year olds. One-day School's Out Day Camps are held during winter holidays and spring break. Week-long camps are held between June and August. Camp counselors assist the teachers and help individual campers with crafts, projects, games, etc. (Training provided*)

Sneak-a-Peek Assistant - Teens who assist with our Sneak-a-Peek program work with the instructor, an NDC Staff member, to prepare craft and other class materials, help children ages 3.5 - 5 with class activities and and crafts, and help clean up after class is over.  Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors.  (Training provided*)

Summer/weekend Discovery Room Interpreters - Discovery Room docents greet families as they come in and help them to find the animals and activities that are interesting and age appropriate for their children. (Training provided*)

Summer Group Guides –Group Guides lead small groups of pre-school and elementary aged kids on explorations in the park and visits to the Discovery Rooms- helping them find interesting and age appropriate activities. (Training provided*)

Animal Care Assistants - Our live animals require daily care, and we have a team of teen assistants who help us make sure they are fed and watered, and that their cages are kept clean and safe. This job often requires the handling of animals themselves, and we need volunteers who are willing to do this without fear.  (Training provided*)

Exhibits/Special Project Volunteer - Volunteers with interests and skills in such areas as research, art, writing, construction, photography, and more are needed to work on special projects and Center exhibits from time to time.  Note:  We will not be needing any Exhibit/Special Project Volunteers for Summer 2012.

Community Event Activity Guides - Volunteers help guide children and their families in fun and educational activities during our Spring Fling, Family Fun Evening, Pumpkin Patch, and Holiday Market. 2 or 3 hour shifts.

House Artists - Help with artwork and signage for exhibits, discovery boxes, etc. Flexible schedule.

*Training sessions are provided for individuals or groups of people interested in volunteer positions that require guidance and specialized instruction. Please call for more information.

Note:  If we have not described a position that matches your interests and talents, give us a call at 713.667.6550 or email (mail @). All contributions of time, talent and energy are welcome!

What Teen Volunteers Say About Volunteering with Us

"I loved being with the kids!"

"I enjoyed working with the kids, the relaxed environment, the interesting activities."

"I enjoyed the kids 'enthusiasticness.'"

"Working with kids is really fun.You get to build strong relationships with campers and counselors."

"I enjoyed helping kids with their projects. Some are really fun!"