Our 1954 Oren fire truck was too big to fit through the proposed doors of the new Discovery Center, so the building was built around it

The Discovery Center serves over 120,000 children and families annually who come to experience the fun, hands-on environment. There are a variety of ways for you to get involved. Discover how you can make a positive impact on children and their families and support the museum by giving your time as a volunteer!  



Benefits of Volunteering:
• Invitations to volunteer events
• Opportunity to meet new people
• Service learning hours
• A chance to make a difference!

Volunteer Requirements:
• Friendly and enthusiastic, Reliable and flexible
• Age 12 or older
• Consent to a background check (if under 19, no background check is required but applicant must have guardian’s consent)

For more information on general volunteer opportunities & benefits, fill out our volunteer application or call (615) 890-2300.

Download our Volunteer Referral Forms

Ways to Get Involved

Administrative
Work "behind the scenes" in Discovery Center’s administrative offices, in any area from marketing to human resources.
When: Weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

Discovery Guide
Make a difference in the creative play experience by encouraging children to explore exhibits and interacting with them, modeling appropriate use of the exhibits, playing, and having fun! Help staff in set up, clean up, organization, and cleaning of play areas. Inform and encourage visitors to attend scheduled programs such as story time and special workshops. A Play Guide is outgoing, patient, resourceful, friendly and reliable.
When: Daily, during museum hours

Studio Assistant
Have an interest in the arts? Provide positive feedback and encouragement as children experiment creatively with a wide variety of art media. Support studio staff by prepping materials and helping with basic cleanup. Studio Assistants are outgoing, patient, resourceful, friendly and reliable.
When: Daily, during museum hours

Discovery Event Volunteers
Individuals are needed to help with one-day events or event series and activities, such as members-only events, a variety of community fairs and First Free Fridays. Ask to be notified of event dates and opportunities! This is the perfect opportunity for those unable to commit to regular volunteering schedules who still want to be involved and those who thrive on variety as no two events are ever the same. Event volunteers are outgoing, patient, resourceful, friendly and reliable.

Docent
Work with our Education staff to provide hands-on programs for school children.
When: Monday thru Friday 9:00 – 12:00 as needed 

As of May 1, 2011, Volunteers are required to submit 2 personal referrals and 1 referral from a teacher. Click here to download the referral form.

Submitting a referral form:

Thank you United Way Day of Caring Volunteers!

A BIG thank you to all the volunteers who came out to Discovery Center for United Way's Day of Caring!