Get Involved at the Children’s Discovery Museum!

“You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world...but it requires people to make the dream a reality.”
Walt Disney

At the Children’s Discovery Museum we “nurture the love of learning through the power of play.” We are always on the lookout for people over the age of 13 who love to learn, have fun and plays well with others.

Volunteer Orientation

All of our volunteers attend an orientation and, if over the age of 18, complete a background check, BEFORE they begin work in the museum.

Orientations last about 1 hr to 90 minutes.At the orientation you will receive a volunteer newsletter with upcoming events and needs, and instructions for volunteering.

Please contact us at cdmvolunteers@normal.org to sign up for an orientation.

Summer Youth Volunteer Program

The CDM is looking for energetic and outgoing teens, ages 13-17, for our Summer Youth Volunteer program. Youth will spend their summer break as exhibit team members, leading free floor programming, helping with special events and making new friends!

Summer Volunteers typically “work” three hours per week with the Museum. Participants are required to attend a 90 minute training/orientation session on one of the following dates:

Saturday, May 29 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Thursday, June 3 at 1 p.m.
Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Tuesday, June 8 at 10 a.m.

Exhibit Team Members

If you are a big kid at heart and still love to play – we need you! Your duties will include interacting with visitors, taking care of exhibits and helping with free floor programming.
Age Requirement: 13 years and older
Volunteer Shifts: Anytime the museum is open, extra help needed Monday – Friday 9:00-2:00  

Education and Programming

Each year the museum teaches thousands of children from Kindergarten through 8th grade.  Programs include: school learning labs, Museum in Motion, preschool programs and more!
Age Requirement: 18 years and older
Volunteer Shifts: Varies with programs, typically during the school day/work week 8:30-3:00.  

Day Camp Counselors

We are looking for mature, out-going, people who, enjoy working with children and have a willingness to work cooperatively with museum staff and volunteers. Counselor duties will include: supervision and interaction with camp participants, implementation of camp activities and assisting with set-up and clean-up.
Age Requirement: 18 years and older
Volunteer Shifts: Varies with programs, typically during the week 8:30-5:00.  

Special Events

The museum is always looking for fun ways to celebrate and have. Volunteers lead activity stations and interact with visitors. Highlights for summer 2009 include; Potterpalooza, Sugar Creek Arts Festival, McLean County Fair, Super Science Family Fun Night and more!
Age Requirement: 13 years and older!
Volunteer Shifts: Varies with programs.    

Internship Opportunities 

The Children’s Discovery Museum has many opportunities for college internships. Students can gain invaluable experience in various departments and fields ranging from education and visitors services to exhibits and marketing. We are happy to work with you to create an unique internship experience that is beneficial for both you and the museum.   For more information about internships, contact Shelly Hanover, Visitor Services and Volunteer Coordinator at (309) 433-3453 or shanover@normal.org.

Volunteer Orientations