Adult Volunteer Application Youth Volunteer Application
Please note: You can complete the application within the Word Document above and attach the document in an email to volunteer@sakids.org or copy and paste the text into the body of an email.
Volunteers log in to Volgistics here
Volunteering at the San Antonio Children’s Museum
Benefits of Volunteering
Academic or community credit
Gain work experience and develop personal and professional skills as you build your resume
Meet new people and gain leadership skills
10% discount at the Museum Gift Shop
Learn child development theories and techniques
Invitations to volunteer recognition events
Volunteering offers a rewarding opportunity to work with children, share your talents, and learn new skills
At the San Antonio Children’s Museum we are looking for volunteers with the following attributes:
A willingness to learn
Dependability, initiative, and flexibility
A positive attitude
Experience and/or an interest in early childhood education and child development
Experience and/or interest in art, music, science, literacy
A dedication to the San Antonio Children Museum’s mission and vision
San Antonio Children’s Museum Mission
“Through joyful learning and discovery, the San Antonio Children’s Museum grows minds, connects families, and transforms communities.”
San Antonio Children’s Museum Mission
“As a premier educational resource, we develop innovative thinkers capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.”
Volunteer Application Process
In order to become a volunteer at the San Antonio Children’s Museum, please:
-Complete and submit an application
Your application will be reviewed by the volunteer coordinator. If it is determined that you are a good fit for volunteering at the museum, you will be contacted for an interview.
-Interview with volunteer coordinator
The interview allows us to become more familiar with your skills, and what you hope to gain from this experience, as well as how you can benefit the museum. It is also a time to discuss your availability.
-Complete background check
This is a necessary step to determine if you are qualified to volunteer at the museum.
-Attend volunteer orientation
The orientation will give you the training that you need to volunteer in the exhibits, at specific programs, and special events.
Note: You cannot apply for specific volunteer positions until you have completed 30 hours of general service. Once you have completed those hours, please submit an application for the position of your choice (see descriptions below).
Volunteer Policies
You must complete 30 hours of general service before you can apply for a specific position.
Orientations are limited, and only happen at set times each year. Attendance is mandatory in order to begin volunteering.
If you are going to cancel a volunteer shift, you must update your schedule on Volgistics and/or contact the volunteer coordinator 48 hours in advance. If you fail to show up for your shift three times, you will no longer be allowed to volunteer at the museum.
You must be 14 years old or older.
Cell phones are not allowed when volunteers work in the exhibits. They must be turned on silent and stored during volunteer shifts. Volunteers are welcome to access their phones during breaks.
There is a one-time $15.00 fee to cover your background check, t-shirt, and volunteer manual.
You must complete the application process including a mandatory orientation before you can volunteer.
We validate volunteer parking. Please park at the Travis Park Plaza Garage which is located on Travis St. next to Jefferson Bank and directly across the street from the Spectrum Athletic Club. You must park on the 6th floor because the voucher is only good for roof top parking. 24 hour security is provided at this garage.
Group and Corporate Volunteers
Group and corporate volunteers are needed for special events and materials preparation. We are happy to schedule a time for you and your group to come in and volunteer. For more information please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@sakids.org.
Specialty Volunteers
Sometimes volunteers are looking for an opportunity to use their own special skills to serve the Museum and its visitors in a unique way that we haven't advertised. If you would like to volunteer with us, but you don't see the type of opportunity you're looking for, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@sakids.org.
Volunteer Assistant Positions
The volunteer assistant positions were designed to accommodate volunteers who have committed thirty hours of general service to the museum, and are looking to make a long-term commitment and gain valuable skills and work experience. These positions allow volunteers to focus on an area in the museum that they are most interested in. In order to apply for a volunteer assistant position, please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@sakids.org. An interview with the assistant supervisor may be required. You must be 18 or older in order to apply.
Birthday Party Assistant
Description: The birthday party assistant will help with party set-up and clean-up and decorations. He or she will greet guests at the museum entrance and pick up additional party supplies a family might bring. The assistant will assist the family in serving guests and helping with activities.
Special Skills: He or she must have strong communication and organizational skills, and a positive attitude.
Ideal For: A volunteer who is looking for a regular opportunity on the weekends, and enjoys working with families and children. This assistant is enthusiastic, flexible, and interested in gaining experience in customer service.
Schedule: Saturdays from 9:00-6:00(will vary depending on the party schedule for that day) and Sundays from 12:00-5:00(will vary depending on the party schedule for that day). Applicants who are only able to commit to one day should still apply.
Field Trips Assistant
Description: The field trips assistant will work with the School and Groups Coordinator to help facilitate school group visits. This includes helping prepare for lessons, during lessons, in exhibits, and with the arrival and departure of the group.
Ideal For: A volunteer who is pursuing or has a degree in education, and has experience with management. He or she has a passion for working with children and helping them learn through play.
Schedule: Daily shifts are available Tuesday-Friday from 8:45-12:00. The assistant would be most needed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The School and Groups Coordinator would work with the assistant to set a schedule.
“Fun-stigator” and Guest Services Assistant
Description: He or she will work with Guest Services throughout the museum greeting guests as they enter, directing guests, and passing out maps. This volunteer will instigate fun throughout the museum by encouraging interactive play at the exhibits with parents and kids.
Ideal For: A volunteer who is familiar with the museum, and who has strong communication skills. This volunteer is looking to gain customer service experience, and likes to work with children and families.
Schedule: Shifts are needed during the following times: M-F 9:00-3:00, Saturday 11:30-6:00, and Sunday from 11:30-5:00.
Toddler Time and Tot Spot Play Leader Assistant
Description: This volunteer will assist in the Tot Spot exhibit and ensure that this interactive exhibit for infants and toddlers remains a fun and safe area to explore. He or she will also assist staff with Toddler Time, a weekly activity that includes reading, music and exploration of hands-on materials.
Ideal For: A volunteer who has experience working with infants and toddlers and/or a degree in early childhood education. This volunteer will get down on the floor with our littlest visitors and interact with children as they engage their senses and practice fine and gross motor skills.
Schedule: Monday from 9:30-12:00 and/or Thursday from 1:30-3:30. The toddler time and Tot Spot Play Leader assistant should also be able to volunteer on some Saturday and Sundays each month.
Science Programs Assistant
Description: The Science program assistant will assist the Science Programs Educator with science programs weekly and at special events. He or she will help prepare for lessons, run activities, and assist children with hands-on activities.
Ideal For: A college student or recent graduate that has or is pursuing a degree in education with a focus on Science. He or she should not only be passionate about Science, but also about working with children. The assistant needs to be reliable, organized, and must commit to a semester with set hours.
Schedule: To be determined by the assistant and the Educator.
Art and Music Programs Assistant
Description: The Art and Music program assistant will assist the Art and Music Programs Educator with all the art and music programs weekly and at special events. He or she will help prepare for lessons, run activities and assist children with hands-on activities.
Ideal for: Artists, Art Students, Art enthusiasts, and playful individuals with an early childhood education background or interest looking for a consistent volunteer opportunity and willing to make a long-term commitment to the museum.
Schedule: To be determined by the assistant and the Educator.
Materials Prep Assistant
Description: The Materials Prep Assistant will help educators in the Science and the Arts prepare for programs and special events. He or she will also assist with preparation for birthday parties and school groups as needed.
Ideal For: Individuals who enjoy hands-on activities, and like to roll up their sleeves and work with a variety of materials but doesn’t necessarily want to work on the museum floor with guests.
Schedule: Flexible.
Marketing Assistant
Description: The marketing assistant will assist the marketing department with outreach, fundraising, and publicity efforts.
Ideal For: Communication gurus who have or are pursuing a degree in marketing or communications, and have a passion for getting the word out. Experience with Microsoft Office and social media isn’t required, but encouraged. This is a great opportunity to gain organizational and marketing skills and learn about how a non-profit organization is run.
Schedule: To be determined by assistant and the Marketing Department.
Administration and Volunteer Department Assistant
Description: The administration and volunteer department assistant will assist museum staff with filing, mailings, and data compilation.
Ideal For: A volunteer who likes to work behind the scenes, is organized, and enjoys planning and getting things done. This volunteer has office experience and wants to utilize and improve his or her administrative skills. Experience with data entry is encouraged, but not required.
Schedule: To be determined by assistant and the Volunteer Department.
Special Events Assistant
Description: This special events assistant will assist the Special Events Coordinator with event planning, preparation, set-up, and clean-up.
Ideal For: A volunteer who is seeking occasional weekend and or evening opportunities. This assistant is flexible and willing to work in a variety of capacities as needed. Experience planning and executing special events is encouraged, but not required.
Schedule: Varies depending on the calendar. To be determined by assistant and the Special Events Coordinator.