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Please note that the rainforest is currently being renovated and is not open to the public. Lunch, drinks and healthy snacks are now being served in the new Community Cafe.
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Make a difference in your community... volunteer today.

Whether bringing science to life through activities and demonstrations or welcoming hundreds of students and chaperones during school visits, volunteers at Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum are essential to our success. Volunteers range in age from 12 to 87 and bring their curiosity, life experiences, and desire to teach and invest in future generations to all facets of the museum. Volunteers perform shows, work behind the scenes, organize special events, greet guests and school groups and provide interpretive services in exhibit halls.

In return for the generous donation of your time, Discovery Place gives back.

Benefits of volunteering include:

  • Enjoy 20% discount at the Museum store and cafe
  • Free parking during volunteer shifts
  • Earn a free Museum Membership
  • Connect, share and learn with your community
  • Support one of the finest science museums in the nation

Ways to Volunteer

Discovery Place Sci-Teen Program

The Sci-Teen program is for youths ages 12 — 18 who are interested in exploring science and/or math. The program is designed to promote education in scientific fields of study, offer career exploration and build self-confidence. Sci-Teens are trained extensively in areas such as communication skills, visitor services, emergency procedures and specific departmental responsibilities. Museum staff work closely with Sci-Teens on hands-on activities that explore biology, chemistry, health services, physics, space exploration and more.

The Sci-Teen program begins in June each year. Applications are accepted beginning in February through March. Sci-Teens work year-round but adjust their schedules when school is in session. Acceptance into the program is based on interviews, letters of recommendation and availability. The program is open to applicants of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Apply now for Sci-Teen Program: Volunteer Application Form

The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum

The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum is a service organization that combines service work with social activities. Started in 1961 at Charlotte Nature Museum by 45 civic-minded women who were interested in providing support for the Museum and the community, today The Guild provides critical support to both Museums through targeted projects that help supplement education programs, materials and exhibits.

Apply now for The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum: Volunteer Application Form

Adult Volunteer Program

Adult volunteers help bring the worlds of science, technology and nature to life for visitors. They help spark curiosity and encourage lifelong learning by performing shows, working behind the scenes, organizing special events, greeting guests and school groups, and providing interpretive services in exhibit halls. All that is required is an interest in supporting our mission and spending time with visitors young and old. Schedules are flexible and no experience is necessary. We will work to match your skills and interests with the needs of the Museums.

See available Adult Volunteer opportunities

Apply now for Adult Volunteer Program: Volunteer Application Form

Learn more about the Intern Program

Ways to Support Discovery Place

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section at 1-888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State of North Carolina.

Current Volunteer Information Center

If you are currently a volunteer and need to log hours, update your information or receive updates from the Museum, click here to check your VicNet account.

Login to VicNet

Volunteer Inquiries

volunteer@discoveryplace.org

Volunteer placement is a selective process and not all applicants are accepted into the program. The Museum reserves the right to place volunteers in the area staff feels is best suited to the applicantŐs skills and the needs of the Museum.