Brief Description
Nature Play is a family drop-in program with activities surrounding a particular subject. Volunteers assist with set-up and help facilitate the activities. After the drop-in program, volunteers aid in clean up. After each program there will be a brief discussion about the activities and what could be improved for next time.

Tasks

1. Help set up and take down the different activities.
2. Greet families that come to the program and pass out evaluations and family activity sheets as families walk out.
3. Aid the parents and children with one or two activities (art project, science experiment, games).
4. Assist with the evaluation of different activities with staff to find out what worked well and how we could improve the different activities.

Skills Required

1. Cheerful
2. Imaginative
3. Enthusiastic
4. Patient

Time Commitment
Days of the week: 2nd Saturday of every month; 1-3 p.m.
Number of hours per month: 3-4 hours
Dates needed: On-going

Brief Description
Science & Popular Culture program volunteers help to staff and facilitate Café Scientifique and Science on Screen programs. Volunteers commit to attending these events, as well as a monthly group meeting with Bell Museum program staff and other program volunteers. Occasionally, program volunteers will help with research related to science & popular culture topics.

Tasks

1. Help set up and facilitate Science & Popular Culture programs, both on- and off-site.
2. As needed, help research program topics and themes and participate in related discussions.

Skills Required

1. Reliable
2. Flexible
3. Follow-through
4. Curiosity

Time Commitment
Days of the week: Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Number of hours per month: Varies (approx. 4-6)
Date needed: Ongoing

Brief Description
Grassroots promotion is an important part of getting the word out about ongoing museum programs and special events. Promotion volunteers help hang posters and distribute fliers at key locations around the Twin Cities and staff information tables at Bell Museum events and programs.

Tasks

1. Pick-up and distribute promotional materials along specified routes and at other non-museum events.
2. Staff program information tables at Bell Museum events and programs.

Skills Required

1. Flexible
2. Self-Motivated
3. Confident
4. Cheerful

Time Commitment
Days of the week: As needed/ Various
Number of hours per month: Varies
Date needed: Ongoing

Brief Description
You will aid in the interpretation of exhibits, assist visitors in the use of different forms of technology, monitor the displays, and provide general security

Tasks
These will change with each gallery exhibit.

1. Greet visitors upon entrance, if it is a family you may direct them to the microscopes or the lion activities
2. Help visitors use microscopes and help them to interpret what they see. Help visitors with lion activities and help them interpret the activities
3. Monitor displays to make sure there is not inappropriate use or destructive use of them.
4. Answer visitors’ questions about the exhibits and the rest of the museum

Skills Required

1. General knowledge of Natural History, preferably some background on the topic of Natural History
2. Experience working with the public and general communication skills
3. A cheerful demeanor and pleasant disposition

Time Commitment
Days of the week: Saturday and Sunday, some weekdays
Date needed: Through September 7, 2008
Number of hours per week: 12

Brief Description
Assist children explore the natural world at the Bell Museum’s fall-break day camps. Volunteers aid Bell Museum educators during group science project, tours and crafts. Morning or afternoon shifts available.

Tasks

1. Help prepare materials and classroom
2. Assist with art and craft activities
3. Assist with games
4. Assist with snacks
5. Assist with nature activities.
6. Escort to the restrooms and back to the classroom.

Skills Required

1. Cheerful
2. Patient
3. Creative
4. Confident
5. Experience working with children
6. Interest in nature and crafts

Time Commitment
Days of the week: Thursday and Friday
Date: October 16–17, 2008
Times: 8-11:30am or 12:30–5pm
Number of hours per week: 3.5 to 7 per day

Brief Description
Nature Tots is a program about natural world for 2-4 year olds with an adult companion. Volunteers will help set-up and take down the activities, help pass out snacks and help facilitate a craft.

Tasks

1. Help prepare materials and program space
2. Help set-up and clean-up after program activities.
3. Greet families that come to the program and help pass out evaluations and family activity sheets as families depart.
4. Help pass out snacks and juice.
5. Help evaluate activities with staff to determine success of activities.

Skills Required

1. Cheerful
2. Imaginative
3. Enthusiastic
4. Patient
5. Experience working with young children
6. Interest in nature and crafts

Time Commitment
Days of the week: 1st Thursday of every month 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Number of hours per month: 3–4 hours
Dates Needed: On-going

Brief Description
Halloween at the Bell: Animal Haunt and Spooky Flashlight Tour
Come and help assist activities or play a part in the guided tour of this year's Halloween at the Bell: Animal Haunt and Spooky Flashlight Tour
Saturday, November 1, 2008, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tasks

1. Art and craft activities assistants
2. Game activity assistant
3. Front door greeter
4. Decorate front lobby and stairwell of mammal floor to bird floor (week before event).

Skills Required

1. Cheerfulness
2. Patience
3. Creativity
4. Confidence

Time Commitment
Three hours on Saturday November 1, 2008 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.