Make a difference in your community... volunteer today.
Do you have time to give and talent to share? Join our Museum family including Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS as a volunteer and you can pursue lifelong learning opportunities in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Is science your passion? Want to connect kids with nature and the natural world? Are you interested in working with animals? Do you prefer to make things happen behind-the-scenes? Would you like to meet and work with other individuals who share your interests?
Volunteering provides many benefits including cultivation of community relationships, networking and professional development, and the opportunity to enrich the lives of others. As a non-profit organization volunteers at Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS play a vital role by donating their time; the benefits to the lives touched are priceless.
What are your interests?
Discovery Place — Located in uptown Charlotte, Discovery Place provides amazing experiences in science, nature and technology in the all-new Museum including exhibitions that facilitate exploration and participation in science-based inquiry.
Charlotte Nature Museum — Located adjacent to Freedom Park, Charlotte Nature Museum connects young kids with nature and provides the opportunity to learn through live animal exhibits, 'wild' outdoor field experiences and lively interactions including puppet shows and Charlotte’s only talking tree, Grandpa Tree.
Discovery Place KIDS — Opening fall 2010 in Huntersville, Discovery Place KIDS is an adventure in play that encourages early childhood development of children ages 7 and younger. Using the theme of "I CAN", kids can role play in a 'town square community' experiencing art, music and much more.
The Guild of Discovery Place & 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 interested in providing support for the Museums, today The Guild of Discovery Place & Charlotte Nature Museum provides support through targeted projects that help supplement education programs, materials and exhibits.
Internships — College internships are offered coinciding with the academic calendar and are operated within the individual institutions guidelines. To be considered for an internship with the Museums a student must be currently enrolled in an accredited college/university as a junior or senior undergraduate (or enrolled in a Graduate program) and meet the academic guidelines set by their college/university, with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Which volunteer program is right for you?
- Apprentices (Teens, ages 12-17)
Gain experience in museum-related fields, increase your knowledge of science and education and build critical job skills while working closely with Museum professionals.
- Navigators and Explorers (Adults, age 18 and older)
The Museums have a variety of opportunities available for adult volunteers divided between two unique programs, known as Navigators and Explorers. To ensure that each volunteer is assigned to the program that fits his or her skills and interests, a Volunteer Manager will contact you after receiving your completed application to discuss available Navigator and Explorer opportunities.
Navigators interact with visitors on the Museum floor, acting as docents, interpreters or greeters and conduct activities related to each Museum’s specific exhibits. Explorers provide assistance with hands-on labs, program development, curation and research, as well as back office operations such as marketing, membership efforts or volunteer services.
Apply Now - Navigator/Explorer (Adult) Volunteer Application
Apply Now - The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum Volunteer Application
- Training
All volunteers must attend a mandatory Orientation session prior to starting their service. Additional training programs will be provided for specific functions within the Museum.
News Dates Coming Soon
Ways to Support Discovery Place KIDS
Current Volunteer Information Center
If you are currently a volunteer and need to log hours, update your information or receive updates from the Museum, visit your VicNet account
Login to VicNetVolunteer Inquiries
704.372.6261 x441volunteer@discoveryplace.org
Volunteer placement is a selective process and not all applicants are accepted into the program. Discovery Place, Inc. reserves the right to place volunteers in the area staff feels is best suited to the applicant's skills and the needs of the Museum.
