At ExplorationWorks, volunteers make everything work!
If you are looking for a place to create, laugh, explore
and make a difference, ExplorationWorks is for you!
To volunteer CLICK HERE for an online volunteer questionnaire.
Susan Smith
Susan Smith has been a volunteer at ExplorationWorks since January 2008. Susan, along with Sandy Guipre, has been offering Art activities each Tuesday morning in Little Sky Country. We are grateful to Susan for her talent, time, and dedication to the young people of Little Sky Country.
Susan Smith was born in Hobbs, New Mexico but grew up in Oregon. She went to school in Clatskanie, Oregon and took art classes at Portland State College. Her interest in children grew while teaching preschool in Tualatin for 10 years.
Susan and her husband Dave are retired. Dave had a plumbing company and Susan was in sales and marketing. Dave wanted to keep busy so is now working part time at Lowes. They have a son, Eric who lives in Helena and a daughter and son-in-law in Idaho…and a wonderful grand dog named Sage. Just recently a chocolate lab named Lucee joined Susan and Dave. Lucee loves hiking with them.
Susan’s first museum visit was in Portland, Oregon. She said she was always amazed and enjoyed her visits to this museum. “My mother didn't drive so we always took the bus which made it more of an adventure”, Susan mentioned.
When not volunteering at ExplorationWorks Susan enjoys hiking, golfing and learning to oil paint and quilt . . . and she loves going to Brewers Baseball games.
ExplorationWorks has volunteers of all ages helping in nearly every aspect of the museum. You don’t have to be a scientist or expert to volunteer at Exploration Works. We need folks with all types of backgrounds and experience. Some volunteers work with children, others with adults; some work behind the scenes, others are in the public eye. We will match your schedule, skills and interests with our varied needs.
What kind of opportunities are there at ExplorationWorks?
The main areas in which current volunteer opportunities exist are:
Early Childhood Facilitator – work with young kids in “Little Sky Country”
Field Trip Assistant – help with school field trips during the week
Halloween Fundraising Event Helper – help decorate, serve food, set-up/clean-up, etc.
Birthday Party Facilitator – assist during museum guest birthday celebrations
Scrap Book Manager – organize ExplorationWorks publications and press in a scrapbook
Current Science Events Board Manager – maintain our current events board with science news from around town or around the universe
Class Assistant – assist a teacher with after school classes
Project and Program Committee – help plan future programming and exhibits
Weekend Explainers/Floor Staff – engage visitors and help orient them to exhibits, assist with “Saturday Special” events at 3 pm
Do I need training?
Orientation and training are an essential and mandatory part of being a volunteer at ExplorationWorks. Training varies with each position. Explainers will attend training sessions and spend a few shifts shadowing other Explainers before they launch out on their own. Event helpers might just need to show up 1 hour before their shift. We will plan orientation and training schedules on an individual basis.
What time commitment do I need to make?
You can join us for a one-time event, or come once a week. We will match your availability, schedule, skills and interests with our needs. Explainers, class/workshop assistants, science café facilitators, etc. will need to commit to a schedule, depending on the level of training necessary.
Are there any benefits for volunteering at ExplorationWorks?
In return for your time and enthusiasm, ExplorationWorks! offers extensive opportunities for lifelong learning, intellectual stimulation and social engagement. Other benefits include:
After your first shift:
1. you receive a "Volunteer Card" (renewed quarterly) allowing you free admission and 10% discount in the Explore Store OR $10 off a Family Membership
2. Incentives to bike or walk to your shift (15 minutes added to your shift, name put in a monthly raffle for certificates for discounts at area businesses)
3. Volunteer Appreciation Events
4. Opportunity for Recognition Awards After 20 hours: (in addition to benefits mentioned above)
1. Four Free passes
2. Free admission to most activities and workshops
3. Discounts on Summer Kids Camps
Are there any age restrictions for volunteering at ExplorationWorks?
Yes, you must be 14 years of age to volunteer. Younger volunteers need to be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please contact Christine Thennis
(ExplorationWorks Volunteer Coordinator)
at 457-1800 x2 or email christinet@explorationworks.org
Who Volunteers at ExWorks?
