Volunteer at the Washington Pavilion!
Volunteer Opportunities
Visual Arts Center Receptionist
Greet visitors and assist with simple clerical duties. Weekly, every other week or substitute positions available. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 3:30 p.m. Weekdays.
Visual Arts Center Docent or Tour Guide
Make art come alive for school groups by providing tours of the exhibits. Training is provided and an art background is not necessary. Many of our volunteers are former teachers. We provide you dates and times of school group visits and you choose what works for you. Approximately 2 hour shifts.
Lobby Greeter
Be the first to welcome visitors to the Pavilion. Provide information about what to do as well as show the Great Hall. Weekly, every other week or substitute positions available. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Noon to 3 p.m.
Great Hall Ushers
Enjoy a portion of the show while ushering and assisting visitors. We provide you show dates and you choose the ones that work for you. Volunteering for three shows a month is requested. Interviews are conducted in July and August for the September through May season.
Education Program Volunteer
This volunteer opportunity allows individuals the opportunity to utilize their skills and expertise to develop and/or implement programs or activities that ensure quality programming that enhance the patron experience. Current programs to choose from: Art teacher assistant for at-risk and underserved youth; assist with art demonstration/activities; assist with development and/or implementing science demonstrations/activities, teacher assistant or lead teacher for science labs. Flexible shifts depending on volunteer’s availability.
Kirby Science Discovery Center
Volunteers help ensure that children find success in the Science Center as they learn how to interact with our exhibits. It’s easy for a child to become discouraged if they can’t operate the Mar’s Rover, master the climbing wall or complete a wheelchair race. That’s where you come in! You can help ensure that children leave the Science Center encouraged and confident, and help them grasp how science is a part of their daily lives. A science background is not necessary - training is provided. Volunteers 14 and older may apply.
Monday - Friday: We provide you dates and times of school visits and you choose what works for you. Approximately 2 - 3 hour shifts February - May.
Saturday or Sunday, 1 - 4 pm Weekly or every other week
We provide flexibility to accommodate school and family obligations.
Publications Assistant
Volunteers will use their creative skills while assisting with various components of developing the bi-monthly member newsletter. Opportunities include conducting interviews for the “Member Spotlight” column, identify and write articles, assist with layout ideas. Flexible schedule with a 5 hour commitment a month.
Sidewalk Arts Festival Held the first Saturday after Labor Day. We have something for everyone ages 12 and older!
Join over 150 volunteers for the largest annual fundraiser for the Visual Arts Center and the largest one-day outdoor festival in the region. Filling the streets surrounding the Washington Pavilion the Festival draws and estimated 60,000 people to the 250 arts, craft and food booths, children’s outdoor play area and live entertainment.
Volunteer opportunities include working at the pop booth, selling tickets at the Garden Studio, assisting children with arts and craft projects and face painting. 3 hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers 12 and older may assist.
5 K Run and Wellness Festival Held the first Saturday in June. The morning starts with a 5K Run/walk where volunteers work in teams of two to cheer runners along various points in the race and help to direct traffic. Time commitment is 8 to 10 a.m. Other opportunities include race registration and providing information to visitors who attend the Wellness Festival held inside the Pavilion.
Spooky Science Night Held the 4th Friday and Saturday night in October from 5 to 9 p.m. and features a variety of Halloween-related hands-on science and art activities for children ages 3 to 12 who are accompanied by an adult. Volunteer opportunities include greeting and providing directions, face painting, and assisting children with games, art and science activities. Volunteers 12 and older may apply.
Summer Youth Program
Volunteers ages 12 and older assist younger children (ages 3-14) at our week-long summer classes. Shifts are 3 hours with a morning or afternoon shift. Volunteers are asked to commit to the entire week of class. Apply between April 15 and May 1. Volunteer opportunities fill quickly! Youth volunteers gain valuable experience in the work place and can even receive a letter of recommendation
Volunteer Benefits
Volunteers who assist a minimum of three hours a month are eligible for free parking while on duty, passes to the Wells Fargo CineDome and Kirby Science Discovery Center, discounts for classes and discounts in Leonardo's Cafe and the Discovery Store gift shop.
For information on any of these volunteer projects, please contact Ruth Atkins, volunteer coordinator, at (605) 367-7397, ext. 2375, or by E-mail.
Washington Pavilion's Volunteer Program
In general, Washington Pavilion volunteers fall into one of these classifications:
Sustaining Volunteers
Sustaining volunteers are those who consistently volunteer a minimum of three to 15 hours a month. Volunteers must agree to a minimum six-month commitment, provide references and attend the Washington Pavilion's orientation and on-the-job training.
Benefits
Sustaining volunteers are eligible for that include free parking, passes to the Wells Fargo CineDome and Kirby Science Discovery Center, discounts for classes and discounts in Leonardo's Cafe and the Discovery Store gift shop. Volunteer activities may take place in, but are not limited to, the following areas:
Positions
Visual Arts Center - Docent or Tour Guide - Showcase the artwork to visitors one-on-one or to group tours. Art background not necessary.
Greeter– welcome visitors and give information on Pavilion activities
Kirby Science Discovery Center - Show visitors (adults and children) how to interact with exhibits, take tickets and usher in the CineDome theater.
Husby Performing Arts Center - Usher for performances and events. Interviews take place in July for the Sept. - May Husby Series
Event Volunteers
Volunteer for one or two special events a year doing a variety of activities like working at a pop booth at the Sidewalk Arts Festival, assisting children with arts and crafts at Spooky Science night or greeting at the Wellness Festival. Event volunteer projects usually involve interaction with children.
Summer Youth Program
Volunteers ages 12 and older assist younger children (ages 3-11) at our week-long summer camps and classes. Shifts are 3 - 4 hours with a morning or afternoon shift. Volunteers are asked to commit to the entire week of class. Apply between April 15 and May 15. Youth volunteers gain valuable experience in the work place and can even receive a letter of recommendation