Volunteering
Help support imagination and discovery for youth and families by giving back to your community. The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine has a variety of areas where volunteers can make a difference.
Who can volunteer?
Individuals, school groups, and community organizations.
All volunteers must go through an application process.
All those looking to give back, help out and play!
What is the time commitment?
Volunteering opportunities require different levels of time commitment including long term, short-term, special events, and group day service projects.
Long Term volunteers must commit to a minimum of 50 hours (2-3 hours a week for 4-6 months)
Special Event and Group Service Project opportunities are often offered on a single day and are based on availability.
How do I become a volunteer?
While exact application processes may differ depending on volunteer duty, generally volunteer applicants complete:
Interview
Provide one to two references
Some volunteer roles may require a criminal background check for volunteers 18+. Special event volunteers may not require a background check.
Orientation and trainings specific to volunteer duty
We appreciate you—Volunteer Perks!
Become a significant part of the Museum & Theatre community. Volunteers can contribute in multiple roles and join a broad network of passionate individuals committed to play and learning.
Teen volunteers gain important job skills such as how to complete an application process, manage time, and navigate professional relationships.
All volunteers will gain access to training in on-the-job skills that can include multidisciplinary education, visitor services, theatre tech, and non-profit organization.
Other perks can include memberships, admission passes and theatre tickets!
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Education: Summer Outreach
Help set the stage for all children to imagine and learn through play as an Education Program Volunteer with the Children’s MUseum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM)!
Position Purpose
Travel with Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) educators to support engaging and educational programming at camps, daycares, and libraries in southern Maine!
CMTM education staff travels to over 40 sites setting the stage for every child to imagine and learn through play. We offer dynamic programming to ages 2-12 in the following subjects:
Ocean Ecology, featuring a 45-foot inflatable humpback whale
Meet the Turtles, featuring a live ambassador turtle
Earth Rocks, featuring the CMTM rock collection
Marshmallows Science Experiment, featuring an exploration with air pressure and marshmallow taste testing!
Dinosaurs, featuring a faux dinosaur dig
Meet the Worms, featuring our composting worm bin
Volunteers will get to see and be an important part of outreach programming. This experience is valuable for those interested in learning more about informal education, working with kids, and/or STEM education. It would also serve those with education experience looking for a chance to educate in a unique environment.
When an outreach is scheduled, volunteers will be asked if they would be available. If available they will be scheduled to carpool with the CMTM educator or meet the educator at the outreach. During the outreach, volunteers will assist with prep, supporting the program, and clean up.
This volunteer opportunity can be a great chance for a parent or caregiver to volunteer with a child.
About The Position
Assist education staff in setting up programs at selected destination
Greet children participants as they arrive
Engage in outreach programming by passing out materials and artifacts
Help support inflating, staking, and deflating a 45-foot inflatable whale (on applicable outreaches)
Monitor a live turtle (on applicable outreaches)
Take photos when allowed by group permissions
Pass out teacher surveys
Assist education staff in cleanup
Position Requirements
Minimum age requirement 18 for the primary volunteer. Volunteers between the ages of 8-18 may volunteer if accompanied by an adult caregiver (an adult and child could volunteer together).
Reliable transportation to get to CMTM or the host site destination
Follow Museum & Theatre COVID safety guidelines
Engage respectfully with people of all ages and abilities in a fast paced environment
Passion for working with children
Strong communication skills
The ability to observe and take initiative to support exploration and curiosity
Background check required
Time Committment
Volunteers can sign up for one or more outreaches per week.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays generally 9-11 (as outreaches are scheduled). Volunteers can sign up for shifts as they are available.
1 or 2 Saturday shifts needed for festival programming (including Saturday, August 10th)
Training and onboarding: 2 hours
Working Conditions
Comfortable standing for 2 hours at a time
Ability to lift 30 lbs
Seating may be available next to children, but not always guaranteed
Benefits
Receive 2 person membership after 25 hours of service volunteers
Receive 4 museum and 4 theatre tickets annually
Ongoing training opportunities
Free parking while volunteering at CMTM
How To Apply
If interested, please fill out the volunteer application.
Please email all applications or questions to volunteer@kitetails.org.
Position Open Until Filled.
MakerSpace
Position Purpose
Support and engage creative art making, tinkering, and engineering in the MakerSpace.
In the MakerSpace, visitors make different art and engineering projects. We offer a variety of projects including woodworking and puppet making. Visitors design, test, and share their experiences. MakerSpace volunteers guide visitors in creation and teach tool safety. Volunteers work with MakerSpace staff.
Position Summary
Greet visitors in the MakerSpace
Support and guide visitors as needed with assistance from Museum & Theatre staff
Monitor visitor safety
Teach tool and art exploration as comfort and training allow
Learn language to support exploration and curiosity
Assist with setup and cleanup
Prep materials and supplies
Position Requirements
Minimum age requirement 16
Follow Museum & Theatre COVID safety guidelines
Engage respectfully with people of all ages and abilities in a fast paced environment
Passion for creativity
Passion for working with children
Strong communication skills
The ability to observe and take initiative to support exploration and curiosity
Background check required
Time Commitment
Monday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 9-11 or 1-3
Regular scheduled hours: minimum 1.5 hours a week for a minimum of 3 months
Training and onboarding: 4 hours
Working Conditions
Masks must be worn during required sessions
Comfortable helping in noisy environments (ear protection will be provided if needed)
Seating may be available next to visitors, but not always guaranteed
Benefits
Receive 2 person membership after 25 hours of service volunteers
Receive 4 museum and 4 theatre tickets annually
Ongoing training opportunities
Free Parking
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity amongst our team and leadership, and we strongly encourage people of all traditionally marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
We are committed to making our facilities and programs accessible and safe for all members of our community, staff, and volunteers. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. Supervisors work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations and modifications to accommodate the employee’s needs, including physical changes, assistive technologies, accessible communications, and policy enhancements. In doing so, we adhere to the available standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond the guidelines to uphold our philosophy that our staff should have a safe and welcoming work environment where they can learn and grow. For a full description of our facility’s accessibility, please visit: www.kitetails.org/accessibility
If interested, please fill out the volunteer application.
Please email all applications or questions to volunteer@kitetails.org.
Exhibits Volunteer
Position Purpose
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is home to STEM and Arts & Culture exhibits that help children learn through play. As an Exhibits Volunteer, you will learn how these exhibits operate. Volunteers will clean and maintain our exhibits by dusting, wiping surfaces, vacuuming and painting. Volunteers will also care for our props, including washing and laundry. Depending on experience and interest, volunteers may also help with elements of in-house exhibit and prop fabrication including painting, finishing and light carpentry assistance.
Position Summary
Learn about museum exhibit care
Support exhibit staff in routine cleaning and maintenance with the following
Vacuuming
Wiping down surfaces
Dusting
Disinfecting exhibit props
Position Requirements
Required skills:
Must be at least 16 years old
Background check required for anyone 18 years old or older
Follow Museum & Theatre COVID safety guidelines
Engage respectfully with everyone
Strong communication skills
Can follow exact instructions
The ability to work with a team or independently
Preferred skills (one or more of the following) :
Some Experience cleaning
Some experience using cleaning solutions
Ability to use a ladder
Time Commitment
Monday or Tuesday between 1pm and 4pm
Minimum 2-3 hours a week for a minimum of 3 months
Training and onboarding: 4 hours
Working Conditions
Masks must be worn during required sessions
Comfortable working in noisy environments (ear protection will be provided if needed)
Bending and kneeling may be required
Will handle toxic chemicals
Benefits
Receive 2 person membership after 25 hours of service volunteers
Receive 4 museum and 4 theatre tickets annually
Ongoing training opportunities
Free Parking
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity amongst our team and leadership, and we strongly encourage people of all traditionally marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
We are committed to making our facilities and programs accessible and safe for all members of our community, staff, and volunteers. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. Supervisors work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations and modifications to accommodate the employee’s needs, including physical changes, assistive technologies, accessible communications, and policy enhancements. In doing so, we adhere to the available standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond the guidelines to uphold our philosophy that our staff should have a safe and welcoming work environment where they can learn and grow. For a full description of our facility’s accessibility, please visit: www.kitetails.org/accessibility
Building and Grounds Volunteer
Position Purpose
The Building and Grounds volunteers help with cleaning and caring for the exhibits and grounds.
Position Summary
Volunteers can help in both areas.
Exhibits:
Cleaning inside the building and exhibits
Cleaning and polishing stainless steel
Sweeping and mopping floors with specialized lightweight equipment
Vacuuming and dusting vents
Assisting with any facilities and exhibits projects
Grounds:
Gardening and weeding
Mulching
Raking
Sweeping
Assisting with any grounds projects
Position Requirements
Minimum age 18
No experience is necessary
Interest in mechanics, horticulture or building systems
Follow Museum and Theatre safety guidelines
Time Commitment
4 hours on Tuesdays anytime from 9am to 4pm
Volunteers can help for one day
Working Conditions
Can bend, stoop, and kneel
Can lift 10lbs
Will use cleaning products
Loud and busy environment
Benefits
Learn building maintenance
Connect with the community
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity amongst our team and leadership, and we strongly encourage people of all traditionally marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
We are committed to making our facilities and programs accessible and safe for all members of our community, staff, and volunteers. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. Supervisors work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations and modifications to accommodate the employee’s needs, including physical changes, assistive technologies, accessible communications, and policy enhancements. In doing so, we adhere to the available standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond the guidelines to uphold our philosophy that our staff should have a safe and welcoming work environment where they can learn and grow. For a full description of our facility’s accessibility, please visit: www.kitetails.org/accessibility
Group Service Day Project
Group Service Day Projects
Looking for a place to give back for a day with your school, workplace or organization? Schedule a special Service Day to help out with your co-workers, friends and family!
Note: Projects are given based on availability.
Service Day Projects are assigned based on project availability and can include:
En masse team clean of the Museum & Theatre
Working with Museum & Theatre staff to facilitate a special, large program with visitors (for example: mural painting or Read-A-Thon).
Sourcing, gathering, and prepping donated materials
Gardening and landscaping
Painting and organizing
Assistance with Special Event preparations, set up and/or facilitation
If interested, please email volunteer@kitetails.org.
Qualifications
- 2-3 months advanced planning is advised.
- Children under 14 are welcome, and must be accompanied by an adult.
Commitment & Work Conditions
- Volunteers should come prepared with clothes that are comfortable for lifting and moving in and are okay getting dirty.
- Ability to lift 20 pounds
- Volunteers should come prepared to work outside and inside