Kids' Farm Volunteer
Description
The Kids’ Farm is an exhibit designed to provide young children (ages 3-8 years old) with an opportunity to observe and engage with a variety of farm animals, including cows, alpacas, hogs, donkeys, goats and chickens. During daily demonstrations, keepers and volunteers share information about the animals’ personalities, where food comes from and the importance of caring for all animals.
During the busy summer months, teen volunteers are essential to providing a meaningful experience for guests of all ages. Duties include, but are not limited to, answering visitor questions, assisting guests with interactive activities and sparking conversations about the role individuals can play in local and global conservation efforts. Volunteers also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from Smithsonian scientists and animal keepers.
Volunteers must be interested in working with children, have good communication skills, have flexible schedules, be imaginative, be tolerant of being outside in Washington’s summer weather and be willing to be on their feet for a busy shift.
The Kids’ Farm Teen Volunteer program begins Monday, June 24, 2019, and ends Friday, Aug. 16, 2019. Half-day shifts will be available five days a week (Monday to Friday, no shifts on July 4) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
Special qualifications
Returning Kids’ Farm volunteers are required to work three weeks and new volunteers are required to work two weeks (weeks do not need to be consecutive). Eligible teens must turn 14 years old before June 24, 2019, and cannot turn 18 before Aug. 16, 2019. New applicants are required to submit an application with two references and participate in a group interview session.