Celebrating Our Volunteers

This post was contributed by Jillian Winters, AmeriCorps Museum Educator.

Last week, April 10 to 16, Providence Children’s Museum celebrated National Volunteer Week. It was a fun-filled week complete with spirit dress-up days and an ice cream sundae bar to honor and recognize the incredible work our volunteers do to make the Museum the wonderful place that it is.

The Museum would not be able to open its doors without volunteers. Volunteers greet visitors at the Admissions Desk, play with children and grown-ups in the exhibits, help staff develop programs, and work behind-the-scenes to complete special projects. In 2015 alone, 375 dedicated volunteers, interns and college work-study students collectively gave 11,147 hours of their time to the Museum!

“Getting to work with our volunteers and work-study students is wonderful in and of itself – seeing their playfulness and how much they take the Museum’s mission to heart. But even something as simple as tracking volunteer hours becomes a daily reminder for me of the tremendous impact they have on our organization as a whole. Whether those hours were spent playing with families in exhibits, stuffing envelopes for a mailing, or setting up the night before a big event – it ALL matters.”

– Turenne Bedell, Volunteer & AmeriCorps Coordinator

“I simply couldn’t do my job without our interns. I’ve always felt that, because the Museum is such an enthusiastic and exciting place to be, we attract the best of the best to our internships.”

– Sara Clarke, Events Manager

“My favorite part of my job is getting to interact with our volunteers. Whether they are in Water Ways or at our front desk, our volunteers inspire play and learning through their passion and commitment to our Museum.”

– Amanda Howard, Experience Coordinator

 

PlayWatch: Rigamajig

This story was shared by Experience Coordinator Maggie Dawson.   

I was setting up Rigamajig and began building a contraption to use as an example. I started assembling what I thought could be the sides of a car. One of our Play Guides, Josy, came in and eagerly said that she would love to add to it. I told her that I couldn't wait to see what she created.

When I came in a half-hour later to see how the activity was going, I saw Josy working hard with two boys, approximately 5 years old. My simple car had turned into an elaborate cart with a tall pulley system affixed to the top! The boys were having so much fun and were excited about making it taller and adding ropes and more wheels. Josy was wonderful and enthusiastic about their creation as well.

I loved seeing how adding more minds and creative ideas resulted in a completely different structure than what I initially imagined. Moreover, it was impressive to see how one of our Play Guides could foster imagination and encourage two young visitors to build something awesome!

Talking Back: Play Guide Bob Nickles

Bob Nickles has volunteered nearly 1,000 hours since 2011.

What’s your background?
I grew up in New Jersey and went into the Marine Corps for four years after high school.  Then I worked as a laborer, in digital electronics and as a welder and steel fitter.  I went back to school and got a degree in elementary education and taught second grade in one of the poorest districts in San Antonio for four years.  I worked as a handyman and janitor at the Children’s Museum in Pawtucket in 1991, before it moved to Providence.  I fixed exhibits and when kids saw me with the tool belt, they would come and talk to me.  Later I went back to steelwork but, when I retired a few years ago, I knew I needed something to do and came back to the Museum.  I think being involved with kids is the best job in the world for me.

How did you play as a kid?
With anything we could find!  It was a big deal when we got roller skates – the kind that you could put on your shoes – and we skated on the dead-end street in front of our apartment.  For 5 cents, you could buy a big box of chalk and we would draw giants and dinosaurs on the tar street.  It was beautiful – just like a blackboard, it was that smooth.  We’d go into the woods and play anything – we were kids of the streets.  We had a lovely growing up.  When I was 10, we moved to Long Island and lived near the beach, which was great – the beach is always different, the water is always changing, there’s always something for a kid to play.

What ways do you like to play in the Museum?
I play what [the kids] are playing, and I try to expand it in some way.  An example: I came into Water Ways and some of the smaller white pipe was in the pool with the big pipe stuff and I thought to myself, "that’s in the wrong place."  Then I realized I was thinking like an adult, but I should act like an adult and think like a kid!  So I made some structures with the smaller pipes and left them there to see what would happen.  When I came back later in the day, the structures were still there. 

I’m always playing looking for a slightly different angle.  The Water Ways pools are so curved that the waterwheels won’t sit in them.  So I stacked three of them on the floor, on top of the drain.  Two girls were right on it with watering cans, and the water flew out.  By observing kids, I can see what they might need.

What have you gotten from the experience?
I’m thinking more, I’m discovering more, I’m making little inventions at home.  Just practical things.  I’m honestly more creative.  Now when I see a problem, I think up something new, and that’s new for me.  That’s happened because I’ve been here, I’m sure of it.  It’s been an epiphany, and kids are the catalyst.

Talking Back: Play Guide Andrea Wilson

Andrea Wilson has volunteered nearly 900 hours over the past four years.

What’s your background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in communications and worked in insurance for 25 years in Connecticut and Rhode Island.  I was thinking about a career change to teaching and looking for volunteer opportunities to fill my time, which led me to the Museum. 

What have you gotten out of the experience?
It’s a great opportunity to learn after not working with young children in quite some time. I’ve seen that I really have a special connection to children. It’s a great place to volunteer. I love the way the volunteers are supported, that they have training, that there are people around to ask questions. I think it’s a wonderful model for other agencies that work with a lot of volunteers.

What’s your favorite exhibit to play in?
Littlewoods.  Up to age 4, you really get to see the child’s personality develop.  But they all have something special and unique.  There have been so many changes in the time that I’ve been at the Museum – the outdoor space, Discovery Studio, ThinkSpace.  And of course the little changes like the window boxes in the ramp are so great.

What do you enjoy most?
Helping a child up the ladder in Littlewoods for the first time.  The parents hover, not sure if their child can do it, and encourage the child up the ladder.  The child gets to the top with a smile so bright, and then goes down and back up again and again.  I love to see a child so full of joy each and every time.

Talking Back: Museum Play Guides

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, meet some of our remarkable play guides!

Katie Meloro, a Providence College student studying elementary and special education, began an internship last summer.

What brought you to the Museum?
I wanted an opportunity that would give me a chance to work with children without being in a traditional classroom setting.  The Museum offered me an internship that helped me work with the standards I use in all my lesson plans as well as let me engage children in fun play activities!

How might your internship benefit you as a teacher?
At first I thought that being a play guide would just be a bonus to the “real” experience I'd receive by creating a guide to align field trips to standards, but it turns out that has been the most valuable part by far!  Observing children engaging in free play has taught me a lot about how they learn and approach new experiences, which will be incredibly useful when I run my own classroom.

What are your favorite ways to play in the Museum?
I've found that visitors respond most when I engage in side-by-side play and either compare what we're doing or ask them to help me.  Children are naturally curious and so am I, so it's a great combination.

What’s one of your most memorable play moments?
A few children created an entire kingdom using the Imagination Playground blocks and other materials.  They hadn't known each other prior, but these children collaborated with their adults and with everyone who entered to create a new world.  I love that combination of resourcefulness and imagination!


Nakeecha Roberts and her children Lionel (16) and Heaven (14) have volunteered as a family since last fall.

What inspired you and your family to start volunteering at the Museum?
It’s required for Lionel’s school and I’m a single mom, had been out of work for a year, and wanted something I could do while searching for a job.  Heaven and Lionel have gone to the Children's Museum since they were very young and we’ve always enjoyed spending time there as a family.  We were so excited that this would not only show our support and love for the Museum but was a way to learn something new and have fun doing it.

What have you gotten from the experience so far?
The value of family. Whenever we greet a visiting family, it means a lot to us that we make their visit fun, safe, lively and gratifying, [and filled] with learning, creativity and bonding.

What are your favorite exhibits and ways to play in the Museum?
Our favorite exhibits are ThinkSpace, Discovery Studio and Coming to Rhode Island.  We like building with blocks to see if we can create something new.  We also love to dress up and pretend we’re princesses or pilgrims!

What else do you all like to do together as a family?
We enjoy being outdoors when it's warm and sunny. We go to the park to play basketball, badminton, ball, frisbee, and enjoy remote control planes and cars. We love going out for ice cream or out to a restaurant. We love to visit other museums out of state, like Massachusetts and DC.

Celebrating Our Playful Volunteers

April 6 to 12 is National Volunteer Week, a time for us to recognize the extraordinary individuals who play an essential role in serving the Museum’s mission to inspire and celebrate learning through active play and exploration.

The Museum simply couldn’t open its doors without the support of a dedicated, playful and diverse team of volunteers.  In 2013, over 300 committed volunteers, interns and college work-study students served more than 13,000 hours.  They engaged children and caregivers in hands-on exhibits and activities and greeted visitors at the welcome desk each day.  Behind the scenes, interns conducted research and evaluation projects and volunteers assisted with fundraising events, prepared mailings, provided office support, and cared for the Museum’s collection of children’s books.

The majority of Museum volunteers are play guides – the playful people in yellow aprons who welcome visitors in exhibits and programs and encourage positive play and learning experiences.  Play guides are adults, college and high school students, and families who expand and deepen visitor engagement by offering challenges, sharing favorite tricks, and inspiring them to consider new ways to play.  Family volunteers (usually adult/child pairs) play together, share their enthusiasm, and invite visitors to get involved, all while modeling ways to play.  Play guides get to know and build relationships with regular visitors, enabling them to encourage individual interests and spark kids’ and adults’ curiosity.

“Volunteers are an essential part of the Museum,” says Volunteer & AmeriCorps Coordinator Julie Burkhard.  “They help us extend our work with children and families and bring their amazing set of individual skills to all aspects of our work.  We have high school and college students, families and community members in our exhibits.  We have students interested in child psychology, retired teachers and even people who want to build their skill set for when they become parents.  Our volunteers not only do good work, but they help the Museum connect to the community we serve.”

Interested in volunteering?  The Museum is always looking for play guides and family volunteers.  Click here or contact Julie to learn about other current opportunities.

Volunteers Make a BIG Difference

Today marks the end of National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize the extraordinary individuals who enhance every aspect of the Museum’s work. We simply could not open our doors without the support of our committed team volunteers.

Did You Know?
In 2012, 274 dedicated volunteers, interns and work-study students collectively served more than 12,300 hours.  Volunteers guide inspiring play and learning experiences and greet visitors at the Admissions Desk and Gift Shop each day.  Behind the scenes, they complete research and evaluation projects, assist with fundraising events, prepare mailings, and much more.

This week, Museum staff showed their appreciation with a game night, ice cream and festive dress-up days, planned by AmeriCorps Museum Educator Jack Read. Jack also created a special volunteer recognition board to give staff an opportunity to share why they value our volunteers:

"The interns in our program are responsible, reliable and passionate about working with at-risk families.  Some have stayed on for full-time positions, which shows how much they care."

– Heidi Brinig, Families Together Program Director

"Our volunteers, interns and work-study students vary in age, ethnicity, where they’re from.  They bring their life experience, which enriches our visitors’ experience."

– Jennifer Laurelli, Director of Development

"We’ve had a great group of exhibit interns.  They help us create our new play environments and provide us with so much new energy."

– Robin Meisner, Director of Exhibits

"Whether they are playing a game, reading a story, or talking with other volunteers and staff, their smiles and their love for the Museum are contagious.  I appreciate the joy volunteers bring to the Museum, not only for visitors, but for staff as well."

– Julie Burkhard, Volunteer & AmeriCorps Coordinator

Many thanks to our remarkable team!  Click here or contact Julie Burkhard to learn about our volunteer opportunities.

How Many? How Much?

We’re happy to welcome a clever new display created by Museum Exhibits Intern and Play Guide Sarah Oh, a junior in Industrial Design at RISD.  How Many? How Much? challenges visitors’ eyes and teases their brains as they count and estimate the quantities of intriguing objects stacked and packed in the Museum’s atrium walkway window boxes. Sarah reflected on her creative process and her work with Exhibits Director Robin Meisner.

How did you choose your materials and how to display them?

Robin and I wanted a combination of unusually shaped things and more commonplace objects that kids see at home or at school. We also wanted to combine manmade objects and natural objects. Then I thought of how to display them that would transform them from ordinary to something special.

What was your concept for the vibrant graphic panels you created to line the boxes?

I took inspiration from the colors I’ve seen around the Museum. I wanted a lot of variety, a lot of diversity in the shapes – some are radial, some are more linear and geometric, others are more curvy. I made all of the designs I could think of and matched them to displays. For objects I planned to display more radially, I matched them with tessellations.

I put mirrors on the sides of each box so the idea of spatial thinking and repetition of objects wasn’t confined to a box but could be extended into infinity, where the mirrors reflect one another.

What was the most challenging box? Your favorite box?

I think I spent more time on the boxes like the nuts and bolts and the clothespins and binder clips because those are very ordinary things. They were more fun, too – trying to display objects in a way that from far away they’re transformed into something else and then close up you get that “aha!” moment of recognizing what it is. My favorite was the animals – it was a lot of connecting to my inner child!

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Visitors have been quite engaged since the display debuted, eagerly peering into boxes to figure out what the objects are and guess their quantities. A grandfather with his grandson  commented, “You can see them on both sides – they really use the space beautifully!”

The boxes are paired with a hunt that challenges visitors to identify whole boxes based on a picture of part of their objects and a talk-back board that asks, “Do you wonder how many there are of something? What?”

Check back to see some of their wonderful responses, and thanks to Sarah for her beautiful work!

Celebrating Our Volunteers

Today marks the end of National Volunteer Week, and Museum staff showed their appreciation with a special volunteer recognition board, ice cream social, and festive dress-up days, planned by AmeriCorps Museum Educator Ann Kerrin.

The Museum simply could not open its doors without the support of a committed team of incredible volunteers.

Did you know? 

• In 2011, 247 dedicated volunteers served more than 12,000 hours. 
• Museum volunteers include families, students, interns and community members. 
• The Museum currently has 71 regular volunteers, who range in age from 2 to 70 years old!

“I volunteer here because I love working with kids. It’s fun to watch as they explore and learn new things, because all of them learn differently”
– Max Ribbans, Play Guide

“Whether they are playing a game, reading a story, or talking with other staff and volunteers, their smiles and their love for the Museum are contagious. I appreciate the joy volunteers bring to visitors and staff.”
– Julie Burkhard, Volunteer & AmeriCorps Coordinator

“The Museum couldn’t possibly do all it does without the willing hands and giving hearts of our volunteers.”
– Janice O’Donnell, Executive Director

If you'd like to volunteer at the Museum, there are many ways to get involved! Click here to learn more about the Museum’s volunteer program.

Creating a Community of Volunteers

This week, we’re celebrating a year of remarkable service and the graduation of our 2010-11 AmeriCorps team with a series of posts. MuseumCorps Educator Julie Burkhard shared her experience as the Volunteer Coordinator “team of one.”

Something many people don't realize is that everyone in our exhibits wearing a yellow apron is a volunteer and the Museum could not open without them.  Some are college work-study students, some are members of the community, some are families setting a positive example for other families.  They tidy exhibits, help find lost children, and most importantly, help our visitors play and learn.  One of the things that makes the Museum special is that we have so many amazing volunteers to help facilitate the learning experiences that happen here.

It is the privilege of the AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator to work closely with this group.  Since there are so many people coming and going all the time, it’s important to be a friendly face for volunteers, a person they know and they can talk to.  The volunteer coordinator helps creates a work environment where volunteers feel respected, appreciated and needed, and that what they do here makes a difference.  This happens in many different ways. We have special after-hours volunteer events like ice skating, treats during busy school vacation weeks, and birthday cards and other recognition.  There are also more logistical aspects, such as keeping track of volunteer hours and sending out a monthly volunteer newsletter. 

Being the volunteer coordinator is a neat balance of behind-the-scenes work and making sure all of our incredible volunteers know how important they are to us.  This past year has been a rewarding experience and I have loved every moment of it.

THANK YOU to Our Volunteers!

Last week was National Volunteer Week, and the Museum celebrated with a special volunteer recognition board and festive dress-up days, planned by AmeriCorps Museum Educator Julie Burkhard.

Below, some volunteer facts and quotes compiled by Julie:

Did you know...?

• Museum volunteers gave 11,698 hours of service in 2010 alone
• The Museum has volunteers ranging from 1 - 69 years young
• The Museum currently has over 30 regular volunteers, not including college work-study students
• The Museum would not be able to open its doors without volunteers

Why we volunteer...

“I love working with kids.”
–Claudia, Play Guide

“I like being creative, I like helping out, and I like having FUN!”
–Allyson, Graphic Design Intern

“Because I love children. Their positivity truly influences me! They are magical!”
–Rachel, AmeriCorps Museum Educator

“As an AmeriCorps volunteer, I am able to do satisfying work, have fun, and be inspired every day by the children, by the professional staff, and by my fellow AmeriCorps volunteers.”
–Bonnie, AmeriCorps Museum Educator

“Because I love to make kids smile.”
-Amy, Education Intern

“We volunteer for a few reasons. We wanted to give our daughter a better connection to other children in the community, since she is getting older. We want her to understand volunteerism and what it means to give back to others. And we wanted to play at the Museum more! This gives us time as a family to focus on each other, as well as those around us."
–Amy, Family Volunteer

Why the Museum appreciates its volunteers...

“I love the fact that volunteers are here at the Museum because they choose to be. And (a big AND) we could not take care of our visitors without them!”
–Mary, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator

"Our volunteers are the BEST! I love their playful spirit and that we hear from visitors again and again how memorable our Play Guides and desk staff are!
–Carly, Education Programs Coordinator



"Volunteering is not easy. You must have a big heart and willing to serve people without expecting anything in return. That's why we love volunteers, because they are a special kind of people."
–Diana, Experience Coordinator



"Museum volunteers share their passion for play. They make exhibits and programs even more fun!"
–Cathy, Director of Education

“They remind me of how amazing it is to give your time to something you really enjoy, and this place couldn’t run without them!
–Lyndsey, AmeriCorps Museum Educator

“They help us ensure a quality experience for everyone who enters our building.”
–Joanna, Communications & Membership Assistant

“I enjoy chatting with the volunteers and saying hello when they are coming in to start their day with us. Thanks for the smiles!”
–Shannon, Visitation Specialist with Families Together

“They are ALWAYS willing to help!”
–Barbara, Office Manager