Description: Looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your summer and gain valuable experience? Apply to become a summer camp teen volunteer! Volunteer placement is determined by a combination of staffing needs, experience, and availability. The more flexible you can be with your availability, the more likely it is that we can place you in a volunteer position. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2026. 

Carnegie Museum of Natural History- Summer Camp Teen Volunteer 

Location: 4400 Forbes Ave (Oakland), Pittsburgh PA 15213

Dates: June 8, 2026 - August 21, 2026

Availability: Week by week, with a 2-week minimum commitment

Time: Monday – Friday; 7:30 AM - 3:30PM   

Minimum Age: 14

Eligibility: Any high school student aged 14 or older may apply.

 As a volunteer at CMNH Summer Camp, you will:

• Help as a team with educators and museum staff to help campers have fun, explore the museum, and learn to appreciate science, nature and culture.

• Assist with small-group activities in the camp classroom & exhibit halls

• Be a role model for campers in terms of attitude, dress, and participation

• Gain excellent educational experience in a variety of science and nature topics

 Responsibilities:

• Assist the educator(s) and staff in the daily functions of camp

• Daily responsibilities may include:

  o   Supervise children, inside and outside
  o   Support camp activities, inside and outside
  o   Keep students engaged in camp activities
  o   Assist in the preparation and clean-up of camp
  o   Help oversee lunch or recess
  o   Encourage children’s participation and creative self-expression

• Participate in ongoing Teen Volunteer trainings

• Be a positive role model for all campers

Qualifications:

• Experience with children (ages 4 and up) in a camp-like setting or in education is preferred, but not required
• A 2–4-week commitment is highly preferred (weeks do not need to be consecutive)
• Proactive in assisting instructors and students
• Engages as a team and can take direction from instructors and staff
• All volunteer candidates must participate in an interview and attend a formal training session.

Important Information:

All accepted volunteer candidates must attend an in-person orientation and formal training session on Saturday May 30th. This session is required for all potential volunteers. 

As required by PA Act 153, selected candidates will be required to complete an official registration process and series of background checks as part of their onboarding coordinated by the Volunteer Office. Parental or guardian consent is required to administer background checks for individuals under the age of 18. 

Summer Camps at Carnegie Museums will follow all recommendations by the PA Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Campers, volunteers, and staff will be expected to adhere to the public health guidance and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh procedures in place during the camp season.

Volunteer Acknowledgement

I understand that as a volunteer I am not entitled to monetary compensation for any duties I perform and I am not entitled to worker’s compensation or group benefits in the event of injury. (Work-study students will be paid directly by their university.) 

The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Volunteer Program reserves the right to an evaluation sometime after placement and the right to terminate services should responsibilities not be fulfilled satisfactorily.

In accordance with Pennsylvania Act 153, I understand and agree that a criminal background check is a condition of my volunteer service. Per the direction of Volunteer Office's official registration process, I will complete the required clearances at my own expense. (Teen volunteers and participants under 18 years of age must provide consent from a parent or legal guardian before accepting a volunteer assignment. Parental or guardian approval is required for criminal background checks of minors.)

A Note For Applicants: 
We appreciate your interest in teen volunteer opportunities with Carnegie Museums and look forward to reviewing your application. Due to the high volume of submissions received, we are unable to respond to inquiries regarding the statuses of individual applications. If you are selected as a final candidate for an opportunity, the Volunteer Office or museum staff will contact you directly to schedule an interview.