VOLUNTEERING

Volunteers make MoChiMu happen! We are so honored that you would consider donating your time and talent to the Modesto Children’s Museum, furthering our mission to enrich the lives of all children by nurturing creativity, curiosity, and a love of lifelong learning.

We have two distinct ways that you can Volunteer at MoChiMu: our Teen Volunteer Program for individuals ages 13 - 17 and Quick-Impact & Special Event Volunteer Opportunities for adults. Learn more about each below!

TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Be the inspiration for the next generation!

FALL 2026

This application is closed. Consider the Winter or Spring cohort!

Interviews:
September 11 - 13

Mandatory Orientation:
September 29, 5:30 - 8 PM

Volunteering:
October 3 - December 13
(25 hrs for full attendance)

WINTER 2027

Application Open:
Dec 28 - Jan 4

Interviews:
January 10 & 11

Mandatory Orientation:
January 13, 5:30 - 8:00 PM

Volunteering:
January 16 - March 13
(22.5 hrs for full attendance)

SPRING 2027

Application Open:
February 22 - March 1

Interviews:
March 7 - 9

Mandatory Orientation:
March 18, 5:30 - 8:00 PM

Volunteering:
March 20 - May 22
(25 hrs for full attendance)

The Who, What, Why, And How?

WHO WE NEED

  • MoChiMu’s Teen Volunteer Program invites individuals ages 13 - 17 who can commit to working at least 20 hours spread across a three-month-long commitment as part of a seasonal cohort group. Our weekend-focused opportunities offer regular, recurring schedules of 2 - 3 hour shifts on either a Saturday or Sunday. If you love being part of the “MoChiCrew,” opportunities to volunteer on an ongoing basis will follow!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Teen Volunteers are responsible for leading interactive, “a-ha” moment activities on the museum floor, providing our guests with exhibit interaction, specialty experiences, or live demonstrations. You don’t have to be an expert to volunteer — we’ll provide all the training and tools!

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for the Fall 2026 Cohort of the Teen Volunteer Program are now closed. Thank you so much to everyone who applied. Please pencil in the application dates for Winter and Spring if you are interested in volunteering!

PLEASE NOTE: We receive a large number of applications for our Teen Volunteer Program but can only accommodate a small group of volunteers during each semester-long cohort. As a result, our “hiring” process for the program is competitive (application, phone screen, interview, etc.) and not all applicants can or will be selected to participate. Therefore, you should not rely on the Teen Volunteer Program as a means to earn volunteer hours required for school or another program until officially selected as a participant.

Adult Volunteer Opportunities

Calling all grown-ups! Modesto Children’s Museum needs you! Though our Teen Volunteer Program keeps the museum’s exhibit spaces filled with creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning, we rely on a foundational team of adult Volunteers to help us in numerous ways across the organization:

  • Quick Impact Opportunities – For example, helping to staff activity booths at local festivals, special events, “pop-up” experiences, and more;

  • Special Skill Opportunities – For example, volunteering to help organize data, help with “grassroots” marketing, contributing through craftsmanship skills, distribution of print collateral, and other specialized activities;

  • Internship Opportunities – Earning college credit while gaining experience in fields like Education, Advancement, Marketing, Finance, Child Development, or Museum Operations

If you’re interested in joining our team of adult Volunteers, email us at education@mochimu.org!