Volunteer Opportunities in Wilmington, NC: Make a Difference at CMoW

A four-year-old is elbow deep in a water table, narrating the journey of one very determined plastic boat. Nearby, a volunteer is resettingthat table for the ninth time today and grinning about it.

Volunteer opportunities in Wilmington come in a lot of shapes, and a small nonprofit children's museum needs more kinds of help than you might expect. Gardening, gluing, greeting, spreadsheets, camp weeks, and the occasional fundraiser all count, and each helps create a welcoming place for children to play, learn, and explore.

Here is what volunteering at The Children's Museum of Wilmington looks like, what is required, and how to get started. You can fill out a volunteer application on our join our team page.

Quick Answer: How Do You Volunteer at the Children's Museum of Wilmington?

Volunteering at CMoW is flexible and shaped around what you enjoy doing. The basics:

• Volunteers must be 16 or older

• Volunteers over 18 complete a background check, including volunteers for special events and fundraisers

• Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 20 hours of volunteering over a six-month period

• Staff train and supervise volunteers, especially in roles that involve working with children

• You apply through the volunteer application on the museum's website, and there is a separate application for camp volunteers

• Questions can go to volunteer@playwilmington.org

Beyond that, the museum works to match people with what they are good at and what they are interested in. The one quality every role shares is a positive, friendly attitude and a knack for working well with children. If you have an interest you think would help, we'll help you find a volunteer role that matches your interests, gives you work you enjoy, and makes a difference for children and families.

Ways to Help

Volunteer roles stretch across the whole building and the whole calendar year. Here are the main ways volunteers pitch in:

• Daily programs. Assist educators with programs like Crafty Kids, Story Cooks, and Sci Fri by helping set up, handing out materials, and keeping the fun moving.

• Camps. Assist with supervising campers and help educators lead engaging, hands-on activities during summer and spring break camps. Camp volunteers complete a separate application.

• Facilities and gardens. Work outdoors on the grounds, including the Children's Courtyard and the Butterfly Garden.

• Behind the scenes. Take on projects with the administrative team, from organizing supplies to data entry.

• Special events and fundraisers. Help at signature events like Eek! Week and at community fundraisers like YachtVenture throughout the year.

There is also a volunteer board for anyone whose skills lean toward governance and guiding the organization. Students and career changers should know the museum accepts internship applications year-round in departments like marketing and education. Interested candidates can send a resume and cover letter to internships@playwilmington.org.

Why a Small Nonprofit Needs Volunteers

The Children's Museum of Wilmington is an independent 501(c)(3) that has been part of downtown Wilmington since 1997. As a smaller nonprofit, the museum relies on community support to keep operating at its best. Exhibits, daily programming, and special events all run on a mix of admissions, memberships, donations, grants, and volunteer time. From the volunteer board to the weekly volunteers who support our staff, volunteering is a big part of what keeps the museum thriving for the community.

It also means volunteers get to see their work in action. The craft table you set up becomes somebody's favorite thing that week. The garden bed you weeded is where a class of preschoolers finds their first worm or where a group of campers plants their first vegetables and herbs. The event table you staffed is where a family bought a raffle ticket that helps fund next year's programs.

Who Volunteers at CMoW

Museum volunteers come from all corners of the Wilmington community. You might see:

• High school students earning service hours, starting at age 16

• College students building experience in education, child development, or nonprofit work

• Retirees and grandparents who want a regular dose of joyful noise

• Parents whose own children have outgrown the museum but who still love the place

• Professionals who bring a specific skill, like carpentry, design, or event planning

There is no one type of museum volunteer. What they share is a belief that kids learn best by doing, and a willingness to help make that possible.

What You Get Out of It

Volunteering gives back to the volunteer, too. A few of the rewards:

• Real, hands-on experience for anyone heading toward education, child development, or nonprofit work

• Service hours for high school and college students

• A reason to be around laughter and curiosity on a regular schedule

• A way to give back locally when a financial gift is not the right fit right now

• Good company, since volunteers and staff end up knowing and supporting each other 

For those considering a career with children, there is a bonus. Watching skilled educators guide a group of four-year-olds through an informal science experiment teaches things no textbook can.

Other Ways to Support the Museum

Volunteering is one of several ways to be part of CMoW. If your schedule is full right now, you can still help by shopping the museum's wish lists, making a gift, or planning a legacy gift. Our ways to give page lists every option, from wish lists to volunteering.

Come Be Part of the Play

Every hour you give helps keep hands-on learning accessible for children across our community. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to share your time and talents, apply today. We’d love to have you on the team.