Date Posted: 2025/10/23
Apply by: open recruitment
Description of role:
Support the smooth logistical delivery of the Baker school program at the Canadian Children’s Museum. This lively, staff-led program introduces Kindergarten to Grade 3 students to the basics of bread making through storytelling, cultural exploration, and teamwork activities.
With a focus on bringing added value to enhance the program’s delivery, volunteers play a supportive, non-instructional role to support the work of the Program Interpreter in a behind-the-scenes capacity. When present, volunteers may help to maintain an organized environment and contribute to the efficiency of materials handling and room reset. According to the Program Interpreter’s needs each day, they may assist with preparing the space in different ways before, during, and after the program. Volunteers may also provide extra support to busy groups with diverse needs as they transition between activities or with staying engaged. To enable Program Interpreters to remain more focused on delivering the demonstrative and educational elements of the program, volunteers will provide an extra pair of hands to support with any logistical needs identified to them to support with, such as washing program dishes. Volunteers do not deliver program content or lead activities but will contribute to the overall flow of the experience.
Responsibilities:
Volunteers may be asked to support any of the below tasks:
Before Program
- Help the Program Interpreter to set up the Studio with hats, props, baking supplies, and other materials
- Support the Program Interpreter however they need to contribute to an organized start to each program
- Assist with handwashing and help children get settled at their stations.
During Program
- Distribute materials and collect props as desired by the Program Interpreter
- Provide an extra set of hands to children in need of additional attention or support as they measure, mix, knead, and shape their dough
- Support dishwashing
- Keep baking supplies stocked and organized throughout the session
- Support with getting children settled for story time.
After Program
- Assist with the washing of bowls, utensils, and dishes, including helping to load the dishwasher to support with a time-efficient clean-up
- Support the reset of tables and restock of materials if requested by the Program Interpreter in the case of a second session that they must prepare for
- Help with tidying, packing up and organizing the Studio space, including with further dishwashing.
Skills and Competencies:
- Comfortable engaging with children ages 3–9 in a busy, hands-on environment
- Friendly, reliable, and proactive; able to listen and respond to needs
- Willingness to follow hygiene and safety procedures carefully
- Clear oral communication in English or French
- Bilingualism is an asset but not required.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Adults (ages 18+) are preferred due to the school-day schedule
- Must be willing to work alongside staff and never alone with children.
Time commitment and Logistics:
- Volunteers will directly support the work of museum staff (Program Interpreters) to help with enhacing programs through providing an extra set of helping hands
- The Baker Program runs weekdays (Monday to Friday) during school hours
- Daily sessions are held at 10:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. (each 45 minutes long)
- If one session is scheduled, the preferred time commitment is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- If two sessions are scheduled, the preferred time commitment is approximately 3 hours
- Scheduling will depend on school bookings; volunteer shifts are assigned accordingly
- The program is held in the Studio at the Canadian Children’s Museum
- All volunteers must attend a training session prior to starting
- Volunteers are expected to inform us if unable to attend a scheduled shift
The masculine form is used for the sole purpose of simplifying the text: it is not discriminatory in any way.
We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including candidates from all cultures, racialized communities, all abilities, all sexual identities and genders, and anyone else who can contribute to the diversity of ideas. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and volunteering environment.
If you require an accommodation (including alternate formats of materials) in order to participate in this application process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Contact: benevole-volunteer@museedelhistoire.ca