I was a Eureka! volunteer

I had a passion for teaching but didn’t want to do it in a school setting so began to explore the other options open to me. Thinking back, I had done an assignment about Eureka! The National Children’s Museum for my ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ module. I’d visited Eureka!, seen their Halloween event activities and studied the galleries. Before I knew it I was on my laptop and looking at the Eureka! website.

Leanne and bunny

“Volunteers wanted! Playfest 2013!”

I was in luck – Eureka! was searching for volunteers and I had a summer to fill. I had fond memories of visiting Eureka! as a child and I knew the fantastic work they did running shows and events from when I’d done my uni research. I filled in the application and was invited to a group interview.

The group interview was like no interview I’d ever attended before. We were introduced to Darren, Ross and Karys: three Enablers who worked in the museum, and I could see straight away that everyone was really good friends. The evening consisted of playing, doing everything from den building to obstacle courses, and even a fashion show. Once it was over the dreaded wait began. Were they going to pick me to be a volunteer?

I got the call – it was a “Yes” and I was over the moon! I was allocated two shifts and on my first day was introduced to an Enabler called Josh, who showed me around and explained everything I needed to know. It was my job to collect tickets, run the craft rooms and help with the shows.
It was lots, and I mean lots of fun.

The six weeks of summer flew by really quickly. Every time I volunteered I saw a new show or made a new friend and had so many new memories to share when I got home. I also had an awakening: this was the kind of work that I wanted to do. Teaching children through play, imagination and exploring was the sort of teaching I’d been searching for.

As my last day drew nearer I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I was busy tidying and cleaning one of the craft rooms when Penny, the Recruitment Team Leader, came up to me and said some Enabler positions were coming up and asked if I’d consider applying. Needless to say I jumped at the chance! Opportunities to join the team here at Eureka! don’t come around very often, so I knew how lucky I was and that this was an opportunity that I didn’t want to miss.

Leanne, Team Leader!

I was successful at interview and became an Enabler. Then, a Specialist Enabler and now, four years after I logged onto my laptop and filled out the volunteer application form, I’m the Recruitment Team Leader! Darren, Ross, Josh and everyone I met while volunteering are now some of my closest friends.

Volunteering is an amazing opportunity, not only to gain experience for your CV or to give back to the community, but to make lifelong friends too. For many people, it can offer the chance to explore your interests and perhaps ignite a passion of your

So apply! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

• Volunteering opportunities at Eureka! THIS Summer 😀