ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

For ages 16 years and older

Anyone can live an engineering lifestyle! Engage guests to get hands-on and explore science by doing in our Engineer It gallery. No engineering or science background needed! 

Click here to fill out an application!

STEM Activity Facilitators guide guests through hands-on problem solving activities by asking questions, and encouraging guests to think like engineers. They help guests build a science identity and self-confidence. As a Facilitator, you will light the spark that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers.

What will I do as a STEM Activity Facilitator?

• Lead guests of all ages through hands-on science and engineering activities

• Ask thought provoking questions to help guests explore the Engineering Design and Scientific Processes

• Empower guests to solve problems and think like scientists

• Encourage guests to share ideas and work together

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to test new activities

Time Commitment:

• Minimum of 4 months of volunteer service

• Minimum of one 3 hour shift per week

What do I need to be successful in this position?

• Enthusiasm for learning about a variety of science fields

• Interest in facilitating hands-on activities and helping guests problem solve  

• Interest in personal growth and improvement as an educator; willingness to receive training and feedback

What will I learn?

• How to facilitate hands-on science activities for all ages

• Up to date topics around STEM (including engineering, physics, chemistry, etc.)

• How to provide a great guest experience

• How to develop enriching informal Engineering activities

What opportunities are there to grow and take on more responsibilities?

• Creating STEM activities – work with staff to develop hands-on activities and engineering design challenges

• Help update ECHO’s educational content 

• Lead new volunteers in activities and inquiry-based learning strategies

What benefits will I receive as an ECHO volunteer?

• 20% discount at ECHO’s Gift Shop

• Free admission to ECHO for the volunteer

• Professional development opportunities

• ECHO day passes, distributed quarterly

For ages 16 years and older

Click here to fill out an application!

• A full semester or summer commitment (usually 3-4 months).
• Minimum of one 4 hour shift per week.

For ages 18 years and older

Share your appreciation and knowledge of Lake Champlain and its watershed!

Click here to fill out an application

Help visitors explore and protect the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. Operated by the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), the Resource Room welcomes visitors with hands-on activities, exhibits, and educational materials.

What will I do as a Resource Room Volunteer?

• Greet and interact with visitors of all ages, assist with activities, and answer questions

• Share information about Lake Champlain Basin natural and cultural resources

• Communicate Lake Champlain issues and management to the public

• Cultivate watershed stewardship with examples of individual and community action

• Engage visitors and encourage scientific inquiry by asking questions

• This position can be adapted to your interests and may include research, organizing materials, and creating activities and exhibits. 
  
  

Time Commitment

• Minimum 3 months of volunteer service

• One 3 or 4 hour shift per week, minimum 2 shifts per month
  
  

What do I need to be successful in this position?

• Volunteers must enjoy working with all ages, be excited about learning and have an interest in Lake Champlain issues and stewardship. 

• Interest in discovering a tranquil corner of ECHO that features live animals, activities, microscopes, computer stations, and a lake and watershed library

• Enthusiasm for Lake and watershed stewardship with a focus on citizen action, community events, and volunteer opportunities

• Interest in facilitating hands-on activities

What will I learn?

• How to engage and communicate with all ages and backgrounds

• Skills in non-formal education and interpretation

• Lake Champlain Basin natural and cultural history, issues, and management

• Knowledge of place-based resources such as maps and charts, field guides, and information on recreational and historic sites

• How to share Lake and watershed stories, science, and data with the public including students, teachers, and researchers
  
  

What benefits will I receive as a Resource Room Volunteer?

• 20% discount at ECHO’s Gift Shop

• Free admission to ECHO for the volunteer

• Free coffee & tea in volunteer lounge

• Annual appreciation events

• Professional development opportunities

• Volunteer social gatherings

• ECHO day passes, distributed quarterly

• ECHO branded gear & gifts 

• ECHO memberships

• Letters of recommendation/reference

• A volunteer experience fitted to your unique skill sets and goals