I was excited. I wanted to see what it was all about,'' she said. Although there are no special requirements to volunteer, and training is provided, one pre-requisite is a love of children, one volunteer said. Since the center opened on April 27, an average of about 1,000 guests per day have visited, and most have been with school groups, said Mr. Peters, adding he doesn't expect it to slack off much during the summer. Although volunteers are not paid, there are a few perks to giving a commitment of 10 hours a month or 120 hours per year, said volunteer coordinator Jerri Strickland.
Volunteers receive free admission during regular hours and guest passes.
They also receive a discount at the Science Store. Volunteers who are 55 and older can work under the auspices of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of the Senior Citizens Council, she said. That program offers incentives, such as mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance.