May 2017

University of Cambridge Museums (UCM) Volunteers for Summerdaze.

Why UCM needs this role

Summerdaze is a Cambridge City Council programme of free summer events for children and their families who live and play in Cambridge. This has been created through the Children and Young Peoples Participation Service (ChYpPs).

UCM is looking for volunteers to support the summer activities that are taking place in parks and recreational grounds across the city, providing free, fun activities from the Museums with children and families.

Volunteer tasks

·  Help set up and pack up gazebos, signage and activities

·  Deliver family activities developed by and responding to UCM museums and collections, sometimes with staff from that museum and sometimes leading the activity yourself

·  Welcome children and families and give them a positive experience – particularly those who do not currently visit our museums

·  Signpost families to other museum activities such as Summer at the Museums

·  Help gather feedback and evaluation

What you will gain

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is interested in

·  Develop your skills and experience within a fun and inclusive environment

·  Join an enthusiastic and experienced team

·  Meet new people within your local community

·  Satisfaction of giving back

·  Gain valuable experience that will enhance your CV and set you apart in the job market

Skills Required

Volunteers from all backgrounds and experience are welcome, especially those who have an interest in supporting our museums and working with families

We are looking for volunteers with:

·  Good social/networking skills

·  Interested in engaging children with museum’s collections

·  Strong communication skills

·  Proactive approach

·  Ability to work independently

**Please note that we work sitting on tarps on the floor under gazebos in the parks in an informal way. In smaller parks, there is not always access to public toilets.**

Potential time involvement: volunteers are required for the following sessions

Date / Location
Monday 24th July 3 – 5pm (2 volunteers) / Dudley Road Rec (Abbey)
BIG Weds 26th July
1 - 4pm (4 volunteers) / Lammas Land – Boat Race
Tues 1st Aug
12 – 2pm (2 volunteers) / Bateson Road Playing Area (Arbury)
BIG Weds 2nd Aug
1 – 4pm (3 volunteers) / Coldhams Common- National Play Day and theme of Flight (with Historyworks)
Tues 8th Aug
2 – 4pm (2 volunteers) / St Albans Rec (next to Meadows Community Centre - Arbury/Kings Hedges)
BIG Weds 9th Aug
1 – 4pm (2 volunteers) / Brown's Field Community Centre - Beach Party Theme
BIG Weds 16th Aug
1 – 4pm (4 volunteers) / Jesus Green – Motion and Movement Theme
Fri 18th Aug
2- 4pm (2 volunteers) / Jack Warren Green (Abbey)
Mon 21st Aug
3 – 5pm (2 volunteers) / Nuns Way Rec (King's Hedges)
BIG Weds 24th Aug
1 – 4pm (4 volunteers) / Cherry Hinton Hall – Nutty about Nature

Responsible to: UCM Community Officer

Training and Support

UCM will aim to provide sufficient information and training for you to perform your volunteer role.

Health and safety responsibilities

You are responsible for your own health and safety and that of others with whom you volunteer, by reporting all potential and actual health and safety matters including accidents using the correct procedures.

Legal check requirements for this role

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to volunteer in the UK before you can start volunteering for us. If you do not have the right to volunteer in the UK already we will not be able to progress your interest any further.

To Apply

Please download and complete an Expression of Interest form and send it to or Opening Doors Project Coordinator, University of Cambridge Museums, c/o The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB.

Deadline to submit Expression of Interest form: Noon on Thursday 22nd June with a selection day on Friday 30th June.

About the University of Cambridge Museums

University of Cambridge Museums is a consortium of the eight University Museums, which works in partnership with the Cambridge University Botanic Garden and other Cambridge University collections. They include: Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle's Yard, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Museum of Zoology, Museum of Classical Archaeology, Whipple Museum of the History of Science, The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and The Polar Museum.

The University's collections are a world-class resource for researchers, students and members of the public representing the country’s highest concentration of internationally important collections, all within walking distance of the City Centre.