Teen Volunteer Program

Your mission….join the coolest teen volunteer program in DC! Are you interested in the shadowy world of spying? Do you like working with the public? Then this mission is perfect for you! 

Announcing the International Spy Museum’s Teen Volunteer Program. In addition to fulfilling community service hours, qualified teens will join the Museum’s team and provide valuable service in engaging audiences in unique content and activities. Members of the Teen Volunteer Program will become “insiders” behind the veil of the Museum’s operations, learn vital life skills, participate in fun and informative training programs, meet other teens with similar interests, and perform duties in engaging the public with the Museum’s content in dynamic and interactive activities.

Spy Camp Counselor in Training

(Ages 15-17)

Counselors in Training (CITs) join the Museum’s Spy Camp staff for the coolest day camp experience in town! CITs work side-by-side with Spy Camp Handlers (aka counselors) in leading recruits (campers aged 9-12) through a variety of exciting outdoor and indoor missions around the streets of DC, hands on activities, and LOTS of fun. Counselor in Training duties include:

  • Assist Spy Camp Counselors by engaging with a group of 8 recruits (aka campers) as they participate in workshops, mini-lectures, and missions both inside and outside the Museum building.
  • Prepare workshop materials, assist with clean up, and assist camp counselors as needed throughout the program to ensure camp runs smoothly.
  • Assist with morning and afternoon carpool line and camper check in and check out.

Requirements:

  • Have high energy, excellent verbal skills, and a flair for the dramatic.
  • Enjoy working with children. 
  • Responsible and autonomous – arrive to Spy Camp on time each day and stay focused on volunteer duties. 
  • Must attend a training July 20, 2023, 4:30 – 8:30 pm at the Museum.
  • Must be available for both weeks of camp (July 24-28 and July 31-August 4) from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm each day.
  • Must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and agree to a background check. 


Please submit applications by May 15. Interviews will be on a rolling basis as applications are received. Decisions will be made by June 15, 2023.

Apply Now

 

Explainer Operations Program
(X Ops)

(High School student at time of application)

Placed on the Museum’s exhibition floor, Explainers assist guests with interactive activities, facilitate fun and dynamic demonstrations (such as lock picking!) and assist the Museum staff and volunteers in helping guests have the best experience possible. Volunteer duties include:

  • Serving as a facilitator at various interactives in the Museum’s permanent exhibitions to elevate the visitor experience.
  • Performing demonstrations such as lock-picking and presenting hands-on tactile objects to engage visitors with Museum content and concepts.
  • Assisting Guest Services staff and volunteers by guiding traffic flow, answering visitor’s questions, and with other duties as they may arise. 

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be High School students (between the ages of 13-18 at the time of application) currently enrolled in a Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC School or proven home schooled record living in the aforementioned region.
  • Complete 75 volunteer hours per year. If hours are not completed by the end of the Summer, volunteer agrees to complete at least two (2) hours per month until the end of the year until reaching minimum requirement and of course, additional hours of service are always welcomed throughout the year.
  • Must be open to learning new ideas and interested in working with people within a museum environment.
  • Submit parent/guardian signed documents within 2 weeks of acceptance.
  • All students must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask while onsite.

For many students, this learning program is a first-time work experience. As such, no specific prior experience is necessary. We are looking for teens who can demonstrate a strong interest in the Museum and/or its content, history, science, community service and a desire to work with the public.