Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Junior Curator Guidelines
There are two volunteer shifts every day. Shifts run from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 2:00 to 5:00. There is a maximum of four volunteers working each shift. Volunteers may not stay on the farm over lunch hour unless specifically approved by the Farm Director or staff member in charge that day. When you begin volunteering, you may volunteer for up to three shifts per week (i.e. 9-12 Saturday and Sunday morning.) Reliable volunteers earn special volunteering hours and privileges.

You must sign up in advance by calling the farm at 968-8362 or 322-1646 x6529, at least 24 hours in advance. You may leave a message on the answering machine with your name, phone number and requested shift. We will call you if we cannot accommodate your request. If you come in to volunteer without calling first, you may be sent back home. If it is raining up to an hour before a volunteer shift begins, that shift will be canceled. If you anticipate it will begin to rain during your shift, bring rain gear.

Come dressed appropriately for the work and for the weather. Long pants and durable shoes are required. Wear boots if it has rained recently. Volunteers may not carry pocketknives, matches or lighters unless specifically approved by the Farm Director. Minors may not carry cigarettes, alcohol or any illegal substance or device to the farm with them.

Volunteers will maintain records of their attendance.

Volunteers report to and are supervised by the Farm staff. The Farm staff maintains a list of activities for volunteers. When you arrive, it is your responsibility to ask to be assigned a job. Jobs are assigned on a random basis. If you don't understand something, always ask. Volunteers can earn the privilege of working independently and being assigned the more interesting jobs. You are responsible for completing your jobs to the best of your ability.

While the Museum staff will make every effort to keep volunteers safe, volunteers are responsible for not putting themselves in potentially dangerous situations. We expect that you act maturely and responsibly while at the Farm.

Volunteers may not bring friends, siblings or other guests with them to the Farm during their volunteer shift. Jr. Curators may not enter buildings, pastures or other restricted areas on the farm unless they are signed in and working.

You are responsible for your own actions while volunteering. If you choose not to follow our rules, you may be sent home. These rules are to ensure that staff, volunteers and visitors are safe while on the Farm. Please help us by following the rules.