Join in the Sciencenter's “Birthday Build“

Wednesday, May 7, through Sunday, May 11

Two Volunteer Shifts Daily: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.

Bring a paintbrush, grab a shovel, or swing a hammer! The Sciencenter—the world's first community-built science museum—is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a community build to enhance the museum's outdoor learning spaces.

Help refurbish the science park's structural elements, install new exhibits and Galaxy Golf challenges, and bring new life to the Sciencenter gardens. Sign up for a single shift, or for the whole week. There are two volunteer shifts daily: Morning shifts are from 8 am to noon and afternoon shifts are 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Build volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Onsite childcare is available for children ages 4-12.

All Build volunteers receive a FREE ticket to the Sciencenter's Community Block Party

Be a part of the Sciencenter story! Sign Up to Volunteer

Birthday Build Sponsors

Event Sponsor:

Media Partners:

The Sciencenter's Outdoor Capital Improvement Project is made possible with funding from:

Emerson Power Transmission Corporation
Tompkins County Tourism Board
JM McDonald Foundation
National Science Foundation
NASA/NY Space Grant Consortium
Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County

Please Note Special Hours of Operation During the Build:

The Emerson Science Park will be closed to visitors from Tuesday, May 6, through Sunday, May 11, for the Birthday Build event.
The Galaxy Golf course will reopen for the season on June 1 with extended summer hours. From Thursdays through Saturdays in June, the last ticket will be sold at 9 p.m. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, the course will be open during regular museum hours. From Independence Day through Labor Day, the course will be open until 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Information for Volunteers

Yes - you may bring your own tools. We particularly need:

3/8" reversible drills
3/8" cordless reversible drills
Screw guns
screws tips, #2 Phillips
Safety glasses
Sawzall®
Belt sanders (3x21" if possible)
Extension cords (25’ - 50’)
Saw horses (pair)
wheelbarrows
Pruning shears - hand
pole handles for paint pads
dust masks
light-duty cloth gloves

Please bring any tools you can loan at the start of your shift/the build event. We will check them in and inspect them. All tools will be labeled, inventoried, and safely stored inside at night. Please mark your tools, and we will number them for tracking.

We GUARANTEE that all tools that have been checked in will be returned in as good as or better condition than we received them. If broken or damaged, they will be repaired or replaced. We have funds set aside for tool replacement/repair, and we will be using our own router bits, drill bits and saw blades.

Dress Code and Safety

We work rain or shine! Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring a hat. No open-toed shoes, sandals, or jewelry. A site Safety Captain will be present at all times, and First-Aid will be available.

What to Expect

As you arrive for your shift, sign in at the Volunteer Check-In Table and get a name tag.
Skilled workers (defined as those who can cut a straight line with a circular saw) will receive a specially marked name badge.
A runner will then assemble teams of three or four, with a least one skilled worker on each crew.
As crews assemble, they will get an overview of the site and where tools, rest rooms, and First Aid can be found.
Crews can begin work after receiving instructions from a construction captain.

IMPORTANT: AT THE SIGN-IN TABLE, PLEASE READ THE VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES CAREFULLY.