Youth Volunteers

Connect with new friends and build a foundation for your future

Learning is the primary focus of Conner Prairie’s youth volunteer program. We aim to give talented young people the opportunity to grow through Conner Prairie's enriching environment. If you're passionate about Conner Prairie, love speaking to people and enjoy the rewards of old-fashioned sweat and effort, this program may be for you! We have two types of Youth Volunteers.

The 2025 Youth Volunteer Application Season is now open! Applications are due January 10, 2025.

Please download our 2025 Youth Volunteer Application or apply online.

Vicci T Interacts With Guest At Campbell Tea Party

Conner Prairie Youth Volunteer General Program

Youth ages 10-18 may apply for the General Youth Volunteer program. Guest interaction is a primary focus of this position. Youth in this program primarily interpret on our historic areas, both in modern uniform and in costume. Some of these youth also assist with Special Events and Camp. Applications for this type of volunteer are now open. Youth must be 10 years old by April 1, 2025 to apply. The applications will be due in early January 10, 2025.

Download a copy of the 2025 Youth Volunteer General Program Application or apply online here.

All applicants, please download a copy of our Youth Volunteer Info Sheet with important details about the program and process.

Conner Prairie Camp and Special Events Volunteers

The other opportunity available for youth volunteering is to become one of our Camp and Events Volunteers. They assist as junior counselors for our popular Adventure Camp program, as well as special events like Headless Horseman and A Merry Prairie Holiday. These volunteers must be 13 years old by late May. Applications for our Camp and Events Youth Volunteers will open by early February for the 2025 summer/fall season. This program focuses on assisting campers, not being a camper.

Prospective Youth Volunteer Information Meeting

Thursday, December 12, 2024, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Conner Prairie, Prairie House

We will host a Prospective Youth Information Meeting on December 12, 2024 so that you can hear about both opportunities. Join us 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the Prairie House on Conner Prairie’s property. This session is for both youth and guardians, and is optional. No pre-registration is required, but do call ahead if there is inclement weather, to be sure the session is still proceeding.

For more information about our youth volunteer program, email youthvolunteers@connerprairie.org

Fun Facts:

  • 115 youth in program
  • Average age of youth: 13.9
  • Youngest Youth: 10
  • Oldest Youth: 18
  • Minimum Hours donated per year: 120
  • Most Hours ever donated by a youth in a single year: 1066
  • About ⅓ of the youth are homeschooled
  • Over ¼ of the youth participate on our Youth Spinning Team
  • Shortest commute to Conner Prairie: ¼ mile (across the street)
  • Longest commute to Conner Prairie: 7,106 miles (Bahrain)
  • Favorite program as voted on by the youth: Headless Horseman

The Youth Leadership Development program is supported by:

The 2025 Youth Volunteer Application Season is now open! Applications are due January 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Youth Volunteer Application

Thank you for your enthusiasm for Conner Prairie. Feel free to contact Sarah Morin or Bill Freil with any questions about the application process (317.776.6000 ext. 259 or YouthVolunteers@connerprairie.org). Please return this form by January 10, 2025. No late applications accepted.

  • Applicant Information



  • Availability

    With the exception of rare required days, we have flexible scheduling. We do, however, have special need for youth who can work during school tour and Sundays.



  • Experience

    1. Please list your experiences working with the public or as a volunteer.
  • (ex: 2 hours a week for 2 years, 7-day mission trip, etc.)

  • Please answer the question in essay form on a separate sheet of paper. We are looking for organized, thoughtful, and original answers. We love details! Feel free to include pictures, drawings, artwork as part of your essay. If it is more convenient for you, feel free to video yourself answering the essay in a video clip five minutes or less. Email the clip to YouthVolunteers@connerprairie.org. We are happy to discuss alternate essays for anyone who feels they would shine best another way. The essay should not be a barrier to applying to the program.


  • FAQs

    • When is my application due?
      Friday, January 10, 2025. We will accept hard copy applications postmarked January 10 or submitted on our website by 11:59 p.m. January 10. We cannot accept late applications.
    • Can I type my application?
      Yes. Handwriting or typing is fine. We appreciate applications we can easily read! We are also willing to accept a video application – contact us to discuss.
    • May I have help with my application?
      It is important that your application is neat, so you may have help with spelling, typing, and handwriting. However, we are not hiring your guardians, we’re hiring you! So make sure your application reflects your own unique self, not anyone else.
    • Does my application have to be on this form?
      No. If you prefer to copy the whole thing into a word processing document on your computer that's fine.
    • How do I return my application to you?
      On our website: Connerprairie.org under the “Support” and “Get Involved” tabs. By snail mail: Conner Prairie / attn. Youth Experience Manager / 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038
      By E-mail: youthVolunteers@connerprairie.org
      If you email your application, please make sure we respond with a confirmation. This may take several days, but we will respond if we get it. We don’t want to miss anyone due to an electronic error! If you apply on our website, you will be taken to a confirmation page so you know it went through.
      NOTE: If you use Googledocs, please do not submit your application by sharing the document directly through Googledocs. Instead, download your finished application as a pdf or Word doc file and email as an attachment. You can also fill the application out directly on our website, connerprairie.org.
    • What do I do now?
      You are invited to an optional Information Meeting Dec 12, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Prairie House on Conner Prairie property. We will notify you on or before January 17 to let you know if you will be moving on to the Interview Round of the selection process.
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Questions? Contact Sarah Morin

Youth Experience Manager
YouthVolunteers@connerprairie.org
317-776-6000, ext 259