Youth Garden Project Internships in Utah

2) PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR INTERNSHIP SPRING/SUMMER SESSION

Internship Starts: February 29th, 2016

Internship Ends: August 19th, 2016

Number of Positions: 2

Minimum Age Requirement: 21
Application Deadline: open until filled

Internship Description:

The Youth Garden Project (YGP) is a non-profit organization in Moab, UT with the mission of cultivating healthy children, families, and community through educational programs and the profound act of connecting people with food from seed to table.

We are looking for an individual that is interested in working as an educator in a hands-on, outdoor setting within a variety of educational programs. In the spring, we have an After-School Program, Garden Classrooms, Middle and High School classes that conduct experiments, and a one week Spring Break Camp-all of which will be taught primarily by two interns with aid from the Program Manager. During the summer, four interns facilitate our nine week Summer Camp designing and implementing the lesson plans for this program.

Internship Details:

SPRING

Plan and lead garden-based activities for the After-School Program

Develop and facilitate garden-based activities for Spring Break Camp

Teach grades K-6 in the garden using YGP’s curriculum; each Garden Classroom correlates with Utah Core Curriculum standards. During a Garden Classroom, each intern will teach approximately 12 students (half of a class) for 90 minutes.

Co-facilitate any other field trips (Middle/High School Classes, etc.) either with the Program Manager or another intern

Interns may have the opportunity to build on pre-existing curriculum or develop new curriculum

SUMMER

Four interns will work as a cohesive team to run the nine week Summer Camp program

Interns will receive an in-depth training prior to leading the Summer Camp program; including behavior management techniques, discipline policies, and more

All interns will plan, organize, and lead the Summer Camp program with guidance and support from the Program Manager. Daily Summer Camp responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Ensure overall smoothness of the Summer Camp day including safety of campers

Enforce YGP discipline policies with campers

Prepare materials for activities and snacks

Manage groups of children while building relationships/rapport with them

Teach two-three 45 minute activities per day with co-instructors

Encourage campers to learn and connect with the garden

Communicate with parents/guardians regarding campers’ behavior, etc.

Each intern will play a role in the instruction and development of Summer Camp weeks; this includes but is not limited to:

Creating experiential, fun, and educational activities related to each Summer Camp theme

Submitting detailed lesson plans beforehand; planning time will be provided in the spring

Sharing and coaching co-instructors in regards to your detailed plans

Providing positive and constructive feedback to co-workers

OTHER

Interns should expect to work 35 hours per week on average during the spring (schedule varies), and 45 hours per week on average during the summer (M-F, 8am-5pm)

Interns should expect to be outside the majority of the day

YGP is involved in a series of local community events and fundraisers that interns may be required to work or attend

Interns will be certified in CPR and First Aid; certification opportunity will be provided if applicant is not already certified

Interns are expected to be a positive and enthusiastic team member throughout the duration of the internship

Position Requirements:

Interns must be responsible; reliable; work well independently and in a team setting; show enthusiasm, and have an interest in experiential education. Intern should be a problem solver who is flexible and able to improvise. Intern must have an open mind and willingness to be involved with the Youth Garden Project beyond its programs and work either in the garden or at special events. Experience in teaching/managing children or a background in education is required. Applicants must be 21 or older.

Educational Opportunities: • Gain experience teaching elementary-aged students • Build experience teaching hands-on science • Learn about how a garden can be used as a teaching tool • Make relationships with students, teachers, summer campers, and families • Write and implement creative lessons and activities • Have opportunities to connect children with gardens, food, and community • Community event involvement • And more!

Compensation:

Each intern will receive a stipend of $250/month. First and last month’s stipend will be pro-rated based on days worked.

The Youth Garden Project will provide housing. Interns may move in the weekend before the internship begins, and move out by the Monday following the close of the internship. Any extended stay beyond these times must be approved by the Associate Director.

Interns will be provided with a small space onsite to garden for supplemental food supply and learning experience. YGP will provide seeds, plant starts, tools, irrigation, etc.

When YGP is in peak harvest season, the intern household will receive a box of produce each week.

TO APPLY: Please e-mail a brief cover letter and an attached resume with three professional references to Julie Zender at julie@youthgardenproject.org