Youth Programs Instructor

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

Internship Description

We are looking for individuals interested in working as an educator in a hands-on, outdoor setting within a variety of our elementary educational programs. In the spring, we host two After-School Programs, lead Garden Classroom Field Trips, and run a weeklong Spring Break Camp—all of which will be facilitated primarily by two instructors. During the summer, four instructors collaborate to implement our nine-week Summer Camp program.

• Internship Dates: February 24th, 2021 — August 27th, 2021

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Spring

• Plan and lead activities for two After-School Programs.
• Develop and facilitate garden-based activities for Spring Break Camp.
• Teach Garden Classroom Field Trips for all Grand County students (Preschool-6th grades) using YGP’s curriculum.
• Co-facilitate any Middle and High School workshops or class visits with the rest of the Youth Programs team, as needed.

Summer

• Four interns will work as a cohesive team to run YGP’s 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 Youth Programs Director. 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 & 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, have fun, & 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, & educational activities related to assigned Summer Camp theme; submitting detailed activity plans for review; sharing & coaching co-instructors in regards to your activities; providing positive & constructive feedback to co-workers, etc.

Other Expectations

• Interns will 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 will be required to work or attend beyond normal work hours.
• Interns will be certified in CPR and First Aid; certification opportunity will be provided if applicant is not already certified.
• Interns should be a positive and enthusiastic team member throughout the duration of the internship.

Educational Opportunities

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

Qualifications

Desired Skills: applicants must be 21 or older

• Responsible and reliable
• Works well independently and in a team setting
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic, while also maintaining enthusiasm
• Interest in experiential education
• Problem solver who is flexible and able to improvise
• Has an open mind and willingness to be involved with YGP beyond its youth programs working either hands-on in the garden or at special events.

Compensation

• Each intern will receive a stipend of $500/month. First and last month’s stipend will be pro-rated based on days worked. Interns are allotted 3 days of paid vacation. 
• YGP will provide free in-town housing which includes a washer/dryer, furniture, beds, and kitchen utensils.
• The intern household will receive a weekly CSA share and farm fresh eggs (on a rotating basis).

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a brief cover letter and an attached resume with three professional references to Youth Programs Director, Julie Zender.
• Application is open until filled.