Youth Programs Instructor

The Youth Garden Project (YGP) is a non-profit organization located in the breathtaking red rock scenery 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.

We are looking for individuals interested in working as an educator in a hands-on, outdoor setting within a variety of educational programs. In the summer, four interns facilitate our nine-week Summer Camp designing and implementing the activity plans for camps. During the fall, we lead two After-School Clubs, teach 90-minute Garden Classroom Field Trips, and provide a Fall Break Camp - all of which will be taught primarily by two instructors with aid from the Youth Programs Director.

Internship Dates: May 18th - November 12th, 2021

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

SUMMER

• Four interns will work as a cohesive team to run our nine-week Summer Camp program.
• Interns will receive an in-depth training prior to leading camp; including behavior management techniques, discipline policies, and more.
• All interns will plan, organize, and lead Summer Camp 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 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, have fun, and connect with the garden
  • Communicate with parents/guardians regarding campers’ behavior
• 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 activity plans for review
  • Sharing and coaching co-instructors in regards to your activities
  • Providing positive and constructive feedback to co-workers

FALL

• Interns plan and lead garden-based activities for two After-School Clubs.
• Interns will receive Garden Classroom training and be given time to prepare for teaching, ask questions, and review any details with the Youth Programs Director.
• Interns will teach grades Pre.K-6 in the garden using YGP’s curriculum; each lesson plan correlates with Utah Core Standards. During a Garden Classroom, each intern will teach approximately 12 students (half of a class) for 90 minutes.
• Interns will co-facilitate any other field trips or workshops (Middle/High School Classes, etc.) as needed.
• Interns may have the opportunity to build on pre-existing curriculum; develop new curriculum; or be involved with further program expansions that YGP is piloting.

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.

Disclaimer: YGP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.